What’s the real cost of ‘rice is life’ for Filipinos’ health?

“Rice is life” is a common expression in the Philippines, but researchers are now saying that Filipinos eat too much of it and their love for the grain may cause health problems later on in life.

Rice makes up 50 per cent of a typical Filipino meal, according to a 2023 National Nutrition Survey. That is far too much for a balanced diet, says a researcher from the Department of Science and Technology’s food and nutrition research institute.

Dr Eva Goyena, a senior research specialist from the department, said carbohydrates like rice or noodles should make up only a quarter of the meal, ABS-CBN broadcaster reported on Wednesday.

“The other one fourth of the plate should be for other protein sources like meat, fish, chicken, eggs or plant sources rich in protein like beans and other legumes,” she said, adding that the rest should consist of fruits and vegetables.

Rice prices have been increasing, but the staple remains the cheapest source of protein instead of meat for many Filipinos, with a Social Weather Stations survey revealing that by the end of last year 63 per cent of Filipino families considered themselves poor.