here we bring to you a list of why you must avoid it at any cost; irrespective of whether you wish to shed those love handles (or not).
- Obesity
The most immediate and primary effect of junk food; obesity; translates to the state of accumulation of excess fat which may lead to health problems. High in calories (especially processed sugar), junk food contributes to achieving the state of obesity. What may seem like a little harmless burger costing nothing above what your pocket money cannot conjure, can lead to a drastic increase in the number of calories. Ask a gym buff!
- Inability to consume fruits and vegetables
Fast foods reduce our likelihood to consume natural food, such as fruits and vegetables, or milk. Only when one thought that a balance could be maintained, these demons are out to conquer it all!
- Heart disease
Regular consumption of junk food can create a risk of a heart disease, since junk food leads to an increased level of saturated (or trans) fats. Saturated fats cause clogged arteries and contribute to increased cholesterol levels.
- Peptic ulcer
By definition, a peptic ulcer (PUD or peptic ulcer disease) is the most common ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract, which is usually acidic and causes a lot of pain. Doctors believe that fast food is the most common culprit here, especially the likes of chips, pizzas, salted snakes, among others.
- Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is caused by poor lifestyle choices, which involve poor eating habits and lack of physical exercise. In the busy world of today, many people resort to consuming fast foods as an alternative to slow and tedious cooking.
- Irregular timing of eating
Fast food is not only known for its ill-effects, but also for its taste and craving. Also, lack of proper time to eat a healthy, three-course meal, is not much of an option for many. The ease of being able to eat fast food at any time one wishes to, has created a buzz among us all, and led to a drastic change of culture where one prefers pizzas to salad.
- Tooth decay
Fast foods contain high amount of processed ingredients, especially processed sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Foods such as soda, bakery items, candy, chewing gums, among others, can lead to an increased consumption of processed sugar that only not adds unnecessary calories to your diet, but also channels tooth decay.
- Stroke risk
Increased consumption of Sodium may lead to a risk of a heart stroke. Ideally, human body needs 1,500 milligrams (or less) of Sodium each day, but with junk, we consume a lot more. Eating potato chips, French fries, pizza, among others; might increase your Sodium intake.
- Eating disorders
Insatiable appetite leads to eating disorders often associated with depression or lack of self-confidence. Junk food not only reinforces such a disorder, but also adds other feathers to the cap of ill-health, that most of the teenagers seem to be donning these days.
Impact on the food industry
Increased consumption of junk food leads to a direct impact on the sales of other food items, which are not only a better option but also directly benefit our farmers and agriculture. Inclination towards a pizza is more than one towards a soup, which correctly points out what is wrong with our eating habits!
- Waste of Money
Not only purchasing fast food is literally investing your money in junk, it also leads to increased chances of the need of medical scrutiny, sooner than never.
- Nutritional deficiencies
It is perhaps the most obvious disadvantage of junk food – the lack of nutrients in one’s body. To maintain good health, human body must get its fair share of nutrients from outside sources. In case the stock isn’t enough, health problems seep in sooner rather than later!
- Artificial ingredients
All junk foods contain appetizing ingredients that make the experience of eating junk food complete, and appealing to one’s taste buds. The likes of added sugar in cola and sodium in French fries does add to the taste of the food, but it is no rocket science to determine how detrimental can it be!
