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