A health store is a shop that specializes in selling natural and organic foods, as well as local produce and nutritional supplements. Their customers include athletes, people with special dietary needs, and people who follow a vegetarian, vegan, raw food, organic, or another alternative diet. Health food stores offer a wide and more specialized selection of foods than conventional grocery stores.
Many of the products you might find in a health store here on Koh samui include ingredients that might be more difficult to get or not local to Thailand. Because the island is known for its vegan community, health food stores are abundant. They are also an attractive option for the many people focusing on their health through yoga, detox, meditation, and living a healthy lifestyle in general.
Popular Health Products
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in many vegan recipes, as vegans consider cultured yeasts acceptable to eat. While these yellow flakes don't seem to be very appealing at first glance, one taste will have you hooked, propelling them to the top of many vegan food lists. Although this dormant yeast is made from sugarcane and beet sugars, it can be used in the kitchen for a variety of purposes. Nutritional yeast mimics the flavour of cheese, but it is much more nutritious, including vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, thiamine, folate, and zinc.
Gram Flour
Chickpeas can be ground into powdery flour and used in a variety of Indian dishes such as pakoras, flatbread, and more. It contains a lot of fibre, iron, and protein. For those who can't eat wheat flour, chickpea flour is a great gluten-free option. It's one of the most versatile vegan products you can have on hand, also used as a vegan egg replacement and soup thickening.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a fermented soybean block with a nutty, earthy flavour that tastes a bit like bacon because of the fermenting process. It's very easy in terms of preparation. Though you may steam and marinate your tempeh before cooking it, most grocery shops sell pre-marinated varieties. Before serving, slice and cook your tempeh to warm it up. Tempeh also includes important fibre, vitamins, and a good dose of probiotics, making it one of the most powerful and nutritious vegan foods available.
Himalayan Pink Salt
For thousands of years, salt has seasoned our meals as a vital ingredient needed for numerous biological processes. However, there are a few significant health risks associated with its usage. Excessive salt consumption may lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, therefore it should be consumed in moderation. As a result, Himalayan pink salt has become a popular alternative to normal salt, ostensibly because it is less taxing to the body. Himalayan pink salt is said to provide a variety of health advantages. It is a pink-hued type of salt found in South Asia's Himalaya mountains. Many people think that Himalayan salt is a healthier alternative to table salt or sodium chloride. Himalayan pink salt is officially a sea salt, despite the fact that it is mined like rock salt.
With these products and others in mind, here's our favorite health stores on Koh Samui!
Samui Health Shop by Lamphu
Samui Health Shop by Lamphu offers a range of health and wellness products, including organic foods, dietary supplements, natural skincare products, and other holistic health items. The shop promises to provide natural, safe, effective personal care and lifestyle products to the consumer at a reasonable price, making natural lifestyle choices accessible to a wider market by offering a true and authentic alternative to many of the mass produced synthetic products in the market today.
Health Land Shop
Health Land Shop offers products that echo the wellness and relaxation ethos of its parent brand. The shop is a place where patrons can find a range of health and wellness products, ranging from essential oils, aromatherapy items, skincare products, and traditional Thai herbal remedies. Rooted in the principles of traditional Thai wellness, the products aim to provide therapeutic benefits, harnessing the power of nature and age-old wisdom. Customers visiting the shop can take home a piece of the rejuvenating experience, allowing them to integrate the practices of relaxation and holistic care into their daily routines.
Boots Central Festival Samui
Boots is a renowned pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer originating from the UK. With a history spanning over 170 years, it has established its presence in several countries, including Thailand. Boots branches can be found in many parts of Thailand, catering to both locals and tourists by offering a diverse range of health, beauty, and pharmaceutical products. Central Festival refers to the shopping complex the store is located in. Central Festival Samui is one of Koh Samui's prominent shopping destinations, located in the heart of Chaweng. It boasts a multitude of shops, dining options, and entertainment venues, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors to the island.
Amway
Amway, a globally recognized name in the direct-selling industry, has carved its niche by offering a diversified range of products spanning nutrition, beauty, and home care segments. Founded in the United States in 1959, the company's unique multi-level marketing approach has enabled it to permeate various international markets, including the dynamic and ever-evolving market of Thailand. Over the decades, the country has witnessed a surge in the acceptance of direct-selling models, thanks, in part, to its deep-rooted cultural emphasis on community and interpersonal relationships.
Koh Samui, a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, stands as a testament to the country's ability to blend natural beauty with commercial sophistication. Its pristine beaches, dense coconut groves, and vibrant nightlife make it a magnet for global travelers. Yet, beyond its touristy veneer lies a community of locals whose lives oscillate between catering to global visitors and preserving their indigenous way of life. This dual demographic - the local populace and the transient tourists - presents a unique market dynamic. Koh Samui is a testament to evolution and adaptation in the world of travel and commerce. But beyond the business infrastructures and the tourist attractions, there lies an intricate social fabric that binds its people together. The islanders have witnessed their home transform, from an isolated gem known to only a few to a jewel in the crown of Thailand's tourism sector. Throughout this transformation, the sense of community remains unwavering, with locals welcoming visitors with open arms and genuine smiles.
As you wander the streets, the narrative of Samui unfolds in front of you. There's the old fisherman, mending his nets by the shore, reminiscing about the days when the catch was bountiful and the seas were less crowded. Nearby, a young entrepreneur sets up her organic cafe, blending Thai flavors with vegan delights, epitomizing the new-age culinary evolution. The harmonious coexistence of these contrasting lives paints a vivid picture of an island in flux, effortlessly merging the old with the new.
Koh Samui boasts a thriving health and wellness scene that has gained international recognition in recent years. It has become a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The island offers a wide range of health-focused activities and amenities, from world-class yoga and meditation retreats to holistic wellness centers, spa resorts, and detox programs. With its abundance of fresh, locally sourced organic foods, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports, Koh Samui provides an ideal environment for individuals looking to prioritize their physical and mental well-being while immersed in the island's natural beauty and serenity.