Chris Infotainment

A Centenarian's Bold Approach to Food Despite being 100 years old and having lost all her teeth, Zhong Wenyu continues to enjoy a wide range of foods from traditional dishes to bubble tea, cola, coffee, and ice cream. Her unique lifestyle has captured the attention of many, especially on social media platforms. Zhong, a resident of Shanghai, recently celebrated her 100th birthday in September. Her daily life is documented by her granddaughter, Xiaodan, who was born in the 1990s. Xiaodan shares these moments on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu under the account "100-year-old Sister Zhong." Her journey to fame began last year when a video of her eating hairy crab went viral. Xiaodan shared her thoughts on why she started documenting her grandmother's life. "My grandmother is a very unique person and lives quite differently from most elderly people, so I wanted to record these interesting moments," she said. She added that she didn't expect so m...

Eggs are a widely consumed food that is often praised for its nutritional value. However, not everyone can eat them regularly without concern. Understanding who should limit egg consumption and under what conditions is important for maintaining health. Nutritional Value of Eggs Eggs are considered a high-quality protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. A single 50-gram egg provides approximately 6–7 grams of protein, which is evenly distributed between the white and the yolk. The egg white is particularly rich in albumin, a protein that supports muscle maintenance and immune function. Meanwhile, the yolk contains fats, vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as choline—a nutrient crucial for brain and liver health. Sliced boiled eggs. Illustration photo by Unsplash Who Should Avoid or Limit Egg Consumption? There are several groups of people who may need to limit or avoid eggs due to specific health conditions: Individuals wi...

Danone Group and the Aptamil brand are hosting a multi-sensory event called "One Aptamil Nutrition Universe" in Ho Chi Minh City, running from December 5 to 7. The event's theme is "Companion Nutrition—Extraordinary Takeoff," offering attendees an immersive experience into the world of scientific nutrition. The "One Aptamil Nutrition Universe" event at Nguyen Hue Walking Street serves as an interactive space that highlights the scientific foundations of nutrition developed by Danone Group and the Aptamil brand. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how these foundations support children's development and exploration. With over a century of expertise in global nutrition, Danone has built a diverse product portfolio dedicated to meeting various nutritional needs. Aptamil, inheriting this legacy, has focused on child nutrition for more than 50 years, helping parents establish a strong foundation for their children's health and brain development. O...

Eating sweet fruits such as mango, jackfruit, longan and durian can have an impact on liver health, especially when consumed in large quantities. These fruits are naturally high in fructose, a type of sugar that the liver processes. When the body is exposed to excessive amounts of fructose over time, it places additional stress on the liver, which must work harder to metabolize this sugar into energy or store it as fat. This process can lead to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In turn, this condition can cause elevated liver enzymes, which are often detected during blood tests. Individuals who are already at risk—such as those who are overweight, have high blood lipids, or suffer from diabetes—are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Sliced mango cubes on gray surface. Illustration photo by Pexels A typical serving of sweet fruit, around 200–300 grams, provides approximately 150–250 kcal, equivalent to a...

The Science of Starvation: Understanding the Body's Response Hunger exists on a spectrum, ranging from food insecurity to complete starvation. At its core, it is a complex interplay of physiological and psychological processes that affect individuals in profound ways. When food becomes scarce, the body begins to adjust, first by reducing meal frequency, then by consuming its own reserves. This process starts with a drop in energy levels, followed by the breakdown of fat and eventually muscle. As critical organs begin to fail, the risk of death increases significantly. In regions like Gaza and Sudan, thousands of children under five and pregnant or lactating women are currently experiencing acute malnutrition. In Sudan, conflict and restricted humanitarian access have pushed millions to the brink of starvation, with famine warnings growing more urgent daily. To understand the science behind starvation, we turned to nutritionists Ola Anabtawi and Berta Valente, who explained what ...

Consuming 20 to 30 grams of almonds daily, which is roughly 15 to 20 nuts, can be beneficial for heart health by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. At the same time, this habit may help maintain or even improve levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the "good" cholesterol. Brown almond nuts on a plate. Illustration photo by Pexels Dr. Dao Thi Yen Thuy, head of the Dietetics and Nutrition Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, highlights that almonds are rich in soluble fiber. This type of fiber plays a key role in reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. When soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, it traps some cholesterol and bile acids, which are then excreted from the body. As a result, the body uses circulating cholesterol to produce new bile acids, effectively lowering LDL levels. In addition to fiber, almonds conta...

