Tacloban City (Leo Christian V. Lauzon) – As we launched our Sustainable Nutrition Program of JCI Candahug Liberation which coincides with the month-long celebration of Nutrition Month last July 14, 2019 in Tacloban City, I am reminded of the gains that we have in ensuring the first 1,000 days of babies in the Philippines. However, the challenge is not to stop from the first 1,000 days of a baby. It should follow with developing a healthy eating habit of our children which does not necessitate of spending a considerable amount of money to buy healthy and nutritious food. Growing and cultivating food in our own backyard is an option we could always choose.
The Sustainable Nutrition Program of JCI Candahug Liberation is a six month program which aims to provide a sustainable nutrition program in pilot communities through the following interventions:
1. Capacity-building for backyard gardening and Gulayan Sa Paaralan
2. Healthy and nutritious food preparation and preservation
3. Promotion of Pinggang Pinoy
4. Advocacy on Folic Acid Supplementation
5. Awareness raising campaign on Newborn Screening and Rare Diseases
When we raise healthy children, they can have healthy families when they grow up. Because healthy babies start with healthy parents. Folic Acid or Folate, otherwise known as Vitamin B9 is essential during pregnancy, but even without a baby on board it's an important nutrient. The average adult needs 400 micrograms daily in order to maintain energy, muscle strength, and concentration. And while many get it through a supplement when they're expecting, Folic Acid is also found in foods.
The following are foods rich in Folate:
AVOCADOS
If you simply want to slice up a food and go, then avocado is a smart choice. This fruit contains 59 micrograms of folic acid in a half-cup serving (that's about 1/2 of a large avocado).
BANANAS
This fruit is especially high in folate and can easily help you meet your daily needs when paired with a few other folate-rich foods. A medium banana can supply 23.6 mcg of folate, or 6% of the RDI. Bananas are high in other nutrients as well, including Potassium, Vitamin B6 and Manganese. Bananas are one of the fruits that are readily available and affordable in the Philippines.
EGGS
Eggs are a serious nutrient powerhouse, so it's no surprise that they're a solid source of folic acid at 22 micrograms per egg.
PEANUTS
While you likely don’t need an excuse to eat more peanuts, these are a delicious source of Folate, providing roughly 175 mcg per half cup. Not a fan of peanuts? Almost all nuts contain some Folic Acid, including hazelnuts (65 mcg), almonds (31 mcg) and walnuts (49 mcg) for the same 1/2 cup.
VEGETABLES
Vegetables that are rich in Folic Acid are Malunggay, Squash, Okra, Sitaw, and Alugbati.
In this advocacy, it is important to build connections to create a network of young active citizens who are champions for health - preconception health and reproductive health. We are grateful to National Nutrition Council VIII, ABS-CBN MOR 94.3, Unilab Foundation, Nestle, and Tingog Party List for the generous assistance and for those who helped make this event possible.We commit to make this program more viable and sustainable. Let us not leave no one behind...push natin 'to! ###
