Understanding the Nutrition label

It is crucial to read the list of main ingredients on the label, to determine if the food is laden with fat, salt and sugar. To avoid any chances of an impending health hazard caused by junk foods, it would be wise to check the sodium, sugar, cholesterol and fibre content besides the amount of calories and fat contained in the product.

Fat content
The required consumption of fat per day is 25 to 30% of the total calories, to enable proper functioning of the fat-soluble vitamins that is responsible for creating a feeling of being full and satiated.  Nevertheless, excess amounts of saturated fats, consumed in the form of fried chicken, burgers and pizzas clog the arteries leading to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, cancer and obesity.

Sodium content
Junk foods contain sodium in abundance, especially in foods such as breakfast cereals, cookies and pastries.  Since the daily requirement of sodium is 2300 milligrams per serving, excess intake is likely to lead to life-threatening diseases. Nonetheless, sodium in conjunction with potassium plays a major role in maintaining the water balance in the body. However, taking sodium in moderation is recommended, as excess amounts lead to fluid retention.

Sugar content
Creamilicious cakes, cookies, lollies, candies and soft drinks, a favourite among kids, acquire their delicious taste, due to their surplus sugar content.  Since the body converts sugar to fat, they cause more harm than good in the long run, resulting in orthodontic problems and obesity.

Fibre content
Listed in grams, the dietary fibre undergoes a change in quantity, depending upon the product.  A sufficient quantity of two grams dietary fibre per serving is recommended for good health.  However, high fibre foods are those with quantities of five plus grams.

Source: http://readanddigest.com/junk-food-facts-and-health-effects/

What is Junk Food?

Junk food has been taking the world by storm, with their attractive colours, tickling the taste buds, irresistible to the young and old alike, with their wonderful array of varieties and flavour. However, these foods filled with empty calories and zero nutritional value offers next to nothing in terms of health benefits with absolutely no value for money.

What is Junk Food?

The director of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, Michael Jacobson, in the year 1972, invented the term “junk food” along with words such as “Liquid candy” and “Empty calories”. He was accredited the “chief of the food police” by the food industry, for uncovering the damaging effects of junk food with its use of additives such as vibrant food colours, salt and trans fat. His intent was to boost awareness among people, regarding Junk food containing low nutritional value and high calories, sugar and fat, which often lead to many life-threatening ailments.

We are what we eat

Junk foods with high levels of calories from salt, sugar and saturated fats, contain insufficient vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids.  Food, which acts as a basic element for good health, plays a vital role for sustenance and overall well-being.  However, lack of nutrition, affects the smooth functioning of the body that is forced to create its own enzymes, in order to convert food into energy.  The enzymes that are utilised are otherwise reserved for the metabolic functioning.

How to recognise Junk foods

Snacks such as ice cream, Milk shakes, soda, fizzy carbonated beverages, soda, breakfast cereals, cookies, candies, chips, pizza, burgers, tacos, chicken submarine sandwiches and instant noodles, in addition to indian curries and kebabs fall under the category of junk foods.
As the old adage goes that too much of anything is good for nothing, likewise junk foods are processed with nitrates, for sustaining their flavour and freshness for longer duration besides enhancing their mouth-watering taste.

Source: http://readanddigest.com/junk-food-facts-and-health-effects/