The Negative Effect of Junk Foods

Foods that are high in calories but low in nutritional content are known as Junk Food. We all know Junk Food is bad for us, though few may know why. After all these minor warnings do little to keep us away from the delicious, ever-ready and conveniently available fast food. With a nation facing difficulty with obesity troubles now is as good time as any to tackle this problem.

One issue with junk food is that they’re low in satiety value - that is, individuals don’t tend to feel as full when they eat them - which can prompt over eating. Another is that junk food has a tendency to replace other, more nutritious foods.

But why is Junk so popular and why does it promote over-eating? It’s because it’s low in fiber, high in palatability (that is, it tastes good), offers a high number of calories in a small volume, high in fat and high in sugar in liquid form.

We have these weapons of mass destruction on every street corner, and they’re called donuts, cheeseburgers, French fries, potato chips, junk food. Our kids are living on a junk food diet. 

- Joel Fuhrman 

Awareness is created by informing the masses which is what this article is for – to educate. The key solution for obesity is to decrease food intake, search for health substitutes and exercise. Also, to realize that all the junk you’re eating isn’t helpful but dangerous in the long run. Junk food rarely contains any nutritional value to them, what they do contain instead is unnecessary calories also known as ‘empty calories’ in the form of fats and sugars.

The food and drinks you consume daily are meant to help you in your overall wellbeing. But the attractiveness of junk food no longer let food do what food is meant for – to ensure that the individual is healthy. Food these days are dangerous enough to cause cancer!

Being careful about what you eat is vital these days. It’s probably not something you think of everyday, whether the food you eat contain carcinogens (substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue) or not. Below is a list of foods that have raised a red flag.

1.  Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) – They are the foods that have been modified by chemicals and grown with chemicals.

2.  Microwave Popcorn – From the chemically-lined bag to the actual contents, microwave popcorn is at the center of lung cancer debates around the world. Certainly not a snack you want around your family.

3.  Canned Goods – Canned foods are a concern because of what the can is lined with, bisphenol-A or BPA. They are known to genetically alter brain cells among rats.

4.  Grilled Red Meat – When you grill red meat to the point of well-done, it changes the chemical and molecular structure of the meat. This in turn releases a carcinogen.

5.  Refined Sugar –Refined sugars (and foods made with them) are the source of major insulin spikes and feed the growth of cancer cells.

6.  Salted, Pickled and Smoked Foods – Foods that are cured by use of nitrates or nitrites act as preservatives as well as adding color to the meat. Smoking food can add tar to the food and tar is a well-known carcinogen.

7.  Soda and Carbonated Beverages – Filled with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), dyes, and a host of other chemicals, they are very bad for every aspect of your health.

8.   White Flour – Refining strips away all the nutritional value the flour once held.

9.  Farmed Fish – These fishes comes from a farming operation where they are treated with antibiotics, pesticides, and other carcinogenic chemicals to try and control the bacterial, viral, and parasitic outbreaks that result from cramming so many fish in a small space. 

10. Hydrogenated Oils – These oils undergo many chemical processes that when we finally receive them it only resembles natural oil in its smell and taste.

If not convinced here are some more facts to show you how dreadful junk food is - Eating junk food alters the brain activity in a way similar to addictive drugs do, such as cocaine and heroin. Moreover, a single fast-food hamburger can contain meat from hundreds, or even thousands, of different cattle. One unhealthy cow can ruin the whole lot. What else, it’s been found that eating fast food regularly has the same impact on the liver as hepatitis. French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings are particularly harmful.

DT News consulted on the expert opinion of  Sherhan A. Chowdhury,RND (Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian of the Philippines) and she gave various options that people can take up to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The first step to a healthy life, is cutting off the junk foods. 

Almonds

They are packed with nutrients and most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat — a healthier type of fat that may help lower blood cholesterol levels.

Apples — the original health food

Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, which can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Fresh apples are also a good source of vitamin C — an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. 

Blueberries 

Scientists have shown that blueberries help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Blueberries may also improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging. 

Broccoli 

Besides being a good source of folate, broccoli also contains phytonutrients. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamin C and A. It is linked to preserving eye health. 

Red beans 

Including small red beans and dark red kidney beans — are a good source of iron, phosphorus and potassium. They’re also an excellent low-fat source of protein and dietary fiber. Don’t like red beans? Substitute another kind to enjoy beans’ health benefits.

Salmon 

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids — a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks. In addition salmon is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Spinach

It’s a good source of magnesium. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system. The carotenoids found in spinach also are protective against age-related vision diseases, such as macular degeneration and night blindness and certain cancers.

Sweet potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are high in the antioxidant beta carotene which may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And like all vegetables, they’re relatively low in calories.

Vegetable juice

It has most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the original vegetables (except some of the fiber.) Vegetable juices that include tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.