“The greatest wealth is health,” wrote ancient Roman poet Virgil.
The formula of a well-balanced diet, managing stress levels, getting more than eight hours of sleep and exercising at least 30 minutes a day has long been thought of as the key of health. Additionally, “wellness” has been a buzzword to encompass a more holistic approach on healthy living, as it means being active in making choices toward a more successful existence.
The National Wellness Institute has identified six dimensions through which wellness can be measured: occupational (satisfaction and enrichment in one’s life through work); physical (regular physical activity); intellectual (creativity and mental stimulation); social (contributing to one’s environment and community); spiritual (searching for meaning and purpose); emotional (awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings)
With the fast paced environment we live in, however, this idea of balance seems impossible to achieve, and can affect how we function on a daily basis.
Health beliefs in Filipino culture
In Filipino culture, there is also a principle of health as balance (or Timbang), while stress and illnesses are results of imbalances. This sense of order in health is linked with social relationships.
Among the Filipino health perceptions, according to Stanford University research, are:
• rapid shifts from hot to cold temperatures lead to illness
• a “warm” environment is best for optimal health
• cold drinks or food should not be consumed in the morning
• emotional restraint restores balance
Research has pointed out some Filipino theories of what contributes to illness: mystical (ancestral retribution for unfinished tasks), personalistic (punishment from supernatural forces), and naturalistic (natural forces or stress) causes.
For the Filipino-American community, health-related matters like chronic illnesses, remain subjects that are not widely spoken about, despite Filipinos being well-represented in the medicine and nursing fields.
Studies over the years have shown that Filipino Americans have a higher prevalence of certain illnesses like heart disease and cancer, compared to other Asian American groups. Heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality among Filipino Americans, as risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to the Filipino American Community Health Initiative in Chicago.
Further, a 2008 Centers for Disease Control study found that “although the prevalence of obesity is low within the adult Asian population, Filipino adults (14 percent) were more than twice as likely to be obese as Asian Indian (6 percent), Vietnamese (5 percent), or Chinese adults (4 percent).”
These days, trends emerge left and right to help attain society’s notion of a ‘healthy’ lifestyle — from wearable technology, fitness classes, fad diets and “superfoods,” you name it. Something is always being marketed as the ‘next big thing’ in health and wellness.
In this supplement issue, the Asian Journal takes a look at some health and wellness trends to help bring a more modern twist to the idea of ‘balance’.
Food trends
White rice is a staple of Filipino cuisine, but the negative health effects and minimal nutritional value of the refined grain have been promoted intensively. Instead, nutritionists push other grains to pack in servings of protein and fiber. Since it’s a whole grain, brown rice contains more nutrients and is shown to reduce high cholesterol and sugar levels. Black rice, which is also grown in the Philippines, is high in antioxidants (even more than ace berries or blueberries) and contains less sugar. Quinoa, a grain-like seed, is touted for its high protein, iron and calcium content. For a more creative alternative, cauliflower ‘rice’ is a dense in nutrients and feels like you’re eating rice, without the carbs. Plus, cauliflower helps prevent cancer, detox the body of toxins and promotes anti-inflammation.
Bone broth is another trend we’ve seen this year. There’s even a take-out window in New York that only serves the broths in coffee cups. The broth is usually made from beef or chicken marrow bones and boiled together with water, vinegar, spices and vegetables. Does it sounds familiar? In Filipino cuisine, bone broth is the base of many dishes, like sinigang, bulalo, tinola, and more.
Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley, UK-based writers of www.hemsleyandhemsley.com, shared with the Guardian that they grew up drinking bone broth prepared by their Filipino mother. “It’s delicious, soothing and easy to make. Nutritionally, it’s a champion all-rounder, pakced with protein, vitamins, minerals, collagen and keratin,” the sisters said.
The list of benefits include: healing your gut (as the gelatin helps seal up holes in intestines and can cure conditions like constipation and some food intolerances); protecting your joints because of the glucosamine content in the brother; maintaining a youthful look thanks to the collagen content, leaving skin, hair and nails looking radiant; increased energy.
Group classes
You might have noticed new exercise places sprouting up, which have gone beyond the traditional look and feel of a gym. Those who are fitness-minded are willing to spend money on classes, like indoor cycling, barre, or Crossfit, to make exercise more fun and interesting.
Meditation
The practice of meditation has long been observed, but lately, it’s gaining more attention as individuals — even businesspeople and celebrities — have incorporated it into their lives. Though there’s no optimal length of time (meditation can last for a few minutes or hours), devotees can attest to the results it can yield. On a physical level, meditation is said to lower high blood pressure, levels of blood lactate and any tension-related pain, increases serotonin production to improve mood and energy levels. Letting go of one’s worries and obligations for a short period of time does wonders for the mind, stabilizing emotions, increasing happiness, creativity and mental clarity.
For beginners, all you need is at least 10 minutes in a quiet place, as you close your eyes and bring your attention to your breathing. The difficult part may be to not overthink the process; simply bring your attention back to the moment if it wanders off.
Fitness technology
With modern reliance on technology, it’s no surprise to see people using devices to track every little detail in their lives, like how many calories they consume or number of steps taken each day. Fitness bands and smartwatches have sensors to monitor heart rate, steps, calories burned, and more.
Having a smartphone has also made it somewhat easier to get in a workout. There are apps that can be downloaded to guide you in daily workouts — it’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket.
Do you have your own health & wellness tips? Send us your ideas to [email protected].
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