Feature Articles:

New Coalition Declares “Citizens’ War Against Corruption,” Rejects Congressional Probes on Flood Projects

A broad coalition of anti-corruption advocates, civil society groups, and...

BatallaCares empowers San Pablo community with major wheelchair donation

In a significant move to promote mobility and independence,...

KliKA.ph to launch 1st Ever Earning While Helping Digital Platform

In a bid to revolutionize the landscape of organized...

Fruits not common in the Pinoy diet

 

Did you know that Filipinos are eating less fruits over the years?

 

This was revealed in the food consumption survey (FCS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) which showed that fruit consumption has decreased over the past 20 years from an individual intake of 107 grams in 1987 to only 54 grams in 2008.

 

The survey also revealed that individual fruit intake did not change from 2003 to 2008 at 54 grams.

 

The amount of 54 grams is about one serving-size banana latundan that contributes about 6.3 percent of the average individual food intake for 2008.

 

This consumption level is lower than the recommended intake of 2-3 servings of fruits daily.

 

No wonder that no fruit was included in the list of most commonly-consumed foods of Filipinos in 2008.

 

Fruits are rich sources of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber.

Vitamin A is needed for normal vision, promotes growth and boosts immune resistance, while vitamin C increases the body’s resistance to infection, helps keep gums and teeth healthy and acts as antioxidant, among others.

 

Fiber provides bulk, aids in normal bowel movement, helps in the management of diabetes, lowers cholesterol and may help prevent certain cancers.

 

 

However, based on the FCS, Filipinos get most of these nutrients from other food groups, particularly meat, fish and poultry for vitamin A and vegetables for vitamin C and fiber.

 

The low intake of fruits calls for a more aggressive promotion of fruit consumption and a closer look at the reasons why fruits are not common in the Filipino dining table, including their affordability and availability, as well as the Filipino’s attitude towards eating fruits.

 

For more information on food and nutrition, contact:  Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num:  8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release CHARINA A. JAVIER)

 

Latest

New Coalition Declares “Citizens’ War Against Corruption,” Rejects Congressional Probes on Flood Projects

A broad coalition of anti-corruption advocates, civil society groups, and...

BatallaCares empowers San Pablo community with major wheelchair donation

In a significant move to promote mobility and independence,...

KliKA.ph to launch 1st Ever Earning While Helping Digital Platform

In a bid to revolutionize the landscape of organized...

PH declares war on malnutrition: A national strategy for the first 1,000 Days

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has framed the nation's...

Newsletter

spot_img
spot_img

Don't miss

New Coalition Declares “Citizens’ War Against Corruption,” Rejects Congressional Probes on Flood Projects

A broad coalition of anti-corruption advocates, civil society groups, and...

BatallaCares empowers San Pablo community with major wheelchair donation

In a significant move to promote mobility and independence,...

KliKA.ph to launch 1st Ever Earning While Helping Digital Platform

In a bid to revolutionize the landscape of organized...

PH declares war on malnutrition: A national strategy for the first 1,000 Days

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has framed the nation's...

Iginiit ng CenPEG ang ‘People’s Audit’ at mas mahigpit na pagsubaybay sa Proposed P6.7 Trilyong Badyet para sa 2026

Nanawagan ang Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG)...
spot_imgspot_img

New Coalition Declares “Citizens’ War Against Corruption,” Rejects Congressional Probes on Flood Projects

A broad coalition of anti-corruption advocates, civil society groups, and sectoral leaders launched a new movement on Monday, declaring a nationwide "Citizens' War Against Corruption"...

BatallaCares empowers San Pablo community with major wheelchair donation

In a significant move to promote mobility and independence, the non-profit organization BatallaCares Philippines is set to host its fourth annual Wheelchair Distribution Program...

KliKA.ph to launch 1st Ever Earning While Helping Digital Platform

In a bid to revolutionize the landscape of organized charity and combat widespread donor fatigue, a new Filipino social enterprise is set to launch...