Is it safe to drink your favorite local drink “Lambanog”? Drinking coconut lambanog is common in rural areas especially during special occasions, social gatherings, and other events. Coconut wine or Lambanog is a natural and chemical-free alcoholic liquor obtained from distillation of naturally fermented coconut sap. It is high in alcohol content and potency. It contains a minimum of 30% alcohol and can be used as base liquor to other flavored spirits and cocktail concoctions. This local drink is classified into pure and flavored coconut lambanog. Pure Lambanog is unmodified, clear, and colorless commonly found in local stores while the Flavored Lambanog is added with fresh fruits or FDA-approved food colors and flavors fitted for more adventurous drinkers.
According to the Department of Health Secretary Dr. Francisco T. Duque, III, Methanol is a naturally occurring by-product during the distilling process of alcoholic beverages and is present in low amounts, however, it should be removed after fermentation. Methanol is toxic, and high amounts of ingestion can lead to serious adverse effects such as blindness, permanent neurologic dysfunction, or death.
The levels found in the lambanog samples were found to exceed the safety levels of 0.5%. Sec. Duque said that according to FDA, ingestion of 30mL [of methanol] is considered to be potentially fatal. Absorption through the skin or inhalation of the vapor may also lead to toxic effects. This is due to methanol being converted into formaldehyde and formic acid in the liver and kidneys. Further, he said that Lambanog poisoning is caused by residual methanol, which in high levels becomes highly toxic for humans.
But, there are also many potential health benefits of Lambanog:
1. Helpful for eye health
Lambanog is thought to be good for the health of your eyes and may be useful in improving the quality of your eyesight. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which is also abundantly found in other vegetables and fruits. It also contains vitamin B1 which is extremely helpful in improving your vision and eye health. Moderate Lambanog drinkers have lesser chances of getting cataracts than those who do not drink it or those who drink beer.
2. Promotes heart health
If you drink Lambanog in moderation, it can be actually helpful in promoting your heart health and reducing the risk of developing any cardiovascular diseases. So, if you drink this wine on a regular basis, you may significantly reduce the risk of having heart failure but has to be in moderation. This wine contains potassium which is also good for the health of your heart and is also helpful in reducing your blood pressure levels. However, drinking it in excessive amounts can have adverse effects on your health as it can destroy your liver. It has been found that people suffering from high blood pressure are less likely to have a heart attack if they consume Lambanog on a regular basis but in certain amounts. Likewise, it contains tannins that are rich in procyanidins. These compounds are good for your blood vessels and provide protection against heart disease.
3. Helps in fighting against cancer
Lambanog has also been found to contain riboflavin or vitamin B2 which is a strong antioxidant helpful in fighting against free radicals. As a consequence, drinking it in moderation can also be useful in fighting against cancer. Those who drink Lambanog have 45% fewer chances of developing colon cancer as well.
4. Good for your nail, skin, and hair health
Lambanog is also helpful in maintaining the health of your nails, skin, and hair. It has vitamin B complex, along with iron, which are needed nutrients for the health of your nails and skin. Iron is an essential mineral required for the growth, development, and proper functioning of your body cells. Due to the same property, this wine also promotes healing of wounds, repair of tissues, and promotes healthy cell growth.
5. Stimulates breast milk production
Being a natural healer helps new mothers to heal quickly and properly, and it also helps them in the production of their breast milk. It stimulates breast milk production in new mothers so that they can nurse their babies better.
6. Prevents the development of type 2 diabetes
Those who moderately drink Lambanog most likely are less to develop type 2 diabetes in the long run. They may also lower the risk of having a stroke, especially a blood clot-related one.
7. Good for brain health
Lambanog drinkers have better brain health, and their brain functioning does not decline with age. Those who drink it are said to have better memory and concentration powers, and they are less likely to suffer from stress, depression, mood disorders, and other neurological issues. People who have easy accessibility to Lambanog are more likely to live longer with a better and healthier brain condition than people in other parts of the world.
As Lambanog has been found to have numerous health benefits, we need to also consider that it may also harm us if we tend to abuse its benefits by drinking too much. Remember, although this has been found good to be drunk on a regular basis, we need to also put in mind that anything in excess poses a threat not just to our health but also to our safety. As it has always been said… “Drink moderately!”
NO I Zhalimar A. Jakaria-Patulada, RND
References:
Methanol-spiked coconut liquor causes mass poisoning in the Philippines
https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/01/13/Methanol-spiked-coconut-liquor-causes-mass-poisoning-in-Philippines
Health Benefits of Lambanog
https://health.onehowto.com/article/health-benefits-of-lambanog-12370.html
