Vitamin C and the Immune System

Image via Wikipedia

By Juvy S. Iliwiliw


       "Food for the Family" page written by Aida Cerdenola-Alarcon impresses me much and I would also like you to be impressed with me. She talks about not just good food but good health as well.

       The immune system is the body's best defense against foreign invaders including viruses, bacteria and fungi. In general, good health depends on a strong immune system because everything-from speed and deterioration of aging to the recovery from any disease-relies upon the efficiency of this system.

       The Good Acid
       Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is water soluble. It functions as an antioxidant that lessens the harsh effects of harmful chemicals in the body.
        Here are some other benefits of Vitamin C.

        1. It synthesizes collagen. A weak collagen allows bacteria and toxins to infiltrate the body.
        2. It enhances the body's physical and immune system defenses against infections.
        3. It increases the body's production of glutathione, an antioxidant that stimulates the immune system and
            and detoxifies bacterial waste products.
        4. It increases interferon levels and antiviral substances produced in the body, increasing antibody levels
            in the bloodstream and boosting the activity of the thymus gland. Mega Vitamin C therapy is used in
            treatment of AIDS, cancer and other diseases in which boosting the immune system function is of
            primary importance.
        5. It increases the immunity and T cell activities in elderly people.
        6. It is vital to white blood cells in destroying invading viruses and bacteria.
            If infection is present, infusion of vitamin C shortens the duration and severity of an infection.
        7. Regular intake of Vitamin C contributes to the development of healthy bones to prevent
            periodontal diseases.
        8. Eating Vitamin C-rich fruits and fresh vegetables substantiates the depleted vitamin C caused by
            stress or infection.


CARROT-MANGO-LIME JUICE


You will need:


2      pieces carrots
1      piece ripe mango
1/2   cup lime juice
4      cups water
        Sugar as needed

Here's how:


1. Peel carrots, then chop and puree.
2. Add the mango flesh and lime juice.
3. Blend.
4. Add water.
5. Add sugar according to taste.
6. Serve cold.

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Filipino Cooking

Image via Wikipedia

By Juvy S. Iliwiliw


            Here is what Miriam Razon-Estrada, the chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of the Adventist University of the Philippines has to say with Lutong Pinoy or the so-called Filipino way of cooking.

            Surely, there is no place like home. And one of the things we miss whenever we leave home is the home-cooked food. Filipinos who now reside in other countries surely miss Filipino cooking.
            Filipino foods have numerous indigenous and foreign influences. They can be characterized as a fascinating blend of Spanish, Malay, Arab and Chinese cuisine. Spanish-inspired dishes are paella, caldereta, and morcon. Chinese influence is evident in such dishes as pancit canton, lumpiang Shanghai and hopia.
            The regions in our country have their culinary specialties. But the indigenous coconut cookery is the most common and popular.
            Coconuts are used generously in Filipino cuisine. Coconut dishes originated from the Malay culture. Filipinos are fortunate because fresh coconut milk come cheap, the Philippines being the world's second largest producer of coconut products.
            All food groups can be cooked in coconut milk - meat, fish, poultry, root crops, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Coconut milk is also great for mouth-watery desserts like biko, suman, and bibingka. With the demand of coconut-based dishes, manufacturers have made them available in cans like the "Bicol express," sardines gata, and tuna in coconut milk.
            Coconut is rich in fat. Fat is concentrated source of energy, giving 9 kilocalories per gram. Of all the nutrients, fats may have the worst reputation, but like carbohydrates and proteins, they are indispensable in the diet. It is generally recommended that 20-30 percent of the total energy allowance should come from fats.


ENSALADANG LANGKA


You will need:


1/4     kilo  young langka meat, cubed
1        medium onion, chopped
3        medium tomatoes, diced
1        tablespoon calamansi juice
1/3     cup coconut cream
          Green onions, chopped
          Salt to taste

Here's how:


1. Boil langka until tender.
2. Drain water and slice langka meat thinly.
3. Add onion, tomatoes, calamansi juice, salt and coconut cream.
4. Toss.
5. Garnish with green onions.

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