It has been discovered that admissions due to upper respiratory tract infections have increased by 25% to 30%, with children and senior citizens being the most affected.
The number of cases of holiday heart syndrome, often linked to poor diet and lifestyle choices, is also on the rise.
In the latest Heart-to-Heart Talk by the Philippine Heart Association, Dr. Luigi Segundo, PHA Director, emphasized that food prepared for Christmas and New Year should ideally be health-boosting, not disease-inducing.
"Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart ailments, stroke, and hypertension, peak during the holidays," according to Segundo, a cardiologist and electrophysiologist. "We're not stopping anyone from celebrating, but we encourage moderation and infusing traditional Christmas meals with healthier options. Take it easy."
In collaboration with Chef Margarita Fores, recognized as Asia's Best Female Chef by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in 2016, she demonstrated the preparation of healthy meals in a social media episode of Heart-to-Heart Talk.
"Italian cooking is naturally healthy because it doesn't alter the form or shape of ingredients too much. It's the perfect approach to highlight heart-healthy meals," said Fores, adding that simple cooking methods and the addition of fresh ingredients and herbs can enhance not only the taste of food but also the overall health of people.
Fores showed how to cook pasta using fresh organic vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow and red bell peppers, basil, moringa leaves, and smoked white cheese.
Dr. Segundo mentioned that adding olive oil to the pasta dish can significantly benefit health because it contains polyunsaturated fats. However, Chef Fores warned that it should not be heated for too long, as it could become carcinogenic when overheated.
She also suggested that olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes could be used as substitutes for salt in pasta dishes due to their umami flavor.
(Screenshots from the Philippine Heart Association video)
