Uso ngayon ang chia seeds, kale, at kung anu-anong powder na may sosyal na packaging. Pero hello — ang dami nating sariling lokal at indigenous superfoods na matagal nang bida sa kusina ni lola. Here are 10 Filipino Superfoods na kayang makipagsabayan sa kahit anong “wellness trend,” walang passport required.
Malunggay
Kung may Miss Universe ng dahon, malunggay na ‘yon. Siksik sa iron, calcium, at vitamins A at C — kaya hindi lang siya pang-sabaw, pang-superpowers din. Cheap, accessible, at kayang ihalo sa tinola, pandesal, smoothie, even pasta.
Make our Malunggay Chips recipe here!
Ube
Hindi lang siya aesthetic sa Instagram. Ang natural na violet niyang kulay ay galing sa anthocyanins — powerful antioxidants na pang-laban sa inflammation. Bonus na lang na masarap siya sa halaya, champorado, at kahit savory dishes.
Make our Ube Hummus recipe here!
Turmeric
This golden root is anti-inflammatory royalty. Luyang dilaw supports joint health, immune function, and overall inflammation. It’s been used in traditional remedies long before it became trendy online. Pair it with pepper, and suddenly you’re doing food science.
Make our Turmeric Chili Oil recipe here!
Pili Nuts
Bicol’s pride and honestly, sosyal nang hindi nagpapasosyal. Loaded with healthy fats, magnesium, at energy-boosting nutrients — kaya perfect pang-snack na hindi ka magugutom agad. Isipin mo, local nut na pang-export quality.
Make our Pili Mochi recipe here!
Niyog
From tubig to gata, niyog does it all. It provides healthy fats for energy and brain function, as well as electrolytes for hydration. That’s why it’s everywhere in Filipino cooking—it nourishes without trying too hard. Versatile, iconic, and highly on-brand.
Make our Munggo Pork Curry recipe here!
Lato
Mukhang tiny green balloons, pero mineral bomb ‘yan. Rich in iodine, calcium, at trace minerals galing dagat — parang kumakain ka ng ocean multivitamin. Best served fresh with suka’t kamatis, simple pero powerful.
Make our Lato Salad recipe here!
Tablea
Ito ang legit na tsokolate — walang halo, walang arte. Mataas sa flavonoids na good for heart health at mood booster pa (kaya pala masaya si lola pag may sikwate). Dark, bold, and very proud Pinoy product.
Make our Tablea Mayonnaise Cake here!
Kamote
Huwag maliitin ang kamote — hindi lang siya pang-diet stereotype. High in beta-carotene at fiber, kaya good for digestion at immunity. Pwede mo siyang i-roast, gawing fries, o ihalo sa desserts.
Make our Kamote Pie recipe here!
Monggo
Classic, comforting, at super underrated. Mataas sa plant protein at fiber, kaya nakakabusog nang hindi mabigat sa bulsa. From ginisang munggo to mongo sprouts sa lumpia — versatile siya, parang multitalented na artista.
Make our Monggo Nuggets recipe here!
Ampalaya
Yes, mapait—but that bitterness is doing something right. Ampalaya helps regulate blood sugar and supports digestion, kaya madalas siyang recommended for overall health. It’s also packed with antioxidants, so think of it as pang-detox ng katawan. Trick lang is learning how to prep it para hindi traumatic.
Make our Rellyenong Ampalaya recipe here!
Hindi kailangan imported para maging “super.” Marami sa mga pagkaing kinalakihan natin ay nutritionally powerful na talaga — hindi lang natin binibigyan ng fancy marketing. So next time may magtanong kung anong superfood mo, pwede mong sagutin: Lokal. Proud. Masustansya.
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