#SustainableHealth

A small shrub with thorny stems, Harrisonia perforata—known in Thai as Khon Tha, with local names like Kalantha and Kota—has long held a place in Thai healing traditions. This traditional plant is now attracting scientific interest as researchers explore its potential in modern medicine. For health-minded Thais, Khon Tha represents a bridge between ancestral knowledge and evidence-based care, underscoring the enduring value of traditional remedies when paired with rigorous science.

With its thorn-laced stems coiling through the forests of Southeast Asia, the Khon Tha plant—known to scientists as Harrisonia perforata—has been steeped in Thai healing traditions for centuries. Revered under many local names, including กะลันทา (Kalantha) and โกทา (Kota), Khon Tha’s story exemplifies the enduring power of traditional remedies—and the renewed scientific curiosity that is bringing age-old practice into the spotlight. As health-conscious Thais seek both ancestral wisdom and clinical evidence, the bridge between local herbal folklore and modern biomedical validation becomes more vital than ever.

In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully bioengineered Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, to produce biologically active vitamin B12. This innovation promises a sustainable, carbon-neutral alternative to conventional meat and dairy, which are the main sources of this essential nutrient. Published in Discover Food, the research is a collaborative effort led by Dr. Asaf Tzachor from Reichman University and involves international partners from Iceland, Denmark, and Austria. The study explores a biotechnology system developed by VAXA Technologies in Iceland that enables Spirulina to produce carbon-neutral nutrient-rich biomass with vitamin B12 levels matching that of beef.

A team of researchers has bioengineered Spirulina, a blue-green algae, to produce biologically active vitamin B12. The advance offers a carbon-neutral alternative to traditional meat and dairy as major B12 sources. The study, featured in Discover Food, is led by Dr. Asaf Tzachor of Reichman University with international partners from Iceland, Denmark, and Austria. The project builds on a biotechnology system developed by VAXA Technologies in Iceland, enabling Spirulina to generate nutrient-rich biomass with B12 levels comparable to beef.

A global look at grocery habits shows a clear shift toward healthier choices, with potential implications for Thailand’s health and lifestyle scene. A major online grocery platform analyzed purchasing patterns from 2023 to 2024 and found a notable rise in interest in nutrition-dense foods. Searches and orders for high-protein items rose significantly, while high-fiber options surged even more, signaling a growing focus on balanced diets among urban consumers.

The same dataset highlights a surge in non-alcoholic beverages, with non-alcoholic cocktails seeing a substantial jump in orders between 2023 and 2024. In Thai culture, where mindful drinking aligns with health and certain Buddhist practices, these items are gaining attention as healthier, social alternatives. This shift reflects a broader movement toward wellness and mindful consumption, with data from leading health and consumer research institutions underscoring the trend.