Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network-New Resident Audiovisual Ambassador, Ms. Chen Jinling will tell you all the delicacies at the Gongguan Shopping Area

Millions Struggle with Insomnia Every Day! Experts Reveal "Trigger" Foods to Avoid

Insomnia is a common issue in modern society, with millions of people in Taiwan struggling to sleep every night. According to Professor Chang Chih-Jen from National Cheng Kung University's School of Medicine, the prevalence of insomnia in Taiwan reaches 28%. Among young adults aged 20 to 39, the rate is nearly 30%, ranking among the highest in Asia. Dr. Yuan Wei from the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine at Cheng Hsin General Hospital pointed out that in addition to factors like stress and age, consuming the wrong foods before bedtime can also disrupt sleep. Common insomnia-triggering foods include caffeine, high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods. Caffeine in beverages like coffee and tea stimulates the nervous system, interfering with falling asleep and reducing deep sleep. Excessive sugar can cause blood sugar fluctuations, triggering the release of stress hormones that impact sleep quality. High-fat and spicy foods prolong digestion and elevate core body temperature, making it harder to fall asleep. Additionally, alcohol and gas-producing foods, such as beans and cabbage, can lead to disrupted sleep.Common insomnia-triggering foods include caffeine. (Photo: Courtesy of Heho Health)To improve insomnia, avoid these trigger foods and instead consume foods rich in tryptophan, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, such as fish, legumes, dairy products, and nuts. These nutrients help stabilize emotions, relax the nervous system, and enhance sleep quality. Adjusting diet and routines timely is an effective way to manage insomnia.Adjusting diet and routine in a timely manner is an effective way to improve insomnia. (Photo: Courtesy of Heho Health)This article is authorized by Heho Health

2024-11-27 09:05

Parma ham is one of Italy's tastiest exports. Now it's in big trouble

Renowned for its exquisite taste, Parma ham, or Prosciutto di Parma, holds a special place in Italian culinary tradition. This delicacy, protected by strict guidelines, is crafted in Emilia Romagna using Italian pork legs, salt, and air. Annually generating $1.6 billion, Parma ham attracts food enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to experience its authentic flavor in its place of origin.However, this culinary gem faces mounting challenges. Climate change and African swine fever have significantly impacted production. Warmer nights now require curing rooms to be equipped with air conditioning, as traditional methods relying on cool, fresh air struggle against rising temperatures.African swine fever, a contagious virus fatal to pigs, has further strained the industry. Over 200,000 pigs in Lombardy alone have been culled since the outbreak in 2021, with severe consequences for supply and pricing. Stricter controls and international pork export bans from affected regions have compounded difficulties, reducing the availability of high-quality pork legs and driving costs up.Italian pigs have been at risk from a swine fever outbreak that emerged in 2021. Luca Bruno/APDespite these challenges, Parma’s prosciutto producers remain steadfast. Traditional methods, like the 400-day curing process and meticulous quality checks with horse-bone needles, continue to preserve the art of Parma ham-making. Meanwhile, food lovers flock to the region, enjoying not only the ham but also its pairing with other local delicacies like Parmesan cheese and Modena balsamic vinegar.Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges. Producers are adapting to climate changes and advocating for better understanding of safety measures to maintain export markets. While obstacles persist, the resilience of Parma ham artisans ensures that this iconic product retains its place on the global stage.

2024-11-27 09:00

UFOs, boats and castles: Surreal photos of Japan's most peculiar ‘love hotels’

French photographer François Prost recently embarked on a 3,000-kilometer journey across Japan to document the country’s iconic "love hotels." These establishments, known for their bold and whimsical architecture, cater primarily to couples seeking privacy. Prost’s series captures the quirky designs, including buildings shaped like UFOs, boats, castles, and even whales, reflecting a uniquely Japanese architectural tradition.Emerging in the 1960s and 1970s, these hotels were designed to stand out and indicate their purpose at a glance. While some exteriors mimic European castles or Arabian palaces, others feature colorful, playful facades, like the candy-themed Sweets Hotel in Shibuya. Despite their flamboyance, privacy remains a core element, with design features like separate entrances and exits, self-check-ins, and minimal windows ensuring discretion.The candy-themed Sweets Hotel in Tokyo's downtown Shibuya district. Francois ProstThough their popularity peaked in the late 20th century, love hotels remain a significant part of Japan’s cultural landscape. Once associated with sex work, they now primarily serve couples, particularly those living in shared homes, offering a space for leisure and intimacy. However, newer establishments often adopt subtler designs due to stricter regulations introduced in the 1980s.Prost’s photographs highlight the juxtaposition of Japan’s conservative societal norms and the creative freedom expressed through these buildings. With plans to compile the images into a book via Kickstarter, Prost aims to showcase not just the hotels but the cultural nuances of modern Japan. As with his previous projects, these images go beyond architecture, offering a lens into the social fabric of the country.

2024-11-27 09:00

New Resident Audiovisual Ambassador, Ms. Chen Jinling will tell you all the delicacies at the Gongguan Shopping Area

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Popular News

Millions Struggle with Insomnia Every Day! Experts Reveal "Trigger" Foods to Avoid

Parma ham is one of Italy's tastiest exports. Now it's in big trouble

UFOs, boats and castles: Surreal photos of Japan's most peculiar ‘love hotels’