(Foreword: This is the continuation of our reply to Michael T. regarding his concern on diets that could lead to heart disease)
DEAR Michael T.,
Now, let’s get to our final thoughts on this matter.
In the United States, studies have shown that low intake of healthy foods such as nuts, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits combined with higher intake of unhealthy dietary components such as salt and trans fat, are major contributors to deaths from cardiovascular disease. And based on the same study, nearly half of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease in that part of the globe can certainly be prevented by improving the diet.
However, I cannot relate it here because I can’t find any studies in the Philippines that are related to diet and heart disease.
I don’t have any choice than to depend right now on the statistics I have at hand. So, based on the United States stat in 2015, 415,000 people died from cardiovascular disease alone. However, it is so worthy to note that around 200,000 lives are saved annually just by eating more nuts, seeds, vegetables and whole grains while eating less salt-laden food.
This only means that you don’t have to keep on searching elsewhere in the world for some miracle cure to cardiovascular disease, because it’s likely that they’re just sitting right in front of you in your table. You just have to know what food to choose. Choose what is best for your heart. Choose less salt. Eat nuts, seeds, veggies and whole grains.
I can hear some people complaining about these kinds of foods. I can hear you, too. I am sure that a lot of you don’t like these foods and would even make some faces just thinking about these foods I am laying down before you right now.
But, this is just for you and for the people you love. Don’t complain if you will not be able to eat your ever favorite Humba and Pochero anymore because you have eaten them in the past, anyway. You have savored them well before. Now, it’s time for you to treat your body well.
But, if you would really want some of your Humba, be sure to get the lean portion and limit yourself to have only a matchbox size of it - and that’s just it and nothing more.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o VoxPop-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)
