#Thaifood

As high-protein products continue to flood supermarket shelves and fitness trends extol the benefits of “bulking up,” a new article published in The Conversation challenges readers to reconsider their protein obsession by asking a fundamental question: just how much protein do our bodies truly need, and can having too much—or too little—actually harm our health? The insights, based on current nutritional research and penned by a UK physiological sciences academic, are highly relevant for Thai readers navigating an increasingly health-conscious food market.

Groundbreaking nutritional research challenges the protein supplement industry’s marketing claims by revealing that excessive protein consumption poses serious health risks for Thai consumers, while protein deficiency remains surprisingly rare among well-fed populations throughout Southeast Asia. Leading physiological scientists from the United Kingdom present compelling evidence that the current high-protein trend flooding Thai supermarkets and fitness centers may be creating more health problems than it solves, particularly as urban Thais abandon traditional balanced diets in favor of Western-style protein-heavy regimens that strain kidneys, disrupt digestion, and ignore crucial nutritional balance principles.

Fresh scientific research highlights the remarkable power of specific dietary choices to actively lower cholesterol levels and protect cardiovascular health, offering hope for Thai readers as lifestyle-related heart disease becomes increasingly prevalent throughout the Kingdom. The latest evidence-based guidance identifies ten accessible, everyday foods that scientific studies demonstrate can effectively reduce harmful LDL cholesterol while boosting protective HDL cholesterol, establishing dietary interventions as Thailand’s most powerful and accessible first-line defense against cardiovascular disease that now ranks among the nation’s leading health challenges.

A wave of fresh research highlights that simple diet changes, specifically eating certain foods, can play a powerful role in lowering cholesterol and protecting heart health—news with growing relevance as Thailand’s lifestyle diseases rise. The latest guidance, published by nutrition experts and synthesised in a comprehensive report by EatingWell, underscores ten everyday foods that scientific evidence shows can actively reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and boost protective “good” HDL cholesterol, cementing dietary habits as Thailand’s first line of defense against heart disease (EatingWell).

The importance of protein in maintaining good health is once again in the spotlight, following new reporting and expert advice highlighted in a recent article on AOL. The article collates top insights from nutritionists and medical experts, identifying clear physical and mental warning signs when the body does not receive enough protein—an issue that can have wide-ranging effects on fitness, mood, skin, and even the immune system. This topic is especially relevant for Thai readers, as modern dietary changes and shifting lifestyles can subtly lead to protein imbalances, even for those consuming what appear to be “normal” meals.

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that older adults who consume greater amounts of spermidine—a compound found in foods like aged cheese, mushrooms, and whole grains—tend to perform better on cognitive function tests. This finding offers a promising dietary strategy for Thailand’s rapidly aging society, where cognitive decline and dementia are growing health concerns.

The research team, led by a scientist affiliated with a U.S. university, analyzed data from over 2,600 Americans aged 60 and above, using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants reported their diets through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews and completed four standardized cognitive assessments. The results showed a clear trend: those in the highest quarter for spermidine intake consistently achieved better cognitive test scores than peers with lower intake. Notably, the beneficial link was most pronounced in males, non-Hispanic whites, individuals classified as somewhat overweight (BMI 25–30), and those with hypertension or high cholesterol (PsyPost).

In a groundbreaking study published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers have found that adopting simple lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases—even for individuals with a genetic predisposition. The findings provide hope for people in Thailand and globally, emphasizing that regardless of one’s family health history, everyday choices can act as powerful shields against conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and diabetes (AOL.com).

A ubiquitous sugar substitute found in Thai supermarkets, bakeries, bubble tea shops, and increasingly in “health” products, erythritol, has emerged as a fresh concern for heart health. Recent scientific studies—including a major investigation led by the University of Colorado Boulder—reveal that consuming even a typical serving of erythritol may rapidly trigger changes in blood vessels and platelets that set the stage for heart attack and stroke. With sugar-free and “keto” diets growing in popularity across Thailand, these findings carry weighty implications for millions of Thai consumers who have long considered erythritol as a harmless alternative to sugar.

The debate over whether eggs are harmful or beneficial to health has endured for decades, with recent research and expert commentary helping to clarify long-standing misconceptions about their impact, particularly on cholesterol and heart disease. According to a 2025 investigation by Vogue, which drew on nutrition and medical experts like Dr. Emily Leeming, eggs are now recognized as a nutritional powerhouse that can fit sensibly into most diets—yet questions persist, especially for Thai households where eggs are a staple (Vogue).

The conventional wisdom that all high-fat foods are unhealthy is being challenged by nutritionists, as fresh research and expert guidance highlight the benefits of incorporating certain so-called “bad” fats—including whole eggs, full-fat dairy, butter, and coconut oil—into a balanced diet. These recommendations, based on recent dietitian insights, are changing the way Thai consumers should think about fat, flavor, and nutrition.

For decades, low-fat products dominated supermarket shelves in Thailand and worldwide, driven by public health campaigns and a lingering fear of cholesterol and heart disease. The 1980s and 1990s popularized low-fat snacks and skimmed dairy, often at the expense of taste and satiety. Today, however, scientists and dietitians agree that dietary fat is an essential macronutrient—it supports brain function, hormone production, and the absorption of vital fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). As such, not all fats are to be feared; instead, consumers are encouraged to pay close attention to the type and amount of fat in their meals (EatingWell).

