Health Benefits of Halo-Halo

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The hotness of the season perfectly calls for a glass of delicious, cold, tasty halo-halo or "mixed together or mix mix".

photo via ClickTheCity

This cold treat is very popular in the Philippines particularly during summer. Halo-halo consists of nata de coco, banana slices, sweet potato, ube, colorful gulaman, sago pearls, monggo, and ube jam. It is then set with shaved ice before topping with leche flan, pinipig, jackfruit, and evaporated milk. To make it more special, others opt to have it topped with ube ice cream.

While this may seem just a quick heat-quencher, halo-halo actually provides numerous health benefits. YES. Read on and find out:

1. Pinipig (Pounded rice flakes)

This immature glutinuous rice is packed with significant amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. According to Kusinero Negrense, pinipig is healthier than regular rice because it still has rice husks which carry most nutrients.

2. Leche Flan

Leche flan is mostly made of eggs yolks. One egg yolk contains Vitamin A, Folate, B5, B12, B2, Phosphorus, and Selenium. It also has Vitamin D, E, K, B6, Calcium and Zinc.

3. Evaporated Milk

This dairy product is rich in protein and vitamins our body needs. In fact, according to Beverages and Health, evaporated milk can be a good alternative for regular milk.

4. Kamote (Sweet Potato)

A good source of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, B6, D, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

5. Saba Banana (Cardava)

Rich in potassium and abundant in energy-giving vitamins and minerals. It can also help stop constipation. If you are trying to quit smoking, saba can be a good alternative as its B vitamins and minerals lessens the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Plus, it neutralizes the stomach's acidity and soothes heartburn.

6. Nata de Coco

According to an article in Global Magazine, his chewy food made of coconut juice is ideal for weight loss. It contains iron, calcium, phosphorus, protein, Vitamin B1, and contains zero fat.

7. Langka (Jackfruit)

This fruit is rich in antioxidants and is good for the eyesight. Aside from that, it is a good source of potassium and its natural content also helps improve the bones and skin.

8. Ice Cream

Although some may consider this sweet treat as a junk food, ice cream can aid in weight loss. Now, it doesn't mean you just enjoy a tub of it every day and expect to shed pounds. The OZ blog said, "a half-cup serving of vanilla or chocolate ice cream – which has about 140 calories, 7g fat and 14g sugar – can be a reasonable part of your diet". Furthermore, it can make you smile (which is a good thing!), boosts your sex drive and provides you with lots of energy.

9. Ice

Ice is made of water. Water aids in weight loss. In every 1 liter of water per day, your body will burn 30 calories. So if you consume 2 liters of water every day, you will lose 60 calories.

By the way, water actually has zero calories. So whether  you drink it warm or cold, your body will level it to your actual body temperature.

10. Macapuno

Macapuno coconut contains galactomannan, a good dietary fiber which helps in digestion and weight loss.

11. Gulaman (Gelatin)

They come in different colors. Delicious Obsessions wrote gelatin provides numerous health benefits. In fact, it is considered a superfood. It promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. A good source of amino acids, helps you sleep better, calms your nerves and stops bleeding in wounds.

12. Sago 

Also known as sabudana, these pearls are used in Indian medicine. Although it looks a lot like tapioca, it is NOT tapioca. It is high in carbohydrates and low in fat.

13. Monggo (Mung Beans)

Good for cardiovascular health. It has zero cholesterol, low saturated fat, has Vitamin C, iron, Vitamin B, folate, protein, and potassium. In addition, it helps lessen the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

14. Ube

Ube yams contain high amount of antioxidant as compared to regular yams. It also has vitamins A, C, E, potassium, iron, and copper. It lowers high blood pressure, cleans kidneys and pancreas and prevents cardiovascular disease.

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