In connection with the Hypertension Awareness Month celebrated in the month of May, 1062 DXKI-FEBC Radio featured the topic on trans fat in its Talakayan segment that is relevant to this month’s celebration.1062 DXKI-FEBC Radio invited the National Nutrition Council Region XII on further discussion of trans fat and its relation to health. Ms. Gladys Faye Cawayan Combatir from 1062 DXKI-FEBC Radio held a phone interview with PNC Kristine Charl Nadela from National Nutrition Council XII last May 21, 2021 for the discussion of trans fat. The interview was aired live at 8:40 in the morning and the discussion lasted for 30 minutes.
It was discussed in the interview that fat is important for the body, but like all nutrients, it causes negative effects in the body when consumed too much. She emphasized that the key in consumption is moderation. The effect of trans fat in the body was also explained - which increases low density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreases high density lipoprotein (HDL), causing cholesterol buildup in the arteries, and eventually leads to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. She enumerated food sources of trans fat which need to be avoided and food sources of mono- and polyunsaturated fats as healthier fat sources, in moderate amounts.
Ms. Combatir and PNC Nadela also highlighted the need to read and understand the nutrition labels found in prepackaged foods to be informed about the foods’ nutrients, not just trans fat.
Nearing the end of the interview, PNC Nadela reiterated knowing the recommended nutrient intake per day of individuals by checking the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI) of Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) readily available on the internet. With this, as individuals, we would be able to assess if we are consuming too little, too much, or enough of the nutrients needed by our bodies.
PNC Kristine Charl Nadela/OIC Flores