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/
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