James Reid, Elmo Magalona, Paulo Avelino and Jessy Mendiola unveiled better versions of themselves as they were introduced as the newest “Superbods” of Century Tuna at the New World Hotel in Makati City. These hot, young celebrities join (or replace?) the ranks of Jon Avila, Isabelle Daza, Derek Ramsay, Aljur Abrenica, John Lloyd Cruz and Anne Curtis as the “fittest, sexiest and best embodiment of the brand’s healthy lifestyle.”
The product range is comprised of Century Tuna, Century Corned Tuna, Century Tuna Loaf, Century Tuna Mayo Spread, Century Tuna Paella and Century Tuna Healthylicious Hotdog. According to healthdiaries.com and quoted by the brand’s web site, “Tuna is an incredibly nutrient-dense food. It’s rich in high-quality protein and an excellent source of important nutrients such as the minerals selenium, magnesium and potassium; not to mention the B vitamin complex, and, of course, the marvelous omega-3 essential fatty acids.”
To further bolster the virtues of eating tuna, especially in this season of flaunting abs, biceps and thigh gaps, the following health benefits from the web site just might convince the heavily carnivorous among us:
Cardiovascular health (omega-3s reduce inflammation, and thereby the conversion of cholesterol into artery-clogging plaques, among other functions); eye health (against macular degeneration [AMD] of the eye, a condition in which fine vision deteriorates, resulting in central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50); cancer prevention (tuna protects against cancer in the ovaries, pancreas and every part of the digestive tract including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach and colon);
Cognitive benefits (help lessen cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease by promoting a healthy blood supply to the brain and lowering inflammation); mood lifter (DHA is used in ion channels in the brain, helping transmit electrical signals and is involved in serotonin metabolism, a key factor in depression); improved insulin response (tuna is of particular benefit to people who suffer from type 2 diabetes, due to its high content of omega-3 fats); and promotes detoxification (along with its omega-3s, the selenium contained in tuna is a crucial element in the production of glutathione peroxidase, an important antioxidant critical for a healthy liver).
The Dubai-born Jessy, 22, who is part British-Lebanese, says about her regimen: “I control my portions. And, yes, I don’t eat rice—I haven’t been eating rice since I was a kid. Key to healthy eating toward a better body is that you’re not supposed to go hungry and you shouldn’t starve yourself. I work out. I do yoga for core exercises. I also bring a yoga mat and my jumping rope everywhere. [This year] I want to work on consistency and maintenance, because I’m really having a hard time with discipline. I like to eat sweets a lot, but bawi-bawi na lang siguro. Be active and enjoy life. If you are healthy, you are happy and it shows.”
The newly single Paulo, 26, says: “I try to work out as much as I can but I also jog regularly and I go rock-climbing. Overall, a healthy and fit body is the result of proper exercise and eating healthy. This year, I want to lose more excess fat and to have a better, stronger core.”
Elmo, 20, has the most noticeable transformation among the new Superbods: “It makes you look happy when you’re healthy…. It really makes a difference if you start slowly. If you’re not used to working out, just try and try and you might enjoy it. It really makes a difference if you replace one bad meal in a day with something that’s good for you [like Century Tuna, salads or fruits and vegetables]. It feels good. It’s uplifting.”
Sydney-born James, 21, is the heartthrob of the moment: “I want to maintain what I have, because I’m happy the way it is right now. There are exercises that don’t require you to go to the gym. Like Paulo, most of his exercises are recreational, like rock-climbing or running. So you don’t actually have to go to the gym to exercise. We love feeling healthy. That’s why we do this. That’s why we diet, that’s why we go to the gym, that’s why we work out. It’s a lifestyle, not a goal.”