Romasanta, Vannah Pamela R.

STS

PRIORITY FOODS - HEALTH BENEFITS

A. Local Fruits:

a. Guyabano Good for diabetes, cholesterol problems, Alzheimer’s

disease, infertility, impotence, asthma, arthritis, liver
and kidney diseases. This also reportedly lowers
blood pressure, strengthens the immune system,
improves energy levels, heals wounds, eliminates
worms, relieves diarrhea and fever, and treats
gonorrhea and herpes.
b. Tiesa Tiesa is a rich source of niacin. A chemical substance
known as Niacinamide is a constituent of niacin that
has been found to be effective in preventing diabetes.
According to animal studies, niacinamide helps in
improving the effectiveness of the oral drugs that are
used in the treatment of diabetes.

c. Mangosteen Mangosteen is used for diarrhea, urinary tract

infections (UTIs), gonorrhea, thrush, tuberculosis,
menstrual disorders, cancer, osteoarthritis, and an
intestinal infection called dysentery. It is also used for
stimulating the immune system and improving mental
health.

B. Local Vegetable:

a. Malunggay Malunggay has medicinal properties for Headache

and Diabetes. It can also normalize blood sugar, thus
helping in the prevention of diabetes. Malunggay has
lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to the
prevention of cancer perhaps one of the most dreaded
killers among diseases.

b. Okra It’s low in calories and has high dietary fiber content.
Recently, a new benefit of including okra in your diet
is being considered.Okra has been suggested to help
manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2, and
gestational diabetes.

c. Saluyot They are rich in vitamin E and also contain vitamin A

and C. All three nutrients are antioxidants that protect
your cells from disease-causing molecules known as
free radicals. The antioxidants in saluyot may sharpen
vision, fight arthritis and improve fertility.
 C. Rootcrops, tubers and starchy food:

a. Yacon The health benefits of yacon include its ability to

regulate blood sugar levels, monitor cholesterol, and
aid in weight loss, among others. Research is also
being done on yacon’s potential to increase insulin
sensitivity in the body, yet another beneficial aspect
for diabetics, or for people at risk of developing the
disease.

b. Sago There is a small amount of potassium found in sago,

which can help address blood pressure concerns.
Potassium functions as a vasodilator, which means it
can relax tension in the blood vessels and open them
up. This, in turn, can reduce blood pressure and lower
the overall strain on the cardiovascular system. Not
only does this starch provide a huge amount of energy
for a workout, but it also contains certain compounds
that can aid in increasing the speed of muscle
recovery. Essentially, a regular consumption of sago
helps muscles work for longer, and fasten their repair
and growth.

c. Sweet Potato Studies have suggested that the antioxidants in the

peel of sweet potatoes in particular, and especially
purple sweet potato, may help reduce this oxidation
process, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. A study
in Asia also found that diets high in vitamin-A rich
vegetables, including sweet potato leaves, may
provide potential protection from lung cancer.
d. Purple yam Like orange sweet potatoes, they are low in
carbohydrates and fat and an excellent source of fiber
and vitamins. Additionally, purple sweet potatoes are
packed with anthocyanins, which may have anti-
inflammatory properties.

D. Rice (Pigmented):

Brown rice or the locally known pinawa, could help

prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes
as shown by some clinical studies. Further said that
health claims on cancer prevention and improved brain
metabolism are also associated with eating sprouted
or germinated brown rice. Pigmented rice such as
Ballatinao, Dinorado, Calatrava, and La Castellana are
also said to be rich in phytonutrients or the chemicals
in plants beneficial to the body. Benefits of
phytonutrients include doses of antioxidants, immune
system boost, and cellular repair.
 E. Local Berries:

a. Duhat It is also used for digestion disorders including gas

(flatulence), bowel spasms, stomach problems, and
severe diarrhea (dysentery). Another use is treatment
of lung problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
Some people use jambolan as an aphrodisiac to
increase interest in sexual activity, and as a tonic.

b. Lipote Studies suggest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,

antibacterial and anti-tumor properties. - Fruit used in
making preserves, jellies, wine, pickles and
beverages. Phytochemical, microbiological and
pharmacological screening of the alcoholic extract
from the bark of lipote (Syzygium polycephaloides)
C.B.

