• About
  • Contact Us
The Filipino American Post
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • PH News
    • World News
    Senate presidency shaping up as a 3-way race among Escudero, Sotto & Marcos

    Senate presidency shaping up as a 3-way race among Escudero, Sotto & Marcos

    Go or no go? Impeachment vs. VP Sara hangs in the balance

    Go or no go? Impeachment vs. VP Sara hangs in the balance

    Marcos Cabinet shakeup has few surprises

    Marcos Cabinet shakeup has few surprises

    Ex-solon sent back to PH by East Timor to face raps

    Ex-solon sent back to PH by East Timor to face raps

    Lawyers debate after Court of Appeals invalidates De Lima’s acquittal

    Palace asks Roque to return after arrest warrant is issued

  • Community
  • EVENTS
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Column
    • Legal
    NaFFAA Honors Pope Francis a.k.a. Lolo Kiko

    NaFFAA Honors Pope Francis a.k.a. Lolo Kiko

    In this column, we will aim to raise awareness about osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis, with a special focus on older women in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

    In this column, we will aim to raise awareness about osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis, with a special focus on older women in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

    Berberine for diabetes

    The two important Medicare enrollment period will end on Mach 31, 2025. Additionally, be sure not to miss the application open period for home energy assistance.

    The two important Medicare enrollment period will end on Mach 31, 2025. Additionally, be sure not to miss the application open period for home energy assistance.

    Pinapalakas ng California ang Bayad na Mga Benepisyo sa Pag-iwan ng Pamilya at Kapansanan upang Magtala ng Mga Antas para sa Mga Bagong Claim na Naihain noong 2025

    Pinapalakas ng California ang Bayad na Mga Benepisyo sa Pag-iwan ng Pamilya at Kapansanan upang Magtala ng Mga Antas para sa Mga Bagong Claim na Naihain noong 2025

    In recent years, rising inflation has made it harder for many seniors to pay their expenses. This month, we’ll look at programs that can help with the cost of groceries and health care. If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for assistance from federal and/or state programs.

    In recent years, rising inflation has made it harder for many seniors to pay their expenses. This month, we’ll look at programs that can help with the cost of groceries and health care. If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for assistance from federal and/or state programs.

    Vital medical tips

    Ginagalang ng California ang Kapangyarihan ng Iyong Boto

    Ginagalang ng California ang Kapangyarihan ng Iyong Boto

    De-stressing

  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Arts & Culture
    • Business
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
    It’s a new day for health care and technology

    It’s a new day for health care and technology

    The Colorful Pahiyas Festival

    The Colorful Pahiyas Festival

    The Magical Guyabano

    The Magical Guyabano

    What Your Moles Say About You

    What Your Moles Say About You

    Flores De Mayo: HONORING MAMA MARY

    Flores De Mayo: HONORING MAMA MARY

  • Online Newspaper
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • PH News
    • World News
    Senate presidency shaping up as a 3-way race among Escudero, Sotto & Marcos

    Senate presidency shaping up as a 3-way race among Escudero, Sotto & Marcos

    Go or no go? Impeachment vs. VP Sara hangs in the balance

    Go or no go? Impeachment vs. VP Sara hangs in the balance

    Marcos Cabinet shakeup has few surprises

    Marcos Cabinet shakeup has few surprises

    Ex-solon sent back to PH by East Timor to face raps

    Ex-solon sent back to PH by East Timor to face raps

    Lawyers debate after Court of Appeals invalidates De Lima’s acquittal

    Palace asks Roque to return after arrest warrant is issued

  • Community
  • EVENTS
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Column
    • Legal
    NaFFAA Honors Pope Francis a.k.a. Lolo Kiko

    NaFFAA Honors Pope Francis a.k.a. Lolo Kiko

    In this column, we will aim to raise awareness about osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis, with a special focus on older women in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

    In this column, we will aim to raise awareness about osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of early screening and timely diagnosis, with a special focus on older women in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

    Berberine for diabetes

    The two important Medicare enrollment period will end on Mach 31, 2025. Additionally, be sure not to miss the application open period for home energy assistance.

    The two important Medicare enrollment period will end on Mach 31, 2025. Additionally, be sure not to miss the application open period for home energy assistance.

