At first, One of the most Important question is What is Junk Food?
Any food that has no or
very less nutritional value falls under the category of junk food.
Most fast foods are high
on sugar, salt or fat content and therefore give an instant kick of energy to
your teenager. It makes him feel full and active. However, some research labels
junk food as a drug, an addiction that is difficult to overcome. The side effects
of eating junk food are so strong that one can't come out of its clutches
easily. Therefore it is necessary to keep a check on the consumption of junk
food.
Guys don’t confuse on the name of Junk Food and Fast
Food… They are little bit different.. on a another article I will discus
about it
Listed below are some of the side
effects of eating junk food:
Sugar and fat
Many fast-food meals have added sugar. Not only does that mean extra
calories, but also little nutrition. The American Heart Association suggests
only eating 100 to 150 calories of added sugar per day. That’s about six to
nine teaspoons. Many fast-food drinks alone hold well over 12 ounces. A
12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons of sugar. That equals 130 calories,
39 grams of sugar, and nothing else.
Trans fat is manufactured fat created during
food processing. It’s commonly found in:
·
fried pies
·
pastries
·
pizza dough
·
crackers
·
cookies
No amount of trans fat is good or healthy.
Eating foods that contain it can increase your LDL(bad)
cholesterol, lower HDL (good) cholesterol, and increase your risk for type 2
diabetes and heart disease.
Restaurants may also compound the calorie-counting issue. In one study, people eating at restaurants they associated as “healthy” still underestimated the number of calories in their meal by 20 percent.
Integumentary
system (skin, hair, nails)
The foods you eat may impact your skin’s appearance, but it might not
be the foods you suspect. In the past, chocolate and greasy foods like pizza
have taken the blame for acne breakouts, but according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s carbohydrates. Carb-rich
foods lead to blood sugar spikes, and these sudden
jumps in blood sugar levels may trigger acne.
Anti-acne diet »
Children and adolescents who eat fast food at least three times a week
are also more likely to develop eczema, according to one study. Eczema is a
skin condition that causes irritated patches of inflamed, itchy skin.
Skeletal system (bones)
Carbs and sugar in fast food and processed
food can increase acids in your mouth. These acids can break down tooth enamel.
As tooth enamel disappears, bacteria can take hold, and cavities may develop.
Obesity can also lead to complications with bone density and muscle mass. People who are obese have a greater risk for falling and breaking bones. It’s important to keep exercising to build muscles, which support your bones, and maintain a healthy diet to minimize bone loss.
Leads to loss of memory:
Eating only junk food and craving for more, leads you to lose your memory gradually. There is a sudden inflammation of the brain especially in the (hippocampus part of the brain). There goes a chemical reaction inside the brain which leads to loss of memory. High sugar diet suppresses the functions of the brain known as Brain Derived Neutrophic Factor. It is actually responsible for concentration and memory.
Increases the risk of dementia :
This has been one of the scariest discoveries associated with the
consumption of junk food. You may know that insulin is produced in the pancreas
and helps in the transportation of glucose to fuel the body. Insulin is also
produced in the brain where it helps in carrying signals between nerve cells
and forming memories. A study conducted at the Brown University shows that too
much fatty food and sweets can substantially increase the insulin levels in our
body.
Just like in the case of Type 2 Diabetes, with higher levels of insulin, the brain stops responding to this hormone and become resistant to it. This can restrict our ability to think, recall or create memories, thus increasing the risk of dementia.
One of the most common side effects of having junk food is obesity. Junk food has loads of sugar, calories, and fat. Addiction to junk food leads to weight gain. Obesity may cause medical issues like diabetes, cancer or joint pain in later life.
(Related Article : Obesity and How to avoid this disease!!! )
Dental Issues:
Junk food and aerated drinks are usually a storehouse of sugar. Excess intake of sodas and pop drinks can prove harmful to your teen’s oral health. Regular consumption of junk food can lead to tooth decay and gum disease in your teen.
The most effective solution to keep rest from above problems of Junk Food is
1. Try to detuch from Junk Food/ Fast Food
2. Do a Morning Walk Daily(Related Article : 31 benefits of a morning walk - Disesecure )
3. Take enough Water.
4. Do yoga in morning also. (Related Article : Daily Fitness Tips and Yoga )