By: Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
We all know junk food is bad, yet we still eat it. But, do we know how bad it is? Do we ever check what we are eating, and whether that packet of chips or Maggi noodles has what it claims it has? The increasing consumption of junk food among children has become a pressing concern for parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers worldwide. Junk food, typically high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children’s health.
The mention of ready-to-eat foods, it is feared, leaves the door open for food industries to step up their attempts to capture the large potential market of the public food schemes. Nowadays, when we think of food, items like pizza, burger, chips and wafers come to our mind. Nowadays, children love food items like pizzas, burgers, chips etc.; they force their parents to purchase these items. Junk food contains host of chemicals that are injurious to health as our body finds it difficult to digest them. Eating these items has been treated as a sign of elite living. All these dishes are called junk-food. Our body does not get any nourishment on eating either fast-food or junk-food. Many doctors have concluded after a lot of research that since these foods are hard to digest, their consumption causes illnesses.
Regular consumption of junk food can lead to excessive weight gain, obesity, and related health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Junk food often lacks essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which can lead to deficiencies and impaired growth and development in children. The high sugar content in junk food can contribute to tooth decay, cavities, and other dental health issues. A diet dominated by junk food can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke, later in life.
There is an increase in the blood cholesterol level because of the consumption of food having excessive fat. Excess fat and salt can cause an increase in blood pressure.The problem of junk and processed, packaged food in India is reaching dramatic proportions with every tiny village shop laden with packets of potato chips and namkeen and carbonated drinks. Eating junk food like burger, wafers, salad full of preservatives leads to poor concentration. Children eating junk food often lack concentration. So right from the childhood children must be encouraged to eat healthy food rather than junk food. Fast food does not contain vital nutrients required for a good health and made up of fried and preserved food which does not remain natural. Parents can play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits by providing nutritious meals, limiting junk food consumption, and setting a good example. Schools and healthcare professionals can educate children about the importance of a balanced diet and the risks associated with junk food. Governments can implement policies to regulate junk food marketing, improve food labeling, and promote healthier food options in schools and public spaces. Fast foods may be a good way to save time, but too often they are high in fat, sugar and calories. Eat healthy, stay away from junk food, do exercise and stay fit should be the mantra of life.
