Did you know that Filipino household members are not getting enough protein? This is based on the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) which is 80 percent of the Recommended Energy and Nutrient lntake (RENI). This was reported by the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research lnstitute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).
Protein is a nutrient needed by the human body for growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues.
While meat, fish, poultry and eggs are excellent sources of high quality protein, these foods may not be affordable to many Filipino households.
Consumption of beans and nuts in any form may therefore be a cheaper but good substitute for the expensive protein sources.
lf you are among the many Filipinos that lack protein in the diet, take advantage of the many types of beans and nuts and the many ways and forms to prepare and eat them:
1. use tokwa and tofu, which come from soybeans or utaw in preparing various ands and in combination with vegetables.
2. try the llonggo dish called KBL, which is made of kadyos, baboy, and langka, uses kadyos in combination with a litfle pork and unripe jackfruit.
3. take the very popular laho which is also made from soybeans along with other products such as soymilk, soy sauce, and others.
4. make snacks from the more popular mungbe an or munggo like buchi, hopia munggo, turon munggo and ginataan munggo.
5. saute mungbean sprouts or togue as viand or as lumpia for snack
6. make delectable sweets from other beans like kidney beans and chick pea or garbanzos.
7. snack on the ever popular fried peanuts.
While these foods are plant-based protein, adults with kidney problems, arthritis or elevated uric acid levels, individuals with allergies to beans, nuts or legumes should limit consumption of these food items and consult their doctor or nutritionist.
Eating any of these dried beans and nuts everyday can add to the daily protein intake of Filipino households that are lacking in this nutrient.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax no.: 837-2934, 837-2071 local 2295; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; FNRI-DOST website: http//www.fnri.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service: Press Release – REGINA M. PAGASPAS)
