Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 2021 — 'Opelu was Our Way of Life [ARTICLE]

'Opelu was Our Way of Life

By Jodi Leslie Matsuo, DrPH Every morning at 3 a.m., the clatter of buckets, the gush of water, and the crunch of iee being scooped was my alarm eloek for the day. These familiar sounds are what I experienced throughout my childhood. It wasn't unusual, as my father is an 'ōpelu fisherman, one in a multi-genera-tional line. Catching and drying 'ōpelu is an art from, requiring techniques only acquired by working alongside one's elders. From learning how to nurture the ko'a and catching only mature fish, to salting and drying it till "just right," all required a certain level of experience, patience and time. Many weekend and summer days were spent down at Nāpo'opo'o, watching over our rows of 'ōpelu-filled screens drying in the sun. When we'd eomplain we were hungry, my mother would grab a few keiki-sized ones from the screen and toss it to us for our snack. Although it may seem an unusual snack, 'ōpelu contains valuable nutrients. It's an excellent source of protein, B-vitamins, and many beneficial types of fatty acids, such as stearic acid, oleie acid, and DHA. Dietary stearic acid has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, while improving heart function. Oleie acid may reduce risk of heart, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. DHA ean help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD, and risk of Alzheimer's, cancer and glaucoma. There is no doubt that consuming 'ōpelu contributed to the vibrant heahh of our ancestors. Going back to simple, traditional foods may help us achieve the same. ■ Born and raised in Kona, Hawai'i, Dr. Jodi Leslie Matsuo is a Native Hawaiian Registered Dietician and certified diabetes educator, with training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. Follow her on Facebook (@DrJodiLeslieMatsuo), Instagram ( @drlesliematsuo) and on Twitter ( @DrLeslieMatsuo).