Scary bananas: How environmental exaggeration harms emerging economies: Ivo Vegter at TEDxCapeTown

[h/t: Andrew Bolt]

Published on Sep 23, 2013 by TEDxTalks

Ivo Vegter is a columnist and author of Extreme Environment, in which he warns about environmental exaggeration and how it harms emerging economies. Taking excessive risks may be dangerous, but so is excessive risk avoidance. Using several startling or amusing examples, he’ll make a strong case for why facts and reason must trump emotion and exaggeration.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Bananas and other potassium-rich foods are safe to eat.

According to Wikipedia:

…Naturally occurring potassium is composed of three isotopes, one of which, ⁴⁰K, is radioactive. Traces (0.012%) of this isotope are found in all potassium making it the most common radioactive element in the human body and in many biological materials, as well as in common building materials such as concrete…

Crop plants require potassium to grow properly; they take it up from the soil through their roots. All food that contains potassium also contains its radioactive isotope.

Our bodies require potassium as a nutrient. Potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium are electrolytes; they allow our nerve cells to transmit electrical impulses. In addition, they regulate osmotic balance (fluid input/output) between cells and the interstitial fluid. For that reason, our bodies attempt to maintain an optimal balance among these electrolytes. It’s much easier to maintain an optimal balance if the diet includes proper fluid intake combined with adequate sources of minerals. (No doubt coldwarrior could supply more details here.)

Overall, most Americans do not get enough potassium in their diet.

So don’t be afraid to eat bananas!

Also see:

• The terrifying truth about bananas

Tags: Open thread

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