Filipino Superfoods to Boost Your Health

Table of Content

• What are 'Superfoods'? 

• What is so special about Filipino Foods? 

• Top 10 Filipino Superfoods

• Take-Home Points 

• FAQ on Filipino Superfoods

Introduction

Filipino foods are widely known for their ability to provide both taste and nutrition. They have several nutritionally dense superfoods that can prevent and manage many chronic diseases. In this article, you would know the top ten Filipino superfoods that can improve your health and fitness status.  

What are 'Superfoods'? 

Superfoods are those foods that can confer health benefits resulting from high nutrient density. Though this term is not commonly used by experts, dietitians and nutrition scientists, it has gained a lot of traction among health-conscious consumers.

What is so special about Filipino Foods? 

Filipino food always surprises and inspires people due to its distinct taste, creativity, and diversity. The reason why Pinoy food is so special is that it draws inspiration from several cuisines like Spanish, Chinese, Indian and western. With each food, you can feel the influence of several other global cuisines. 

Top 10 Filipino Superfoods

These are the top ten Filipino foods that are highly nutritious, 

Mangosteen

This is known as the “queen of fruits ', the tropical mangosteen which is not only delightfully delicious but also contains several health benefits. The whole fruit’s properties – juice, bark, twig and rind – are used as medicine to treat UTIs, tuberculosis, cancer, osteoarthritis, menstrual disorders, skin diseases like eczema, gonorrhea and diarrhea. It is used as a capsule form in many drug formulations and also used in popular health drinks. 

Malunggay (Moringa)

Moringa tree is known as ‘miracle tree’ for the wonderful benefits it offers to humankind. It can treat various diseases like hypertension, rheumatism, cancer, arthritis, skin disorders, and joint pains. The entire plant is edible with almost all parts high in nutrients like proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. As the entire plant can be eaten, it is either eaten raw or cooked. This plant has been largely praised and included in all food products for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Saluyot (Jute)

Saluyot is a good source of calcium, iron, vitamins (A, B, C & E),  and antioxidants. It can treat your gut problems, headaches, migraines, inflammations, diarrhea, constipation and ulcers. Regular addition in your diet would improve your eye health and help in good eyesight. 

Since saluyot is highly rich in antioxidants and vitamins, they slow down the aging process, thereby preventing premature wrinkles in your skin. 

Talinum (Waterleaf)

Talinum is a leafy vegetable that can be found in tropical and subtropical climates. It has various health benefits as it contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals. They are a great substitute for spinach, both in taste and in nutrition. Talinum can treat liver disorders, kidney disease, herpes and various skin diseases like eczema. Talinum also helps in the milk production of the lactating mothers. 

Atis (Cherimoya, Sugar Apple, Sweetsop)

Atis, a relative of Guyabano can cure asthma through its high ascorbic acid content, can lower blood pressure with its source of potassium, boost the energy levels through high thiamin content, and even regulate thyroid hormones with the presence of rich vitamins B6 content. 

Alugbati (Vine Spinach)

Vine Spinach is a green plant that has traditionally been used to treat heachaches, osteoporosis, inflammation, constipation, anemia and ulcers. They are a good source of calcium, folic acid, iron, Vitamins A, B & C and potassium. They can treat cardiovascular diseases and also have anti-cancerous properties.

Kulitis (Chinese Spinach or Amaranth)

Kulitis is a plant with high levels of protein, vitamins A, C, E, K, B5 and B6, iron and calcium. The plant can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol while preventing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. 

Guyabano (Soursop)

This tropical fruit is not as sweet as the cherimoya but has a rich nutritional profile. It helps in treating anemia, migraines, constipation, leg cramps, UTIs, pregnancy complications, water retention, high cholesterol and brittle bones. 

Coconut 

Coconut is a rich source of Vitamins (B1, B3, B5, B6, C and E), fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and sodium. Coconut is now used in a variety of products from milk to soaps!

They offer several health benefits like increasing good cholesterol, fighting Alzheimer's disease, boosting liver health, aiding good digestion, and acting as a soothing salve for burns.

Mango 

This is a golden fruit of the Philippines that is highly rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (A&C), and antioxidants. It also contains very less calories, fats and cholesterol, thus being a best choice for the fitness enthusiasts and health conscious individuals.

Take-Home Points 

• Filipino foods are highly praised for their diversity, taste and nutritional value. 

• Filipino foods have this special ability to create wonderful food items by drawing inspiration across various cultures. 

• Some of the top superfoods in the Philippines are mangosteen, Malunggay, Saluyot, Talinum, Atis, Alugbati, Kulitis, Guyabano, Coconut and Mango. 

References 

• Filipino food for children 

• Food intake and nutritional status of Filipino adults