*Press Release* Jakarta (October 30, 2017) – Term “you are what you eat” has been heard by many people. However, the meaning of the term needs to be absorbed and internalized by each individual that the substances contained in the food and drinks we consume have an effect on the body's system. So it is not wrong to say that food intake determines health.
Eating is not just to be full, but it is necessary to fulfill nutritional needs and maintain body health. Therefore, people should know what "my plate" is which can be a reference for us every time we eat.
The serving plate should be filled with a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This is because no single type of food contains all types of nutrients that the body needs. For that, consume a variety of foods.
In one serving, vegetables and fruits have the largest portion, namely half the plate for each meal (one serving).
Meanwhile, the other half of the platter can be filled with staple foods that usually contain carbohydrates and side dishes that contain a lot of protein (the portion of protein should be greater than the portion of carbohydrates).
Make Fish the Main Source of Protein
Protein is very important because of its role as a source of energy, a body building substance, and even functions in the body's defense mechanisms.
Indonesian Minister of Health, Nila Farid Moeloek stated that currently there is a need for a change in the mindset of the community to not always think of red meat as a source of protein. The Minister of Health said that Indonesia is a maritime country that is very rich in various types of fish. Such vast waters certainly contain high levels of animal protein and are needed by the community. Therefore, the Minister of Health invites the community to make fish the main source of protein for Indonesian families.
"Fish should be the main food for our people, because (fish) has high protein if cooked properly," said the Minister of Health in a series of activities for the Indonesian Fish Festival and Fish Cooking Competition "Menuju Istana" which took place at the Presidential Staff Office in Central Jakarta, Monday afternoon (3/6).
In general, the composition of animal protein in fish is actually not much different from other animal proteins. However, fish is said to be healthier because the fat contained in fish is not saturated fat. As a source of animal protein, fish contains unsaturated fatty acids (omega, iodine, selenium, fluoride, iron, magnesium, zinc, taurine, and coenzyme Q10). In addition, the omega 3 content in fish is much higher than animal protein sources such as beef and chicken.
"Fish is healthier, because (it contains) not bad fats in layman's terms. Fish contains DHA, while beef or chicken does not. In addition, all fish are halal, can be consumed by all ages," added the Minister of Health.
Limit Consumption of Sugar, Salt, and Fat
In each serving, people should also pay attention to the sugar, salt and fat content. The limits of sugar, salt and fat consumption recommended by the Ministry of Health per person per day are: Sugar no more than 50 gr (4 tablespoons); Salt no more than 2000 mg of sodium or 5 gr (1 teaspoon), and for fat only 67 gr (5 tablespoons of oil). To make it easier to remember the formula is G4 G1 L5.
Sugar is one of the sources of energy needed by humans. However, if excessive, sugar can cause obesity and trigger type 2 diabetes. Fresh fruits contain natural sugar, so additional sugar is actually no longer needed.
Meanwhile, salt contains sodium and sodium. Salt in small amounts is needed to regulate water content in the body. If excessive, salt can cause hypertension to stroke. While fat, is also needed in the body as an energy reserve. Excess fat can increase the risk of heart disease to cancer. Fat can be solid and liquid (oil). Fat is also found in fried foods.
EAT Asia Pacific Food Forum
The introduction of protein sources and other nutrients, even to the handling of food problems in general, will be seriously discussed by policy makers (stakeholders) throughout Asia Pacific in the EAT Asia Pacific Food Forum (APFF) 2017 on 30-31 October 2017 in Jakarta.
The Indonesian government, in this case the Indonesian Ministry of Health, collaborated with EAT in organizing the event. This is based on the spirit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo who has big aspirations in terms of food security and improving the quality of Indonesian human resources, especially in fulfilling the nutrition of the nation's children.
More than 500 government representatives, researchers, innovators, business people, academics and community members will be involved in this forum. World-class speakers will also present a number of topics ranging from changes in food consumption patterns, food system resilience, to more practical topics such as nutritious menus for a healthier future. In addition to government leaders and ministers from various countries, various practitioners are also invited to share their experiences.
Several ministers in the Working Cabinet will be speakers, namely Indonesian Minister of Health Nila Farid Moeloek, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani. Several other officials will also provide food solutions together with the organization that initiated this forum, the EAT Foundation.
This news is broadcasted by the Bureau of Communication and Public Services, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. For further information, please contact Halo Kemkes via the hotline number (local code) 1500-567, SMS 081281562620, facsimile (021) 5223002, 52921669, and email address kontak@kemkes.go.id. (Government Communication Team of the Ministry of Communication and Information together with the Bureau of Communication and Public Services of the Ministry of Communication and Information)
