Let’s talk about one of the most common Filipino health myths — can munggo really cause gout?
The short answer:
Hindi! According to scientific data, legumes like munggo (mung beans) do not directly cause gout. In fact, health organizations have suggested people with gout to eat more legumes.
What Really Causes Gout?
Gout happens when uric acid builds up in your blood, forming crystals in your joints. The culprit? Purines.
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What are Purines? Purines are natural chemical compounds found in all foods and are also produced by your body. They are a necessary part of your genetic material (DNA).
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The Gout Connection: When your body breaks down purines, the end product is uric acid. In people with gout, excessive uric acid builds up, forming sharp crystals in the joints, leading to painful gout flare-ups.
The key to managing gout is not avoiding all purines, but understanding the type of purines you consume.
Because here's what most people don't know:
Not all purines are created equal 🌱
Munggo vs. Meat: Which Is Riskier?
Studies show that people who eat more beans and legumes have lower uric acid levels and lower gout risk (Henan Rural Cohort, 2021; JAMA Network, 2024)
Bakit?
Plant-based purines (like munggo) do NOT trigger gout the same way animal-based purines do.
Beans are high in fiber, which helps bind uric acid in the digestive tract, reducing gout flare-ups.
Meanwhile, animal-based purines from red meat, lamang-loob, and seafood are quickly absorbed and metabolized, leading to a rapid spike in uric acid levels in the blood. Major health orgs have stated that these animal-based purines are the primary dietary triggers for painful gout episodes.
In fact, major health organizations like Mayo Clinic and the Arthritis Foundation recommend limiting meat intake while eating more plant-based protein like beans. (Mayo Clinic, Arthritis Foundation)
Gout in the Philippines: The Numbers
According to the Philippine Rheumatology Association, over 1.6 million Filipinos are living with gout — a number rising due to high meat consumption and unhealthy lifestyles (PhilStar, 2015).
What to Eat, What to Avoid
❌ IWASAN:
- Red meat (beef, pork)
- Lamang-loob (liver, kidney)
- Seafood o sea life (shrimp, shellfish)
- Alcohol, lalo na beer
✔ KAININ:
- Munggo at iba pang beans
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
The Bottom Line
If you know someone avoiding munggo because they think it causes gout, please share this.
Let's base our health choices on science, not chismis. 💚
Let’s enjoy our munggo without guilt!
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or nutritional advice.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7859095/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2818869
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/gout-diet/art-20048524
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/anti-inflammatory/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-gout
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/03/03/1429462/number-filipinos-suffering-gout-hits-16-m