The Six Best of The Philippine Wet Market!

If you stay in the Philippines long enough, you will see that there are six dominant veggies and fruits, in combination, that fill the peoples' dishes and mouths during snacking or dinner. They are at easy reach and quite inexpensive, being easily found in every wet market or grocery nearby. Here are the "six best" fruits and veggies of the Philippines; the best of what this Country has to offer in a widespread, affectionate and easy manner.

(1) Buko

Buko is typically used for urinary tract infection, as this is a common mishap in younger people in the Philippines, especially in children and teens. Buko is a juice, that is like water consistency, but with a bit of coconut sugar, electrolytes, and some coconut flesh from the inside of the coco. Buko is great for a sports drink after exercise as well, aside from drinking regularly. It contains some fatty acids from the coconut's fruity interior lining, as well as fiber, manganese, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins B, C and E. Plus, it tastes really good, for something low in calorie and quite nutritious.

(2) Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato, also known as Kamote, in the Philippines, is famous among the actress and actors here, for dieting, and slimming down. Bea Alonzo and Alex Gonzaga are well-known for using this vegetable in keeping their figure, trim. Sweet Potato contains a load of vitamin A and as well as Vitamin C, Biotin, Manganese, Copper, and B Vitamins. It also gives a little fiber, especially if eaten with the skin. Sweet Potato is also known to help with diabetes and managing stress levels. They give off antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory, helping with blood regulation.

(3) Malunggay (Moringa)

Malunggay is very admired by herbal and holistic doctors in the Philippines. It is proven to help with many illnesses and cancer, as well as diabetes. It enhances brain function. It is like a miracle drug food, and even though it's just a vegetable, it is known to treat malnutrition. Malunggay is full of 92 different nutrients and 46 antioxidants. The benefits are as follows:

(4) Papaya

Papaya is famous for its beneficial affects to the skin, as you can commonly see it in many cosmetic skin and facial products. Papaya is noted to have a substance called papain, an enzyme that aids in a smooth digestive tract and, as for exterior, brightens and softens the skin. It gives a good elasticity to your appearance, fighting off wounds and scars. It supports in healthy joints and a good immunity, nutritionally, in general, having the same nutritional benefits as that of antioxidants. It is loaded with Vitamin C and even a good amount of Vitamin A. Papaya can also ward off cancer if eaten frequently.

(5) Avocado

Man, do us girls love this fruit during our coming "red" days. This fruit is known as very heart-friendly and lowers the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood stream, balancing your good and bad fats all together, in your whole system. This fruit is so famous for women, because it contains so much potassium and magnesium, which are both required during your period. There are also some hints of Omega-3 fatty acids. We should be reminded that eating healthy fats, brings healthier skin as well. And in the same manner, enhances the vitality of the body and brain, through better absorption of needed vitamins, minerals, and all the good nutrients from what you commonly eat, making your health stronger, overall, in the long haul.

(6) Egg Plant

Egg plants are famous in the Philippines, because they are known for their cancer fighting properties. Egg plants are bright purple, because of a substance called nasunin, which fights off the free radicals that are known to attack the cells in our body leading to cancer growth or spread. They give great nourishment to brain vitality because of essential phyto nutrients, which improve blood circulation. Egg plants help with maintaining well balances of blood sugar levels and a healthy weight all in all. Overall, it is a heart-friendly ingredient to add to a dish, during a meal, with high amounts of antioxidants for greater stability during flu season.

Hopefully, to leave this off with, you will get more of a taste of the true Philippine lifestyle and culture through these admirable daily intakes of us Pinay girls, if you buy them at a local market, where they are fresh and ready to "boil" or steam, or eat directly. The diet of fish and good vegetables, and fruits, as well, is known among the people, here, to give long life and a healthy heart. Just add a little natural, being fresh food, to your regimen, with your own recipes, filled with healthy herbs, seasonings or even brown sugar to go with your "kamote" at times. And some Philippine sweet, condensed milk for your avocados', which is a famous snack here. Nothing can go wrong with a fresh taste!

Sources of Writing:

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92 Nutrients and 46 Antioxidants In One Tree Moringa Oleifera. Amchara Blog. <https://www.amchara.com/detox-and-cleanse/92-nutrients-and-46-antioxidants-in-one-tree-maringa-oleifera>. October 15, 2018.

Is Coconut a fruit, nut or seed?. Everyday Mysteries. <https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/coconut.html>. October 15, 2018.

Jen Miller. 15 Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes, According to Science (+5 Sweet Potato Recipes). Jen Reviews. <https://www.jenreviews.com/sweet-potatoes/>. October 15, 2018.

Megan Ware. 12 health benefits of avocado. Medical News Today. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270406.php>. October 15, 2018.

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Six Best Pinoy Fruits and Vegetables. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. <http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/library-health-news/3395-six-best-pinoy-fruits-and-vegetables>. October 15, 2018.

Sweet Potatoes. The World’s Healthiest Foods. <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64>. October 15, 2018.

Sources of Images:

5 Clean Markets in Metro Manila for a Neat Buying Experience. Yoorekka Team. July 26,2019. Web. <https://yoorekka.com/magazine/2019/07/24/clean-market-metro-manila-s-5-best-and-nicest-wet-markets/>. October 22, 2019.

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More than the Farmers Market. Sketch Away: Travels with my Sketch Book. <https://sketchaway.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/more-from-the-farmers-market/>. October 15, 2018.