In a world fixated on protein-packed diets, a quiet nutritional crisis has taken root—in Thailand and globally—as new research warns that most people are not consuming nearly enough dietary fiber. While social media influencers and food manufacturers tout protein bars and shakes, scientific evidence now shows that fiber deficiency is a far more widespread and serious issue, with implications for digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and even metabolic balance. In fact, up to 95% of people may be missing the mark on their recommended daily intake, according to recent coverage in Vogue and reinforced by large-scale studies relevant to the Thai population.

Recent global research is challenging prevailing beliefs about high-protein diets, with experts increasingly cautioning that consuming more protein than needed—especially from animal sources—may do more harm than good for long-term health. While protein is essential for muscle maintenance, metabolism, and disease prevention, the latest studies and dietary guidelines urge consumers to stay within recommended intake levels to avoid hidden pitfalls. This news comes amid shifting food cultures in Thailand, where more urban Thais are turning to protein-enriched products and meat-heavy dishes in the hope of boosting health and fitness.

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is vital for health at every stage of life, especially for women of childbearing age, developing children, and the elderly. With its well-established role in supporting cell growth, DNA synthesis, and preventing certain birth defects, folic acid deficiency is a public health issue that Thailand cannot afford to overlook. Fortunately, Thailand’s rich agricultural traditions and food culture offer a treasure trove of folic acid-rich ingredients—many of which are easy to find, cook, and incorporate into daily meals.

For decades, the nutrition spotlight has shone on protein—essential for muscle building and widely marketed as the hero of health. But a wave of new research and expert commentary is propelling dietary fiber into the foreground, suggesting that many people should prioritize fiber as much—or even more—than protein for overall well-being. This shift carries crucial lessons for Thai diets dominated by white rice, noodles, and increasingly processed foods, underscoring a potential public health opportunity with national significance.

A recent study has caused a stir among health-conscious individuals in Thailand and beyond, finding that eating chicken and other types of white meat may be associated with a shorter lifespan. Published in a leading peer-reviewed journal and widely covered in media outlets such as Real Simple, the research challenges long-held assumptions that white meat is a healthier alternative to red meat. This revelation is especially significant for Thai readers, given the central role that chicken and other white meats play in local cuisine, daily meals, and street food culture Source: Real Simple.

A new wave of research and expert consensus has affirmed that consuming plant sterols and stanols daily—often through fortified foods—can cut cholesterol levels by up to 10% in just three weeks, offering a powerful dietary intervention for the millions at risk of heart disease. For Thai readers, this finding is especially significant, as a rising number of Thais now face high cholesterol linked to changing diets, urban lifestyles, and a surge in cardiovascular illnesses.

A surge of recent research is casting new light on how adopting a heart-healthy diet can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health, prompting major public health organizations to emphasize the importance of home-cooked, nutritious meals. For Thai families just beginning their journey toward better heart health, practical resources like curated recipe guides have become vital in turning scientific advice into everyday action. The latest feature published by EatingWell, titled “You Just Started a Heart-Healthy Diet—Here Are 27 Recipes to Make First,” distills the latest research and global dietary recommendations into a comprehensive list of dishes for those committed to boosting their heart health right at home source.

As Thailand’s health-conscious population continues to grow and busy city life keeps people on the move, it’s no surprise that protein bars have become a popular grab-and-go snack for office workers, fitness enthusiasts, and students alike. But with eye-catching promises on every wrapper, is eating a protein bar daily actually a healthy habit, or does it risk doing more harm than good? Recent research and insights from nutrition experts provide important answers, helping everyday Thai consumers make smarter food choices in an increasingly processed world.

A growing body of research is upending longstanding beliefs about what we should eat for a longer, healthier life. Recent findings summarized by Earth.com suggest that while eating meat can boost short-term survival—such as helping the body recover from illness or injury—plant-based diets are associated with greater longevity, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and adding years to life expectancy. This evolving understanding is fueling an important debate for Thai families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, as diet-linked diseases like heart disease and diabetes continue to rise in Thailand.

A robust new clinical trial has revealed that fish oil supplements deliver higher levels of vital omega-3 fatty acids to the body compared to eating fish, challenging the long-standing notion that whole foods are always superior to supplements for nutrient intake (Good News Network). The study, recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition, provides fresh evidence that could influence dietary advice in Thailand, where cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases continue to pose significant public health threats.

As stress becomes a pervasive part of modern life, from managing finances to juggling work and personal responsibilities, the need for finding balance extends to our dietary habits as well. Renowned dietitian Kylie Sakaida, a popular figure on TikTok with 2 million followers and the author of the cookbook “So Easy So Good,” champions the practice of “stress-free eating.” This approach aims to lighten the mental load that often accompanies meal planning and consumption.

Recent findings underscore the significant role snacks might play in managing anxiety, a mental health condition impacting nearly one in five adults globally, with implications similarly seen in Thailand. This connection between food and mood, highlighted by dietitians, suggests that diet, although not the primary treatment for anxiety, can serve as a supportive tool in mental health strategies. Among various options, Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls have emerged as the late-night snack praised for their calming effects.