You are What You Eat
By JOAN SUMPIO, RND
In the coldness of this rainy season, we would often look for something hot to balance our body temperatures. During snack time, a hot plate of noodles or a bowl of soup really gives us a feeling of warmth and satisfaction.
Aside from noodles or even hot pasta, our native "Ginataang Halo-Halo" is one exciting snack that we can count on. This native snack is made with coconut milk, saging na saba, sweet potato (Kamote), sago, bilo-bilo (glutinous rice), and langka (jackfruit).
We have already heard a lot of good things about coconut milk (coming from the nutritious coconut tree), and so to know more about the health benefits of the other ingredients in your Ginataang Halo-Halo, here are some facts to bear in mind
• If you are well aware of the importance of the anti-oxidant glutathione, this should come as a surprise to you that your simple Ginataang Halo-Halo has a source of protein that has one-third of the activity of this important nutrient.
Aside from its protein content, this humble root crop ingredient is considered an excellent source of Beta-Carotene, also a very good source of the mineral Manganese and a source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron.
Foods that are sources of beta-carotene help you meet your daily needs of vitamin A. This vitamin is important in supporting the immune function and iron absorption.
Smokers are among those who can benefit from having an adequate intake of beta-carotene (that converts to Vitamin A): Animal studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency can lead to emphysema (a lung problem caused by smoking).
Both beta-carotene and Vitamin C are very powerful antioxidants that work in the body to eliminate substances that damage cells and cell membranes that are contributory to diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease (atherosclerosis).
Other than these two antioxidants, Vitamin B6 helps regulate a chemical process in the body that are associated with increased heart attack and stroke.
As antioxidants, these two nutrients are also considered anti-inflammatory and are thus thought of to be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions like asthma, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
• Jackfruit (langka) is a very aromatic fruit and you can easily smell it in your favorite turon (fried banana fritters) or Ginataang Halo-Halo. While many are enjoying langka strips in their Ginataang Halo-Halo, most of these people may not know that there is more to it than just being aromatic.
Just like sweet potato, it also has potassium, iron and Vitamin C, plus vitamins B1, B2 and B3, calcium and zinc. Our body needs potassium to achieve water and electrolyte balance, this balance is important for the proper functioning of our body cells.
Aside from vitamins and minerals, jackfruit contains phytonutrients called lignans, isoflavones and saponins. Most phytonutrients are positively associated with decreased risk of cancer, ulcer and can even help delay the onset of the physical signs of aging.
For some, they use jackfruit to provide relief for those suffering from asthma, and its extract is already being studied to help cure diarrhea and even simple fever.
This native Filipino snack is truly a powerhouse of nutrients and thus can be a better choice than having a hot hotdog on stick for your merienda.
Published in Manila Bulletin August 2, 2010
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