    Pinapalakas ng California ang Bayad na Mga Benepisyo sa Pag-iwan ng Pamilya at Kapansanan upang Magtala ng Mga Antas para sa Mga Bagong Claim na Naihain noong 2025

    Pinapalakas ng California ang Bayad na Mga Benepisyo sa Pag-iwan ng Pamilya at Kapansanan upang Magtala ng Mga Antas para sa Mga Bagong Claim na Naihain noong 2025

    In recent years, rising inflation has made it harder for many seniors to pay their expenses. This month, we’ll look at programs that can help with the cost of groceries and health care. If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for assistance from federal and/or state programs.

    In recent years, rising inflation has made it harder for many seniors to pay their expenses. This month, we’ll look at programs that can help with the cost of groceries and health care. If your income and resources are limited, you may qualify for assistance from federal and/or state programs.

    Vital medical tips

    Ginagalang ng California ang Kapangyarihan ng Iyong Boto

    Ginagalang ng California ang Kapangyarihan ng Iyong Boto

    De-stressing

  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Arts & Culture
    • Business
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
    It’s a new day for health care and technology

    It’s a new day for health care and technology

    The Colorful Pahiyas Festival

    The Colorful Pahiyas Festival

    The Magical Guyabano

    The Magical Guyabano

    What Your Moles Say About You

    What Your Moles Say About You

    Flores De Mayo: HONORING MAMA MARY

    Flores De Mayo: HONORING MAMA MARY

  • Online Newspaper
No Result
View All Result
The Filipino American Post
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle Health

Eating

by Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
April 25, 2024
in Health, Lifestyle
0
Eating

Photo by Helena Lopes

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

I am writing this week’s column aboard the Icon of the Seas of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the largest cruise ship, where food is massively abundant, and where the temptation to eat almost every two hours is great. Genuine medical information about food is sometimes lost and fake news and other mis-and disinformation abound in social media. What a waste of a wonderful valuable technological advance in communication! Today, we shall correct some of the erroneous data about food and diet.

1. Eating out is healthier 

Unless you are a lousy cook or have poor choice of food items, home cooked food items could certainly be a lot healthier than restaurant food. The quality and quality of are under your total control.

2. Fasting is good

Occasional fasting, within reason, is fine, but eating small portioned quantity more than the usual 3 times a day, even up to 8 times a day, can be healthier as far as having a more even keel in blood glucose level (less fluctuation), so long as you eat within your normal total calories a day. Dividing the total calorie intake into several times a day is healthier than fasting or missing a meal or two a day. The less blood glucose fluctuation the better.

3. Eating healthy is costly

This is false. If one eats less red meat, which is healthier (it even lowers your risk of getting cardiovascular disease and cancer), the grocery bills would be leaner. Some frozen food items are cheaper than fresh ones. Eating fish and vegetables, combined with regular physical exercise, could even make one look and feel younger, and improve longevity.

4. Fat-free and low-fat are healthy

Low-fat and fat-free diets were popular in the 80s and 90s, but fat protects our organs, absorb essential vitamins, support our cell membrane and promote growth and development. Not all fats are the same. Saturated and trans fats in fatty red meats and high-fat dairy products are unhealthy. Unsaturated fats from olive and canola oil, avocados, nuts, provide healthy fats.

5. All big fishes are safe to consume

Big fishes, like albacore tuna, shark, orange roughie, southern bluefin tuna, ray, swordfish, barramundi, marlin, king mackerel, and gemfish have high mercury contents. Regular mackerel, salmon, canned yellowfin and regular small tuna, are safe. Unlike eating red meats that increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, consuming fish 5 or more times a week, helps boost the immune system, improves brain health, prevents blood clots, and reduces the risk for heart attack, stroke and cancer.

6. Unrefined sugars are healthier

A popular myth is that unrefined sugar, like raw sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, provides lesser calories. All sugars, except artificial sweeteners, are sugars, carbohydrates, with high calories and fattening. The calories from consuming unrefined sugars should be counted accordingly, especially among diabetics or those trying to lose weight.

7. Processed foods are safe

While it is commonplace to see people all around us eat processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, sausages, processed veggies, etc., they increase the risk for the development of cancers, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, including pancreas and the colon. The risk is greater with meats grilled at high temperature, with burnt edges or surfaces. Eat fresh. They are healthier.

