#Sugar

A recent wave of scientific research and new regulatory efforts has reignited a heated debate about the sugar content of orange juice—how much is in your morning glass, and what does it mean for Thai health? Amid widespread perceptions that orange juice is a wholesome, vitamin-rich beverage, the reality is far more complex and comes at a crucial moment for consumers and the beverage industry globally.

Orange juice is a staple in breakfast tables worldwide, often praised for its high vitamin C and nutrient content. However, recent attention has focused on its sugar content, which, according to multiple nutrition experts, is similar to that in many soft drinks. For Thai readers, where rising rates of diabetes and metabolic disease are increasingly prevalent, this comparison is especially significant. Research published by public health authorities and leading nutrition organizations, including the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has found that a standard 240 ml glass (about 1 cup) of 100% orange juice contains around 20–26 grams of sugar—, which have about 26–28 grams per serving. This similarity challenges the public perception that fruit juice is categorically healthier than soda.

Parents in Thailand and around the globe often worry about the amount of sugar their children consume, with many left questioning whether fruit – a staple of the traditional Thai diet – should be limited due to its sugar content. Concerns have been amplified by the “sugar-free” movement and trending advice from diet influencers, who group bananas and berries with sugary snacks as foods to avoid. However, the latest research published by an academic in The Conversation makes it clear: whole fruit remains a healthy, recommended choice for kids, and restricting it in fear of sugar is both misguided and contrary to the evidence (The Conversation).

A landmark study from Scotland’s St. Andrews University has shaken up conventional wisdom on hydration, revealing that water—while efficient—is not the most effective drink to keep our bodies hydrated over time. The findings, which have quickly made headlines across global media, underscore the subtle but important role that drink composition plays in fluid balance. For Thais who routinely endure the country’s sweltering heat and grapple with hydration choices ranging from iced coffees to herbal teas, the takeaway is both intriguing and practical: milk may outperform water when it comes to long-lasting hydration, though the story is more nuanced than it first appears (CNN via 10News).

A major new study has revealed that your daily cup of black coffee could be doing more than providing a morning energy boost — it might even help you live longer. The research, published in The Journal of Nutrition and widely reported this week, found that consuming one to two cups of caffeinated coffee each day is associated with a significantly lower risk of death from all causes, particularly cardiovascular disease (ScienceDaily). Crucially, however, the health benefits appear to depend on how you take your coffee: black, or with minimal added sugar and saturated fat.

A new wave of candid warnings from doctors and scientists is drawing public attention to seemingly ordinary habits that are quietly robbing people of their health—often before symptoms appear. From untreated snoring to skipping daily flossing, these experts highlight how such behaviors can have dire long-term consequences, especially for Thais navigating both traditional and modern health risks. The latest insights echo global concerns, emphasizing that lifestyle choices in Thailand, as elsewhere, are critical determinants of future well-being—and that many dangers are hidden in plain sight.

As the afternoon slump sets in and the aroma of bubble tea or a tempting chocolate snack wafts through the office, many find themselves reaching for a sugary or caffeinated pick-me-up—often with little resistance. Yet, according to recent research highlighted in a new report by Channel News Asia, these everyday cravings may reveal more than just a passing sweet tooth; they are deeply connected to how individuals cope with stress and regulate their emotional wellbeing (Channel News Asia).