What is junk food?
Junk food is known as optional or discretionary food which includes salts, sugar, and fat and does not include vitamins and minerals.
Some examples are
- Chocolates and sweets
- Biscuits and cakes
- Snacks
- Sugar drinks
- Alc_holic drinks
If someone has sugar and fat in their diet such a person can suffer from diseases like
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- Some cancer
- Fatty liver disease
Short and long-term effects of junk food
Short-term effects of junk food:
1. increase stress
2. tooth decaying process
3. sleeping difficulties
4. difficulties in concentration
Long-term effects of junk food:
1. type 2 diabetes
2. depression
3. osteoporosis
4. eating disorder
5. obesity
6. high blood pressure and cholesterol
7. some types of cancer
Effects of junk food on the human body systems:
1. Effects on the central nervous system
This includes the brain and spinal cord. Eating high-level fast food affects memory in both the short and long term.
2. Effects on the reproductive system
Studies show that fast food contains phthalates, a chemical that disrupts hormones, leading to reproductive issues including fetus development issues.
3. Effects of fast food on society
Research shows that one in five children have problems with obesity, with one study showing that the calories found in deserts and restaurant entrees are high
4. Effects on mental health
A 2020 study found that eating fast food and sugary foods led to mental issues among China school students.
5. Effects on the skeleton system
The sugar in fast food increases the acidity in the mouth, which causes the tooth enamel to break down, allowing bacteria to take hold and cause cavities. Weight gain also leads to weak teeth and gums, people who are obese have weak bones, especially adults.
6. Effects on the cardiovascular and digestive system:
Many fast foods contain carbohydrates, which contain no fiber. When our digestive system breaks them down, glucose is released into the bloodstream, causing sugar levels to rise.
7. Effects on the respiratory system
High carbohydrates in fast food cause weight gain. Weight gain can lead to respiratory problems including asthma and shortness of breath.
8. Effect on the integumentary system (skin, hair, and nails)
A 2021 review of results shows that chocolate is high in fat and food with a high glycemic Index (which are carbohydrates and sugar) that causes acne. This research proves that eating fruits, vegetables and fish helps prevent acne.
9. Health risks of eating fast food:
A 2012 study found that Chinese adults who ate fast food more than twice a week had higher levels of type 2 diabetes and were more likely to develop coronary heart disease. It has not been proven in adults who ate less fast food compared to those who died. Fast food is usually high in sugar and fat and low in nutrients and fiber, leading to heart attacks and other health-related diseases.
Can we take a small amount of fast food:
Eating junk food occasionally and in small amounts is good for health. It's important to balance a diet of war food, so it's important to burn off your energy with exercise. Due to this, weight gain will stop. It is difficult to decide how much Junk food should be consumed. If you are short, you will do less exercise because of your size but junk food should be eaten little.
How to reduce junk food intake?
Plan your meals and snacks So that you can decide the food on the basis of nutrition, which also saves the budget.
Take into account the nutritional value of foods that are written on the back of the packet.
Include fresh fruit and desserts in your diet that contain low sugar.
Choose whole food options like whole meals and whole grains. Includes pasta bread and flour.
Guest Blogger: Sana Sara
Tags
Health Tips