Experts are reminding Filipinos to take care of their hearts, not just because of Valentine’s Day, but also in observance of Philippine Heart Month this February.
The Department of Health is urging the public to avoid foods high in trans fat. According to DOH, 36%, or 1 in 3 Filipinos, suffer from heart disease, which has remained the leading cause of death in the country over the past five years.
Trans fat is a type of unsaturated fat that occurs in foods, associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. It is commonly found in fried foods such as fast food meals, pastries, and processed products.
In an exclusive interview with Star FM Manila, food nutritionist Mary Grace Lopez shared advice on the types of food people should eat to help prevent heart disease. She also gave a reminder to those who enjoy sweets this Valentine’s Day.
“Iwasan natin yung labis-labis na pagkain ng fried foods, mga processed foods. Yung mga pagkain naman na healthy para sa heart natin is yung matataas sa Omega-3, [which is] good for the heart, tulad ng mga isda like bangus, galunggong, sardinas, tuna. Vegetables at fruits, nakakatulong na pababain yung cholesterol. Tandaan po natin lagi yung kalusugan ng ating puso. Responsibilidad natin yan araw-araw. This Valentines Day, hindi maiiwasan yung napakaraming matatamis- yung chocolates. Puwede namang tikim-tikim tapos sa ibang araw naman. Huwag mong ubusin nang isang upuan lang yung mga matatanggap nating chocolates,” she emphasizes.