8. Detox pills are necessary

False! These pills or bowel cleaners (irrigation, enemas) could be dangerous to health. The best detox items are foods like vegetables, fish, nuts, fruits, which are all antioxidants and detoxifying agents via our liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, our natural detoxifying organs, day in and day out, 24/7, cleansing our body of toxins and poisons. Eat a healthy diet, avoid processed foods and minimize fast food, drink a lot of water (not poisonous soft drinks) and exercise daily to rejuvenate yourself. 

9. Drinking water after 8 PM is good

Not for seniors or anyone who do not want to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Even those in their 80s and 90s could avoid or minimize getting up at 2 or 3 AM to empty their bladder if they refrain from drinking after 8 PM. During the daytime, it is a good idea to drink a lot of water, at least 8 glasses a day, to flush our kidneys, keep these “filters”  healthy, and get rid of toxic waste through urination.

10. Soft drinks are better than water

Although soft drinks may contain minerals, they are all (cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeine-free or not) toxic to the body of adults, and more so to children. The phosphoric acid in them is only one scary chemical, which many use to clean car carburetors or flush a blocked toilet or kitchen drain. All soft drinks increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. They are indeed poison.

11.  TV food ads are vetted

Not true.  There is no government oversight that screens the ads on TV or other media. There are many claims about products that are not true. Unfortunately, manufacturers and vendors get away with them and ignorant consumers are the victims, and the perpetrators get richer in this trillion dollar food industry. Caveat emptor (buyers beware)!

12. All veggies are good

In general, yes, they are super-foods, but not for people with arthritis, who should stay away from nightshade vegetables (Solanaceae), which include eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, bell and cayenne peppers, paprika, etc. They contain toxic alkaloids that aggravate arthritis (neck, spine, hips, knees, etc.)  Broccoli, kale, celery, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, turnips, beets, bell peppers are the choice veggies for the general population.

Evidence-based scientific data show that eating red meat more than once a week is associated with higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and a shorter longevity. 

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com   Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

TFC’s Anniversary Anthem, “Always at Home with You,” Celebrates Three Decades of Filipino Resilience

Next Post

SF Climate Week’s 2024 Sustainable Fashion Exhibition to Showcase Renowned Elegant and Environmentally-Friendly Designs

Related Posts

It’s a new day for health care and technology
Health

It’s a new day for health care and technology

June 6, 2025
The Colorful Pahiyas Festival
Arts & Culture

The Colorful Pahiyas Festival

May 19, 2025
The Magical Guyabano
Food

The Magical Guyabano

May 19, 2025
Next Post
SF Climate Week’s 2024 Sustainable Fashion Exhibition to Showcase Renowned Elegant and Environmentally-Friendly Designs

SF Climate Week’s 2024 Sustainable Fashion Exhibition to Showcase Renowned Elegant and Environmentally-Friendly Designs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Recent News

Senate presidency shaping up as a 3-way race among Escudero, Sotto & Marcos
News

Senate presidency shaping up as a 3-way race among Escudero, Sotto & Marcos

by Beting Lagyo Dolor
June 6, 2025
0

With the next Congress set to start soon, all eyes will be on the Senate which will convene as an...

Go or no go? Impeachment vs. VP Sara hangs in the balance

Go or no go? Impeachment vs. VP Sara hangs in the balance

June 6, 2025
Marcos Cabinet shakeup has few surprises

Marcos Cabinet shakeup has few surprises

June 6, 2025
Ex-solon sent back to PH by East Timor to face raps

Ex-solon sent back to PH by East Timor to face raps

June 6, 2025
What happens if you help an undocumented immigrant?

Despite higher Covid risk, pregnant women are now ineligible for vaccine

June 6, 2025
The Filipino American Post

© 2025
THE FILIPINO AMERICAN POST

Navigate Site

  • About
  • Contact Us

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • PH News
    • World News
  • COMMUNITY
  • EVENTS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • SPORTS
  • OPINION
  • LIFESTYLE
    • Business
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Arts & Culture
  • ONLINE NEWSPAPER

© 2025
THE FILIPINO AMERICAN POST