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Thursday 5 January 2017

Junk Food Facts: Care What You Eat!

Food! It's not just about hunger. It is about love for food. But everyone must care about what they are eating and it's effect on our health.

When junk food is consumed very often, the excess fat, carbohydrates, and processed sugar found in junk food contribute to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, and many other chronic health conditions.

Junk food is food containing high levels of calories from sugar/fat with little fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals. Junk food can also refer to high protein food like meat prepared with saturated fat - which some believe may be unhealthy, although some studies have shown no correlation between saturated fat and cardiovascular diseases; many hamburger outlets, fried chicken outlets, and the like supply food considered as junk food.

Despite being labeled as "Junk", such foods usually do not pose any immediate health concerns and are generally safe when integrated into a well-balanced diet. However, concerns about the negative health effects resulting from the consumption of a "junk food"-heavy diet, especially obesity, have resulted in public health awareness campaigns, and restrictions on advertising and sale in several countries. Consumers tend to eat too much at one sitting and consumers who have satisfied their appetite for junk food are less likely to eat healthy foods like fruit, vegetables or dairy products. Studies reveal that as early as the age of 30, arteries could begin clogging and lay the groundwork for future heart attacks.

Common foods include salted snack foods, gum, candy, sweet desserts, fried fast food, and carbonated beverages. Fast food may include chips, hot pies, pastries, sandwiches, burgers, croissants, kebabs, pizzas, chicken, soups, and salads. It also includes drinks, for instance, milkshakes, and soft drinks. Bad eating habits could be as deadly as smoking.


There are many health problems but some very frequently observed problems and most common health issues are -

Heart Disease

People who eat fast-food four or more times a week, up their risk of dying from heart disease by 80 percent. Fast foods create a much higher risk of heart disease because of the high level of saturated or trans fats found in much of the food. Those fats can clog the arteries and, over time, contribute to high cholesterol levels.



Type 2 Diabetes

Fast food has become a way of life for many busy persons seeking a fast and inexpensive alternative to cooking at home. Although they may develop type 2 diabetes, this type of diabetes is often caused by poor lifestyle choices, such as being overweight and not being physically active. There is a side effect of consuming frequent amounts of fast food ‘obesity’ which can lead to the development of diabetes.



Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer, also known as PUD or peptic ulcer disease, is the most common ulcer of an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic and thus extremely painful. For almost 100 years, doctors believed that stress, spicy foods and alcohol caused most ulcers. Fast Foods which may cause Ulcer are Pizzas, Chips, Salted snakes etc.


High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure, Increased Blood Pressure, Fatigue, Less Emotional Quotient, Kidney Disease, Diabetes, Obesity, Digestive Disorders - These are most common effects and in turn, weakens the circulatory system of the body.

In Children, most common problems are -

Fatigue

Your child probably gets a feeling of fullness in the tummy while consuming junk food. It is bereft of carbohydrate and protein which give energy. Your child becomes tired and drained out. As a result, it becomes difficult for your child to perform the daily tasks.



Less Emotional Quotient

Hormonal imbalance is a major change experienced in the growing years of 6-12. Your child will experience a lot of mood swings and changes in behavior. A nutritious diet is essential to maintain a healthy, hormonal balance which junk food will deprive your child off. Depression is one of the common effects of junk food addiction in kids.



Kidney Disease

Increased blood pressure affects the kidney’s function. A common effect of increased Sodium levels is Edema-water retention in the body. It is one of the signs of a dysfunctional kidney.

Before fun for food cause severe problems, make sure you take care of your health and children.



Written by Pragati Jain
Grew up in Indore, M.P. I am pursuing B.E. in Electronics and Communication from Medi-Caps Indore. I love writing, sports and playing piano.


 
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