c. Aratiles The aratiles can also be a natural anti-inflammatory

substance that helps in reducing swelling and
inflammation of joints in the body. You can make a tea
out of the fruit. It helps reduces the swelling and
inflammation, and people who live in regions where
this tree is prevalent use it for those purposes by
consuming the tea.
The color of the Aratiles also has its purpose. Its deep
red or purple-colored skin contains the antioxidant
known as Anthrosyanin. This antioxidant is useful in
lessening, or better yet, avoiding uric acid levels to
rise.
d. Bignay Tea made from Bignay acts as a natural colon cleanser.
This tea helps to eradicate unwanted toxins from the
body. It has natural detoxifying properties which assist
to lose weight and supports to look young. It helps to
promote digestion and is also beneficial for colon health.
It eliminates toxins and detoxifies body from unwanted
substances. Consuming Bignay tea daily promotes
colon functions and prevents abnormal colon muscle
contraction that results in bloating and abnormal
cramps.
Bignay is directly associated for promoting overall
health. Liver is one of the most imperative parts of the
body that needs right consideration as well as
treatment. Bignay tea supports to lower levels of SGPT
and SGOT by guarding and reinvigorating liver health.
Consume this tea four times in a day which helps to
prevent liver from diseases.
 F. Herbs and spices:

a. Tanglad Lemongrass has a cooling energy which helps to

soothe your stomach and keeps your digestive
functions in check. It contains a component called
citral that helps to digest food. Therefore, it is mostly
served after dinner. It has been used as an ancient
remedy for all stomach problems in Chinese medicine
like bloating, constipation or indigestion. Lemongrass
is nature’s formula for taming high blood pressure. It is
rich in potassium which increases the production of
urine in our body, which in turn stimulates blood
circulation and lowers blood pressure.

b. Pandan Helps in lowering blood pressure. Drinking a potion of

pandan leaves twice a day helps in lowering
symptoms of high blood pressure such as dizziness
and tiredness.Helps in controlling blood sugar. It
implies that people with diabetes can benefit from
pandan leaf tea extracts. As per a study done by
Chiabchalard & Nooron, extract from Pandanus
amaryllifolius could induce the production of insulin in
rat pancreatic cell. Further research is required to use
it in mainstream medicine. It also acts as a natural
mosquito repellent
c. Ginger Ginger appears to have beneficial effects on the
enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, and to
increase motility through the digestive tract. This
suggests ginger could help prevent colon cancer and
constipation. Other possible uses include reducing
cholesterol, lowering the risk of blood clotting, and
helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. More
research is needed, but if proven, ginger could
become part of a treatment for heart disease and
diabetes.

d. Turmeric Turmeric is commonly used for conditions involving pain

and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis. It is also used
for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of
liver disease, and itching. Some people use turmeric for
heartburn, thinking and memory skills, inflammatory
bowel disease, stress, and many other conditions, but
there no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
 G. Nuts:

Pili Nuts
 Low Carb Benefits.
 Combat Free Radicals.
 Reduce Bad Cholesterol Levels.
 Improve Bone Health.
 Good Source of Vitamin E.
 Excellent Source of Magnesium.
Cashews
Rich in iron, high in magnesium (more than almonds),
and the unsaturated fat is predominantly oleic acid (the
same as in olive oil). Cashews help prevent cancer,
promote a healthy heart and strong bones, and also
are good for your skin and hair (they are rich in
copper).
Peanuts
Technically a legume, highest amount of folates
compared to other nuts; folates are essential for brain
development. Peanuts are also high in Vitamin E.
Peanuts promote a healthy pregnancy because of the
high folates which help reduce the risk of birth defects.
Peanuts also boost memory, help fight depression,
and reduce the risk of heart disease.

H. Seaweeds:

a. Lato Lato contains Iodine and Tyrosine, Which Support

Thyroid Function. Seaweed contains a wide range of
vitamins and minerals, including iodine, iron, and
calcium. Some types can even contain high amounts
of vitamin B12. Moreover, it’s a good source of
omega-3 fats. Seaweed contains a wide range of
antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E,
carotenoids and flavonoids. These antioxidants
protect your body from cell damage.

b. Red Seaweeds Red seaweed such as dulse is high in protein. What's

more, seaweed contains certain compounds not
found in terrestrial food sources, including fucoid an,
a type of carbohydrate that has anticoagulant and
antiviral properties. Numerous studies have linked the
Japanese diet – high in fish, seaweed, soya, fruits
and vegetables – to lower rates of cardiovascular
disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancers in
general.
I. Edible Mushroom

Certain varieties of mushrooms have been shown to

have potential in protecting against cancer by
protecting our cells against DNA damage but also
inhibiting tumour formation. There is also some
evidence that they may be beneficial in the treatment
and management of neurodegenerative disease such
as Alzheimer’s.
Mushrooms have been shown to have some
therapeutic properties that can help to lower
cholesterol, particularly in overweight adults, as well
as phytonutrients that can help prevent cells from
sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque
build-up. This in turn then helps protect the heart by
maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.

References:

Sago: Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides, and Uses: www.healthline.com

www.bbcgoodfood.com

10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin www.healthline.com

Ginger: Health benefits and dietary tips: www.medicalnewstoday.com

10 Health Benefit of Pandan Leaves - Side Effects, Uses: www.instah.com

7 Wonderful Benefits of Lemongrass Tea: The Healing Brew - NDTV Food

food.ndtv.com

Aratiles and Its Health Benefits That You Probably Didn't Know - EV Learners evlearners.com

Bignay Facts and Health Benefits www.healthbenefitstimes.com

Purple Sweet Potato Nutrition | Livestrong.com www.livestrong.com