Book Description
Anyone who's been to the Philippines knows how much Filipinos love to eat. Food is more than just physical nourishment. It is a huge part of culture, community, and celebration that they very much enjoy sharing with anyone willing to partake. Many Filipinos don't get the required nutrients the body needs because they are not eating enough fruits and vegetables, according to a study. A 2013 study of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed that the typical Filipino diet is composed of rice, fish and vegetables-with rice taking up the largest portion in the plate. Despite the consumption of vegetables, the study found that it is meager and does not meet the recommended half-plate of fruits and vegetables per meal or at least five to nine servings daily. Fruits and vegetables are important in the daily food consumption of every individual as they contain a variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. The said nutrients are responsible in keeping the body healthy and preventing diseases. Filipino food (known locally as "native" food and abroad sometimes as pinoy cooking) is somewhat similar to Indonesian and Malaysian food but often has a distinctive sour taste. Chinese- and Spanish- influenced food are featured most prominently during holidays and feasts. Native Filipino food is peasant rural food of farmers and fishermen. Filipinos' food expert Doreen Fernandez told Newsweek, "We have the least spicy except in one or two provinces. The big colonial mixture has diluted our cuisine."
