72 million Filipinos are dependent on rice as staple food. It is a central part of the Filipino diet. If food is not served with rice, many Filipinos will not consider it a meal. Rice is considered as a commodity in the Philippines and the looming shortage and price increases of it could spell hunger in our lives. However, we can avoid hunger by finding other alternatives to rice as our staple food.

Here are some food alternatives to rice:

Corn – One cup of raw white corn has about 130 calories, 2 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, 29 grams of carbohydrate and 4 grams of fiber with no cholesterol. Corn is also rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that have been associated with lower risk of chronic diseases.

Potato – an excellent source of carbohydrates, the body’s best energy source. Potatoes are high in fiber aiding the digestive system and they absorb water which makes one feel satisfied and less hungry. Potatoes are fat free, cholesterol free, sodium free and saturated fat free. They are high in Vitamin C and potassium and are a great source of Vitamin B6 and dietary fiber.

Cassava – is a perennial tropical root crop, cultivated for its starchy tuberous roots as a valuable source of calories. A typical diet based on cassava provides less than 30 percent of the minimum daily requirement for protein and only 10-20 percent of the required amounts of iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

Banana – good sources of potassium and low in sodium. Bananas, like other fruits and vegetables, contain complex carbohydrates, which are very important to any diet. In contrast to simple sugar foods like soda and sweets, bananas offer the body good nutrition as well as available energy. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber, and bananas also contain a rich supply of vitamin B6.


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