The Department of Health on Friday reminded the public to eat healthier food and drink in moderation during the holiday season to avoid contracting non-communicable diseases.

"The DOH encourages Filipinos to eat a balanced, well-moderated and varied diet," Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa said in a media briefing.

"[It is] very important that we limit our intake of salty, sweet, and oily food," he added.

He continued: "Let us opt for healthier choices. There are vegetables, salad, and fruits instead of high in sugar, salt, and oil content."

Herbosa also reminded the public to limit the consumption of alcohol and sweetened beverages.

"The Department of Health also advises the public to drink lots of water. Limit the drinking of alcohol and sweetened beverages," he said.

Likewise, the public is encouraged to practice food safety to avoid food contamination that may lead to food poisoning.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischaemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death among Filipinos from January to November 2022.

In its latest report, a total of 121,558 cases, or 18.3 percent of total deaths were attributed to ischaemic heart disease during the covered period.

It was followed by cerebrovascular diseases with 57,411 deaths and neoplasms with 57,354 deaths, respectively. They both recorded a 10.2 percent share in the total deaths.
Meanwhile, diabetes mellitus ranked fourth as the leading cause of death among Filipinos, which accounted for 32,339 deaths. This is equivalent to 6.3 percent of the total deaths.

During the same period in 2021, ischaemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and COVID-19 were the leading causes of death in the country.