The Growing Threat of Ultra-Processed Foods Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly being recognized as a major public health concern, with global health experts urging governments to take decisive action. A new research paper has highlighted the role of UPFs in contributing to a range of serious health issues, including obesity, cancer, and other chronic diseases. More than 40 international experts have published their findings in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet . Their research points to the negative impact of UPFs on global diets and the rising prevalence of health problems linked to these foods. Carlos Monteiro, a lead researcher from the University of Sao Paulo, emphasized the importance of the evidence available today regarding the relationship between UPFs and human health. "What we know right now justifies global public action," Monteiro stated during an online briefing. The Role of the Food Industry The researchers have pointed to the food indus...

Nutrifoods Ghana Upgrades Canmaking Line with $500,000 Investment The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, recently commissioned an upgraded canmaking line at Nutrifoods Ghana Limited’s culinary plant in the Tema Industrial Area. The investment, exceeding US$500,000, marks a significant step forward for the company as it aims to enhance its production capabilities and ensure product quality. This facility enhancement is expected to strengthen Nutrifoods’ safety controls and reinforce quality assurance measures. It will also enable the company to expand its production capacity and maintain a consistent 24-hour production schedule. This aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, which seeks to sustain employment and drive economic growth. During his visit, the Chief of Staff commended Nutrifoods for creating over 2,000 jobs through its 24-hour operations model. He emphasized that the government’s comprehensive programme for industry, being developed by the trade and industry m...

New Research Reveals Potent Spices That May Help Prevent Dementia and Heart Disease Researchers have discovered that common kitchen spices may offer a natural and affordable way to help prevent dementia and heart disease. These findings suggest that some of the ingredients you might already have in your pantry could play a critical role in maintaining brain and cardiovascular health. A recent study published this month explored how certain compounds found in spices like saffron and cumin may support brain health by targeting dysfunctional proteins associated with key genes involved in inflammation and other processes linked to Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases. The disruption of these proteins can lead to chaos in essential biological functions, increasing the risk for both conditions. By regulating these proteins, spice compounds can protect the brain's connections and reduce inflammation, which also benefits heart health. In the United States, heart disease is the leadin...

The Hidden Threat in Your Salad If your lunchtime salad doesn't look very appealing, there might be a scientific reason behind it. Recent findings from the University of Plymouth have raised concerns about the presence of microplastics in vegetables, prompting experts to warn about potential health risks. Scientists have discovered that dangerous microplastics can be found in the edible parts of vegetables, including radishes. This alarming discovery has sparked a new wave of research into how these tiny plastic particles are absorbed by plants during their growth process. The study focused on understanding how plastic particles enter vegetables. Using radishes as a model, researchers demonstrated that nanoplastics—some as small as one millionth of a centimeter in diameter—can infiltrate the roots of plants. These particles can then spread and accumulate in the parts of the plant we consume. Dr. Nathaniel Clark, the lead author of the study, emphasized that while the research w...

A New Challenge for NASA: Space Sushi NASA has achieved remarkable feats in space exploration, from landing humans on the moon to sending rovers to Mars and probes around Saturn's rings. However, it seems that mastering the art of making good sushi in space is still a work in progress. Recently, astronauts aboard the International Space Station shared a photo of their attempt at creating sushi using ingredients like seaweed, tuna, and rice. Despite having access to these key components, the resulting dish looks far from the traditional rolls enjoyed on Earth. The image sparked a wave of reactions from social media users, with one commenting, "This is pretty much fancy prison food." Another added, "3/10 on earth. 10/10 in space," while a third joked, "Are astronauts allergic to spice?" Astronauts face significant challenges when it comes to food in space. Most meals must be sent from Earth and are designed to be shelf-stable and mess-free. However, t...

A New Tool to Track Fiber Intake A groundbreaking app developed by Professor Tim Spector, a well-known expert in nutrition, allows users to determine the fiber content of their meals simply by taking a photo. This innovative feature is designed to support healthier eating habits and improve overall well-being. Research has shown that a diet rich in fiber can significantly enhance gut health, aid in weight management, and reduce the risk of several serious conditions, including heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and various types of cancer. Despite these benefits, only a small percentage of people are meeting the recommended daily intake of fiber, which is essential for maintaining good health. Fiber is found in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. However, many individuals struggle to incorporate enough of these foods into their diets. The ZOE app, created by Professor Spector in 2017, aims to address this issue by offering a t...

The Hidden Dangers of a High-Fat Meal A greasy Friday night takeout might seem like a harmless treat, but new research reveals a hidden danger. Just one high-fat meal can be enough to restrict blood flow to the brain, potentially raising the risk of devastating conditions like stroke and dementia. It has long been understood that a self-indulgent, saturated fat-heavy meal, like a cheeseburger or fried chicken, harms the heart and blood vessels by raising ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels, which contribute to the formation of plaque in arteries that can block blood flow to the heart and brain. The brain, which has minimal energy reserves, relies on a constant supply of blood to deliver the fuel it needs. To maintain this steady flow despite the body’s daily fluctuations in blood pressure, it depends on a set of biological shock absorbers that keep the brain stable under pressure. But a single high-fat meal can disrupt this delicate system, impairing its ability to buffer these changes, l...

