Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

GROWING up in the Philippines, one of Fil-Am Dr. Felcar Morada’s favorite snacks was chicharon. He loved eating the fried pork rinds, but now as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association (AHA) and a practicing physician in Glendale, he knows better.

One of the snack staples of Pinoys, Chicharon is high in fat and sodium, two no-no’s when it comes to eating healthy.

It’s easy to finish a bag of the scrumptious snack without noticing the ramifications it will have on your system.

Filipinos are notoriously bad eaters, said Morada.

He said that it is well-known fact that the largest cause of death in the Filipino community is cardiovascular disease.

According to Morada , a lethal combination of Filipino food and lack of exercise contributes to the rising number of heart disease among Filipinos.

"This is a choice that they make," said Morada. "Meat is the primary staple food in every Filipino dish. It’s always cooked with oil, there’s very little vegetables, very little fruit, and lots of salt."

"Many Filipinos grew up deprived of food in the Philippines but when they live here in the US, food is easily accessible," he added. "They try to satisfy themselves and eat as much as possible like the affluent members of society in the Philippines."

Food choices have long been identified as a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease, according to the AHA.

Some typical Filipino dishes have certain ingredients that can increase these risks.

"Kare-kare, pancit, fried rice are all high in fat," said Morada. "There’s lots of oil in adobo…and chicharon. When we eat lechon, how many peel the skin off first? And under the skin is another layer of fat. It’s like we don’t want to let go of the fatty part of the meat. Let’s face it, it is more palatable but not healthy."

Morada said many Filipinos need to take better care of their health.

Dr. Pouya Bahrami agrees. Bahrami knows all about Filipino food. An internal medicine physician at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, he’s accustomed to Filipino food from the nurses in the hospital and his patients.

"Filipino food is very good, but like everything that is really good, you need to ask why it’s so good," said Bahrami.

He said that Filipinos are also at high risk of having diabetes and obesity.