UNHEALTHY FOODS

Unhealthy or Junk food is an informal term applied to some foods that are perceived to have little or no nutritional value (i.e. containing "empty calories"); to products with nutritional value, but also have ingredients considered unhealthy when regularly eaten; or to those considered unhealthy to consume at all.

Junk foods are typically ready-to-eat convenience foods containing high levels of saturated and / or trans fats, salt, or sugar, and little or no fruit, vegetables, or dietary fiber; and are considered to have little or no health benefits.

Common junk foods include salted snack foods like chips (crisps), candy, gum, most sweet desserts, fried fast food and carbonated beverages (sodas) as well as alcoholic beverages. High-sugar cereals, particularly those targeted at children, such as Fruit candies, are also classified as junk food.

Negative effects of consuming fast food:

• Consumption of extra calories much more than the daily recommended quantity due to deep frying of the foods or use of fatty dressings or toppings and also for the heavy portion size being consumed may ultimately lead to obesity and other lifestyle diseases

 • Presence of saturated and trans fat in foods like fries, cheese, mayonnaise, etc poses great threat on our heart health and cholesterol profile

•Use of sugar and sodium as salt or other additive in excess may give a risk of high blood pressure or high blood sugar

• Fast foods generally lack fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and hence are deficient in vitamins and minerals thereby affecting our immunity and endurance to fight lifestyle diseases

• Additives are used liberally in the fast foods to enhance the appearance, texture, flavor and palatability of these foods. But some additives might prove extremely harmful. For instance mono-sodium glutamate, commonly known as ajinomoto, used as flavoring for Chinese recipes is considered carcinogenic. Fast food costs relatively little and tastes good, but the negative effects on physical health last much longer than these immediate concerns.

REFERENCES: http://www.indiadiets.com/foods/unhealthy_foods/unhealthy_foods.htm http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/nutrition/healthy_eat

HEALTHY FOODS

If you want to eat healthy, it is important to make healthy choices in what you eat all the time – meaning: meals and snacks.
For example: foods with refined grains, such as white flour or refined wheat, have high amounts of starch that the body just stores away and doesn't use. Try to eat more whole grains such as whole wheat (bread, etc.), brown rice, and oats – which provide energy over a longer period of time after you eat them.

 Here are three main reasons that will help remind you that eating healthy is the best choice to make for your diet: 
•To provide the necessary nutrients that your body needs to create new cells, clean toxins, and to just function every day!
•Eating healthy now can help prevent future diseases such as diabetes and cancer
 •You will have more energy and be more alert

The top ten foods considered to be the most healthy, according to surveys and sources across North America and Western Europe. They include: 

•apples
•almonds
•broccoli
•blueberries
•oily fish
•leafy green vegetables
•sweet potatoes
•wheat germ
•avocados
•oatmeal

REFERENCES: http://en.amerikanki.com/foods-eat-every-day-for-perfect-skin/10/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_food