A junk-food diet typically features a high proportion of processed and fried foods, refined sugars and cereals, processed meat, candy and chocolate and high-fat dairy products. Junk food is known as such because its nutritional value is typically outweighed by the dangers it poses to your overall health. Most junk foods are processed food; thus, they are no longer in their natural state. They are stripped of certain essential nutrients. Junk foods such as candy, chips, cakes, cookies, chewing gum and ice cream are usually added with chemical preservatives and synthetic ingredients. One of the purposes of this is to prolong their shelf life, helping junk food manufacturers and stores reduce costs. Many of these preservatives and synthetic ingredients are harmful to your body.
Junk food plays a major role in the obesity epidemic. Children who eat fast food as a regular part of their diets consume more fat, carbohydrates and processed sugar and less fiber than those who do not eat fast food regularly. Junk food in these children's diets accounts for 187 extra calories per day, leading to 6 additional pounds of weight gain per year. Obesity increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many other chronic health conditions.
Your insulin levels become elevated when you eat processed sugars, such as those in soft drinks, white flour and other foods devoid of fiber and nutrients necessary to properly metabolize carbohydrates. Eating junk foods throughout the day causes chronically high insulin levels, which eventually prompts your cells to begin to ignore this important hormone, resulting in a condition known as insulin resistance. Ultimately, obesity and Type 2 diabetes may set In type 2 diabetes, which was minimal in teenagers, has risen to 15 percent.
Junk food is usually high in calories. Your body does not like to waste energy; therefore, the excessive calories are usually stored as fat, causing weight gain. Eating junk food for long periods of time can lead to obesity, vitamin deficiencies, heart disease and other health problems. These health problems can lead to very expensive medical bills.
Junk food may lead to depression in teenagers. A healthy diet plays a part in keeping hormone levels on an even keel, while a diet high in junk food falls short of these requirements. Consuming trans fats, saturated fats and processed food is associated with up to 58 percent increase in risk of depression.
Many junk foods have much higher sodium. High sodium levels are a defining characteristic of many junk foods and one of the contributing factors to the over consumption of salt.
Food plays a big role in your life because you need it to survive. Junk food is like poison for health. Say ‘NO’ to Junk food. . !!!