Watch Your Fat Filipinos Warned of Unhealthy Consumption This Philippine Heart Month

Title Watch Your Fat Filipinos Warned of Unhealthy Consumption This Philippine Heart Month

As we mark Philippine Heart Month, the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) is urging us to pay attention to our fat intake. The reason is simple excessive consumption of unhealthy fats can significantly increase our risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The culprits behind this problem are saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are found in animal products like meat, dairy, and palm oil, while trans fats are artificially created in processed foods such as margarine, vegetable shortening, fried food, and baked goods. Consuming these fats in high amounts can lead to an increased risk of heart problems.

Fortunately, there is hope! Unsaturated fats, found in avocados, fish like salmon, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils like canola and olive oil, are great alternatives. Additionally, a diet rich in fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is essential for overall well-being.

The HPA is also warning us that unhealthy eating habits are just one part of the problem. Other risk factors include tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and insufficient physical activity - all linked to heart problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting daily intake of saturated fats to 10% of total calories, trans fat to 1%, and overall total fat intake to 30%. In the Philippines, industrially produced trans fat in packaged food is banned based on orders from the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Filipino adults has also increased alarmingly - from 40.2% in 2021 to 57.1% or five out of every 10 adults, with six out of every 10 women affected. Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of death in the Philippines, making it essential that we take control of our health and well-being.

This Philippine Heart Month, let's make a conscious effort to watch our fat intake and adopt healthier habits. By incorporating healthy fats and whole foods into our diet, reducing unhealthy eating habits, and engaging in regular physical activity, we can reduce our risk of cardiovascular diseases. Let's commit to prioritizing our health this month!

Conclusion By adopting a balanced diet rich in healthy fats and whole foods, reducing unhealthy eating habits, and engaging in regular physical activity, we can significantly reduce our risk of cardiovascular diseases. Let us make a commitment to prioritize our health during Philippine Heart Month and beyond!

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.