The Promise of NMN: A Potential Breakthrough in the Quest for Eternal Youth Could the answer to eternal youth really be as simple as popping a daily 'wonder' pill? This question has sparked significant interest in a supplement known as Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, or NMN. Available in pharmacies and shops across the country, NMN is being hailed by some experts as a potential game-changer in the fight against aging. Advocates claim that NMN supplements can knock years off your age, boost energy, enhance metabolism, and even improve brain health. Some research suggests it could reverse the aging process in certain cells and muscles. For instance, famous biohacker Bryan Johnson, who maintains the physique of a man in his 30s despite being 47, incorporates NMN into his anti-aging regimen. However, not all experts are convinced. Many caution that most of the research conducted so far has involved mice or short-term human trials. More extensive studies are needed to confirm the sa...

The Link Between Food Security and Nutrition The conversation about good nutrition is often overshadowed by the harsh reality of hunger. Many people go to bed with empty stomachs, making it difficult to focus on the importance of a balanced diet when survival is the immediate concern. This situation is not just an individual struggle but a widespread issue that affects entire communities. As the population grows rapidly, the pressure on the available food supply increases significantly. This growth has placed additional strain on already limited resources, leading to a lack of food security in many regions. Without sufficient food, it becomes challenging to promote nutrition education, as the basic need for sustenance takes precedence over dietary choices. In these circumstances, the call to action must extend beyond teaching people about healthy diets. It is crucial to ensure that there is enough food on the table for families to begin with. Addressing food insecurity is the first ...

The Origin of the 10,000-Step Goal Many people consider walking 10,000 steps a day as the ultimate health target. This number has become a common benchmark for physical activity, with many individuals fixating on reaching this figure. However, the idea that 9,600 steps are insignificant and only 10,000 steps provide real benefits is not based on solid scientific evidence. The origin of the 10,000-step goal can be traced back to Japan. A Japanese watchmaker named Yamasatokey (山佐時計) introduced the first pedometer called ‘Manpokai (万歩計).’ The Japanese character ‘万’ translates to “10,000” and visually resembles a person walking with arms outstretched. This design made it an effective marketing tool, even though the number was chosen for its memorability rather than any scientific reasoning. This arbitrary choice gained global popularity after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was falsely presented as a scientifically backed standard, leading to widespread adoption without critical examination...

The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Red Wine Dark chocolate and red wine are often considered guilty pleasures, but they might actually contribute to a longer, healthier life. The secret lies in their high levels of flavonoids—compounds found in plant-based foods that offer powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help combat the harmful effects of environmental factors such as smoke and ultraviolet radiation, while anti-inflammatories can reduce chronic inflammation linked to conditions like obesity, heart disease, arthritis, and other long-term illnesses. Scientists have known for some time that these compounds can lower the risk of chronic diseases. However, a groundbreaking study has now revealed that consuming a variety of flavonoids from different sources is more beneficial than relying on a single source. This approach could potentially reduce the risk of death by 14 percent. The study involved 124,805 participants aged between 40 and 70. Rese...

Empowering Women Through Food Processing Felicia Gbuka, a Nigerian entrepreneur, runs a successful business focused on processing rice and cassava into ready-to-eat snacks and other ingredients. Her products are made by combining these raw materials with additional ingredients that enhance their appeal and demand. She packages them in attractive and high-quality materials, making her offerings stand out in the market. Her range of products includes chinchin made from both rice and cassava, cassava flour, gari processed from cassava, and powdered rice. She also produces biscuits and various snacks, often incorporating peanuts derived from cassava and rice. Felicia notes that people sometimes purchase the raw products without processing, but her business offers convenience and variety. Felicia’s manufacturing facility is small, yet her products rival those of larger industries. She credits her success to training provided by the government and IFAD through a value chain development pr...

The Psychology Behind Your Pizza Toppings When it comes to pizza, the choices we make can be as varied as the people who order them. From olives to ham, and even the controversial pineapple, there’s no shortage of toppings to choose from. While many might think these decisions are made on a whim, some experts suggest that our favorite pizza toppings could reveal surprising insights into our personalities. Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, has explored how food preferences can reflect personality traits. According to him, the way we choose our pizza toppings can offer clues about our character, especially in social settings like dates. “You're choosing to eat pizza not for its nutritional value, but based on what your personality is like,” he explained. This means that someone’s choice of toppings could help determine if they’re compatible with you or not. Hirsch conducted experiments with 1,000 American adults, askin...