In this article, we will discuss Junk Food and its side effects. We will also discuss some common questions related to junk food.
What are Junk Food?
Food is any nutritious substance that helps living organisms to sustain life and help in development. Junk food is food that lacks the nutrients essential for healthy growth and development and contains high energy (kilojoules) like salts, sugars, cholesterol or fats. Junk food lacks vitamins, minerals, fibres or natural ingredients that help for the body's growth and detoxification due to the presence of antioxidants in the food. Other names used are discretionary food or optional food. Junk food leads to obesity and malnutrition because of the lack of essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth.
Examples of junk food are listed below:
- Fast food (chips, pizzas, burgers, hot dogs etc.)
- Processed foods (Meat, beacons, processed fish etc.)
- Snacks (fried potato chips, dals and wheat flour made edibles with added flavours and chemicals etc.)
- Alcohol drinks (Drinks that contain sweeteners, preservatives, chemicals etc. )
- Sugary drinks (Carbonated sugary drinks with a lot of preservatives and flavours)
- Chocolate and sweets (High in sugars and contain lead and cadmium which affect the body)
- Fried foods (Food fried in high and unhealthy oil like samosas, Pakodas, chaats etc.)
What Are the Side Effects of Junk Food?
There are various side effects of junk food, which can interrupt the body's functioning and lead to serious health issues. These side effects include:
Obesity
This is one of the main side effects of junk food and obesity affects the normal functioning of the body. Obesity is the root cause of various diseases like cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, Diabetes, Gallstones, breathing problems, problems during pregnancy, effects on the quality of life etc.
Diabetes
Junk food is also responsible for the condition of Type 2 diabetes. Constant intake of high sugar content is one of the causes of diabetes and junk food is full of sugars and bad cholesterol. Diabetes is a chronic disease and leads to various other issues associated with this condition.
Cancers
Junk food is associated with cancer causes and people consuming more packed and junk food are at high risk of different cancers like stomach, colorectal, respiratory etc. Junk food is high on chemicals which can trigger conditions in the body that are more favorable for cancers.
Cardiac diseases
High cholesterol content in junk food narrows the blood vessels and leads to heart issues. Junk food also contains high levels of fats, sugars and chemicals which affect the normal functioning of the heart.
Digestive Diseases
Food high in calories, carbs and sugars can overload the digestive process of the body. Deep-fried foods like samosas, chaats, pani puri etc can lead to acidity or stomach infection which can affect the normal functioning of the body.
Other Issues Related to Junk Food
- Memory problems
- Skin problems
- Liver disease
- Kidney damage
- Depression
- Dental cavities etc.
Conclusion
Food is any nutritious substance that helps living organisms to sustain life and help in development. Junk food is food that lacks the nutrients essential for healthy growth and development and contains high energy (kilojoules) like salts, sugars, cholesterol or fats. Junk food includes pizza, burgers, chips, sugar drinks, beacons, samosa, pakoda etc. Side effects of junk food include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal diseases, digestive issues etc. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is Junk Food?
Food is any nutritious substance that helps living organisms to sustain life and help in development. Junk food is food that lacks the nutrients essential for healthy growth and development and contains high energy (kilojoules) like salts, sugars, cholesterol or fats.
What are the Examples of Junk Food?
Examples of junk food include fast food, processed foods, snacks, alcoholic drinks, sugary drinks, chocolate, sweets etc.
What are the various side effects of Junk Food?
Various side effects of junk food include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal diseases, digestive issues etc.
Is Junk Food Good for Health?
No, Junk food is not good for health.
Can I take Junk Food Occasionally?
Junk food should be avoided but a person can take junk food once a week with limited intake.
Can I take Junk Food with medicines?
No, you should not take junk food with any kind of medicine.
Is junk food addictive?
Yes, junk food is very addictive.
Why is junk food addictive?
Junk food is full of sugars, fats, salts etc. which give a dopamine rush for every bite. Dopamine gives a person pleasure and satisfaction.
