In the Philippines, finding food in most areas has never been a true issue due to the diverse geography of the area and large waters. There are three seasons in the Philippines: a rainy monsoon season, which is followed by moderate temperatures, and finally a season of dry conditions. The rainy monsoon season begins in May or June and ends in October. Although this monsoon season can be damaging, it is necessary in order to grow crops such as rice. Next, the moderate temperatures last until late February and are actually quite enjoyable to Filipinos. Then the dry conditions take over until May, which bring along high thermometer readings (Rodell 5). Naturally having a tropical climate, the Philippines average a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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The hot-cold theory of diet and health is meant to bring balance and harmony on themselves and the environment. This need for balance is one reason that Filipino foods contain so many ingredients. Hot is associated with strength and cold is associated with weakness. Hot foods don’t necessarily need to be physically hot, but foods are characterized by hot and cold based on their essential qualities or their effect on the body. Depending on the region, hot and cold foods may vary. However, hot foods generally consist of alcoholic beverages, legumes, chili peppers, avocados, coconuts, fatty meats, nuts, and spices. While cold foods generally consist of milk, dairy foods, vegetables, inexpensive or lean meats, tropical fruits, eggs, and fish (Food and Culture 369). In the Philippines, these hot and cold foods are used to treat some illnesses. For example, fevers would be considered hot, and chills and colds are considered cold. Hot and cold foods are used to treat illnesses of the opposite category. There are also certain herbal remedies such as ampalaya, bawang, ulasaming bato, and sambong, which have been approved and are considered effective and safe by The Department of Health in the Philippines. Ampalaya is a side dish or a juice of bitter melon that helps with diabetes, and bawang is garlic that reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. Ulasaming bato is pepperomia which is …show more content…
It is clear through research that the Philippines do not live the healthiest lifestyles. With all the fried foods, large meal portions, and desert consumed after most dinners, it is clear that obesity could be an issue. During a study done by Sun Life Asia, research was conducted on 8 main markets in Asia Pacific. Through this research it was discovered that Filipinos ranked the highest in unhealthy eating habits, they slept the longest, and also 56% of them admitted to not exercising regularly. However, when obesity rates were measured for these 8 markets in Asia Pacific, the Philippines ranked in below the regional average. Through these results, it seems like obesity is not an issue as of now, but it is still important to maintain a healthy
The hot-cold theory of diet and health is meant to bring balance and harmony on themselves and the environment. This need for balance is one reason that Filipino foods contain so many ingredients. Hot is associated with strength and cold is associated with weakness. Hot foods don’t necessarily need to be physically hot, but foods are characterized by hot and cold based on their essential qualities or their effect on the body. Depending on the region, hot and cold foods may vary. However, hot foods generally consist of alcoholic beverages, legumes, chili peppers, avocados, coconuts, fatty meats, nuts, and spices. While cold foods generally consist of milk, dairy foods, vegetables, inexpensive or lean meats, tropical fruits, eggs, and fish (Food and Culture 369). In the Philippines, these hot and cold foods are used to treat some illnesses. For example, fevers would be considered hot, and chills and colds are considered cold. Hot and cold foods are used to treat illnesses of the opposite category. There are also certain herbal remedies such as ampalaya, bawang, ulasaming bato, and sambong, which have been approved and are considered effective and safe by The Department of Health in the Philippines. Ampalaya is a side dish or a juice of bitter melon that helps with diabetes, and bawang is garlic that reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. Ulasaming bato is pepperomia which is …show more content…
It is clear through research that the Philippines do not live the healthiest lifestyles. With all the fried foods, large meal portions, and desert consumed after most dinners, it is clear that obesity could be an issue. During a study done by Sun Life Asia, research was conducted on 8 main markets in Asia Pacific. Through this research it was discovered that Filipinos ranked the highest in unhealthy eating habits, they slept the longest, and also 56% of them admitted to not exercising regularly. However, when obesity rates were measured for these 8 markets in Asia Pacific, the Philippines ranked in below the regional average. Through these results, it seems like obesity is not an issue as of now, but it is still important to maintain a healthy