In today’s high-tech world, we may say that, “everything we need can be found in the internet.” Relatively true but not exact. Not everything that Mr. Google says is correct. Remember, anybody can upload content in the web. It is up to us to weigh the veracity of the information provided.
And this is scary, internet Misinformation Contributes to 60% of Consumers
Lacking Nutrition Knowledge
Very timely as we need to be healthier to battle this
invisible enemy of ours, Covid-19, just this June 2020, the premier global
nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition,
released additional findings from its Asia
Pacific Nutrition Myths Survey 2020, uncovering that 60 percent of
consumers were confused about nutrition facts. The survey was conducted with
5,500 respondents from Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam in March 2020.
In a general nutrition knowledge quiz
administered together with the survey, a total of 48 “True or False” questions spanning nine nutrition areas -
general nutrition, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, caffeine,
weight management and breakfast - were presented to survey participants. The
results revealed that less than a
quarter (23%) of the respondents
scored passing marks (answered half or more of the questions correctly).
Based on the quiz result, it was also found that the
top three areas with the biggest nutrition knowledge gaps were:
• Minerals: only 28% of respondents answered the questions in the
category correctly
• Caffeine: only 33% of respondents answered the questions in the
category correctly
• Protein: only 34% of respondents answered the questions in the
category correctly
Herbalife Nutrition also uncovered a list of the top nutrition myths commonly believed
by Asia Pacific consumers, with more
than six in 10 consumers providing incorrect answers or said that they are
unsure of the right answers to the nutrition statements presented to them.
With this, Stephen Conchie, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Herbalife Nutrition, shared:
“The prevalence of
nutrition myths on the Internet has led to widespread confusion over nutrition
facts versus fiction. Not only do the majority of consumers believe that
consuming carbohydrates alone will result in weight gain, many of them also
believe that less protein is required as they grow older – which is far from
the truth.
To help address
these nutrition information gaps, we have been working with leading health and
nutrition experts to make accurate nutritional knowledge widely available for
Asia Pacific's consumers. We believe a collective effort by governments,
healthcare institutions and the nutrition industry would be more effective in
keeping consumers better informed in the long run, and hope more can partner
with us on this journey to help people lead healthier lives.”
Here are the top Nutrition Myths uncovered by the survey:
Myth
#1: Carbohydrates make you gain weight
Fact:
Carbohydrates alone don’t cause weight gain; consuming excess calories do. The
Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that carbohydrates form 40 percent of
daily calorie intake. Healthy sources of carbohydrates such as vegetables,
fruits, legumes and wholegrains also provide important nutrients like calcium,
iron and B vitamins.
Myth
#2:
Less protein is required as we grow
older
Fact: Starting
in our early 40s, we may experience a gradual, progressive loss of muscle mass
and function known as sarcopenia. This process can be mitigated by
boosting protein intake and incorporating resistance exercise as we age.
Myth
#3:
Caffeine causes dehydration
Fact:
While
caffeine has diuretic properties, moderate intake of between 2 to 3 cups of
coffee a day is unlikely to cause dehydration. A study by Institute for
Scientific Information on Coffee also found that coffee can be as hydrating as
water.
Myth
#4:
Peak bone mass can be optimized at any
age with sufficient calcium intake
Fact:
Our
peak bone mass (max bone size and strength) is dependent on calcium intake and
reaches its peak by age 30. However, sufficient calcium intake throughout life
can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium supplementation can protect
against bone loss at older ages, especially for post-menopausal women who have
higher calcium needs.
Myth
#5:
A ketogenic diet is a healthy way to
lose weight
Fact:
Very
low in carbohydrate, moderate in protein and very high in fat, the ketogenic
diet forces the body to rely on body fat for fuel, resulting in weight loss.
However, healthy carbohydrates are beneficial to the body, supplying energy,
vitamins and minerals. To lose weight sustainably, adopt a balanced diet and
exercise regularly.
Myth
#6: A very low-fat diet is the best way to lose weight
Fact:
Studies have shown minimal reductions in weight after the first year from very
low-fat diets, making it an ineffective long-term weight loss strategy. In
fact, our bodies need some fat to stay healthy, as it helps to build cell
membranes and hormones, and aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E
and K.
Myth
#7:
The Glycemic Index is a good tool for
choosing the healthiest carbohydrates
Fact:
The Glycemic Index measures how the carbohydrate in a food impacts blood sugar
levels but cannot be relied on alone for choosing a healthy diet. The amount of
carbohydrates you consume as well as what the food is being eaten with also
needs to be considered in totality.
Myth
#8:
Protein powder is not a healthy source
of protein as compared to protein from natural foods
Fact:
Protein powder can be as good as protein from natural foods if derived from
high-quality sources. For instance, soy protein from soybeans is a complete
protein, providing a full range of nine essential amino acids for the body’s
nutrition requirements.
Given that the #newnormal situation is largely dependent on the internet, let's all be extra cautious. Not everything that we read in the internet is true. On the other hand, it will be a big help for each individual if we will boost our immune system, this is our primary shield in this battle against our invisible enemy (Pandemic Covid-19) now. As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than Cure."
Let's all stay safe and healthy! :)
------------------
About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.
Herbalife
Nutrition is a global company that has been changing people's
lives with great nutrition products and a proven business opportunity for its
independent members since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed
products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial members who provide
one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to
embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Through the Company’s global campaign to eradicate
hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and
education to communities around the world.
For more information, please visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com. Herbalife Nutrition also encourages
investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and
new information is posted.
Posts
0 Comments