South Africa has coped bravely with the direct medical threat of COVID- 19, but the pandemic has nonetheless exposed how vulnerable local communities are in terms of baseline health. The virus poses particularly severe risks for people with underlying health conditions, obesity and non-communicable diseases, underpinning many COVID-19 hospital admissions.
According to a recent article issued by the Association of Dietetics in South Africa, the country is currently dealing with a range of diet-related health concerns, including the problem of more than a quarter of the female adult population being overweight and more than a third obese. It is estimated that 269 000 annual deaths in the country are related to non-communicable diseases, and while the prevalence of overweight children is increasing, child under-nutrition persists, with stunting rates for children under five showing no reduction from the 27% reported in 2016.
While most people understand the importance of eating fresh produce, there is often a disconnect in consumers between what they know and what they do. Yet having a strong immune system is essential to everyday life, well-being and long-term prosperity.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY
This story is from the September 25, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the September 25, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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