Unhealthy eating can reduce productivity levels among seafarers by 20%, highlighting the need for shipping companies to ensure seafarers are eating nutritious food.
The World Obesity Federation found that death rates from Covid-19 were 10 times higher in countries with 50%+ of the population classed as obese.
In fact, Mexico which has the biggest number of coronavirus cases globally also has one of the highest obesity rates in the world.
Moreover, the UK, where obesity rates are the highest in Europe, has a disproportionate death rate for covid-19 compared with other countries.
Studies from recent years show that what you eat has a direct impact on your work performance. Energy comes from glucose, which can be found in almost everything we eat. However, the rate at which our bodies convert food into glucose – which our brains need to keep us alert – is dependent on what we consume
said Christian Ioannou, Managing Director of MCTC.
More specifically, foods such as bread, pasta and cereal release glucose quickly, causing a spike and then slump in energy. In addition, high-fat meals involving cheeseburgers and French fries provide more sustained energy, but the body has to work harder to break them down.
Vitamins and minerals affect our mental and physical health. Food provides the body with essential nutrients, which can only be obtained directly from diet. For example, Vitamin C lowers cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone, while complex carbohydrates increase the production of serotonin, commonly known as the happiness chemical
concludes Nichole Stylianou, Nutritionist at MCTC.Bad diet can make seafarers less productive
