Lies, damn lies and statistics.
During the latest round of loadshedding, I was scrolling Twitter and came across one of my favourite accounts, World of Statistics.
As a South African, you always scroll through the list of countries, searching for the bright flag. If it's a bad stat, you can usually look near the top.
But sometimes you are surprised.
Like "Best cities for food"? Number 2 is Joburg!
"Worst traffic congestion"? Number 9 is Cape Town.
"World's most beautiful countries"? South Africa number 10.
But the one stat that is pretty scary?
"The percentage share of an adults diet that is ultra-processed food":
USA 58%, UK 57%, Australia 40%, South Africa 39%...
Number 4 in the world for junk food.
It's understandable from a financial perspective. Processed food lasts longer, is easier to produce and is usually mechanised. But is processed food really that bad?
Let's see. What naturally occurring food gives all these health benefits?
Instant energy, balances the pH levels, improves liver function, helps combat cancer, aids digestion, benefits diabetics, alleviates body inflammations, bone and teeth development, maintains kidney health, maintains electrolyte concentrations, hydrating agent, helps in reducing weight, helps in conception and pregnancy, maintains good oral health, reduces acne, immunity booster, rich source of antioxidants, keeps infections at bay, diuretic properties, treats anemia.
Sounds like the ultimate food right? The answer: Sugar cane. 😳
But sugar is bad!?! Only after all the good stuff has been processed out.
Which goes to show just how hard it is to get good nutrients from our food supply. A freshly dug up potato is very different to a McDonalds French Fry. That poor potato has seen so much! And so we have to "supplement" our food. Supplements are not a nice to have anymore, they are a necessity. And The Daily Shake just happens to make it really easy.
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