Economically Backward

10 Mind Blowing Facts About Junk Food

Owing to taste preferences and the unavailability of time for working professionals, fast food or junk food is the go-to option for meeting gastro needs. Companies in the sector have designed their operations and menus in such a way that majority of the population are not only ready to give these fast food joints a chance, but they are coming back for more. This is a dangerous trend considering the health of the consumer is at stake. This article will look at some of the true facts associated with junk food.

Check out these 10 mind blowing facts about fast food:

10. Major Contributors for Depression and Type 2 Diabetes

Depression

Depression and diabetes have become so common, the majority of the population knows about its existence, even though they may be unaware of the symptoms. Depression can be loosely defined as low mood state. Our mood or emotions are very strongly connected to the biochemical processes that happen in the cell. Junk food rich in sugar and trans fat has the power to alter these processes and affect our mood drastically, thus throwing us into an overwhelmed state without warning. Type 2 diabetes’ primary symptom is insulin resistance which would have possibly caused by overproduction of insulin in the body to tackle the high glucose levels in the blood.

9. Increases Chances of Cancer

Cancer

Cancer has been plaguing human life since its discovery, and according to research, it is evident that there is a strong correlation between the consumption of junk food and the onset of cancer. It has been observed that the cancerous cells were spotted in people despite the BMI is in the permissible limit. This means cancer could take shape in your body even without any kind of symptoms of overeating junk. Colorectal cancer has been identified to be a result of a junk food diet and its consequent obesity. It is evident from these facts that a can of coke or burger may be palatable, but the long list of consequences that come with consuming them excessively is certainly not worth the taste.

8. Malfunctioning of Multiple Organs

Organ Failure

Fats in junk food has the tendency to replace good proteins in the brain. This is enough to send the brain into a state of frenzy in the event of over-consumption. It also has an effect on the cognition skills such as difficult learning and assimilation . This can adversely affect children in their school work and overall performance. The heart can take a huge hit because of fat accumulation, and can, in turn, be the primary contributor to obesity. It is not just obesity that fat contributes to. It affects the efficiency of the arteries to carry blood (due to clogging) thus resulting in fluctuation in blood pressure and other overall ailments. Increase in blood pressure also affects the kidney’s functioning. Not to forget, fat accumulation in the liver is also another critical scenario that can push anyone into a state of emergency.

7. Ups the Chances of Dementia

Dementia

Dementia is characterized by memory loss and a huge decline in the cognitive abilities of the brain. Junk foods are powerhouses fueled by fat and sugar. Both of these can cause a meltdown of some of the command centers of the brain with excessive consumption. 60-80% of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s disease. Fat content in junk food has been considered as the primary causative agent for increasing the level of brain proteins that boosted Alzheimer’s disease. Excess sugar in the body means more insulin content, which would eventually make the brain resistant to insulin and can hamper the ability of the brain to create new memories.

6. Bricks the Digestion Process

Digestion Failure

Junk food mostly contains substances that are deep-fried, obviously in oil. The excess oil from the food has the capacity to get deposited in the stomach and can lead to acidity. Acidity is characterized by acid reflux: the upward movement of the acid in the food pipe which eventually causes heartburns. Since junk food is devoid of fiber, it affects the entire digestion process and the body loses its capacity to regulate bowel movements. Additionally, since the junk food makes you impatient, there is a high chance of quick consumption that can lead to indigestion at a mega scale. Since food is being consumed quickly, consequently more calories are also consumed into the body paving way for other complications.

5. Targets Economically Backward Classes

Economically Backward

It is not sure what the correlation between junk food and economic status is, but it is a well-established fact that the poor consume more than the wealthy. This not only creates a bigger divide between the poor and rich, but it is worrisome because the poor won’t be in a position for good medical care in the event of the body acting up due to junk food consumption. The economically backward isn’t going to use the metric of how healthy a food is, instead they’re just going to target the food that is available cheaply and can meet their hunger needs. In the long run, this would be a crippling situation. Not only do we have an economically backward class, but also marred with major health issues.

4. Instigates Behavioral Problems

Behavioral Problems

Our behaviors are directly linked to the way we feel. The way we feel has a direct link to the biochemical processes that happen at a cellular level. These biochemical processes get altered and modified drastically when junk food is consumed. Due to the presence of additives in junk food, there is a sudden surge in brain activity. This is commonly cited as a sugar rush, but it has got to do with the preservatives that are present. This can lead to energy spikes and hyperactivity. Hyperactivity can unnecessarily impact energy levels and the overall mental frame. Also, there is a tendency for human beings to gravitate towards negative emotions due to junk food consumption, thus wrecking the overall behavior.

3. Brain Chemistry Alteration

Brain Chemistry Alteration

Based on studies, it is evident that junk food has the capacity to change the chemistry of the brain like some of the psychoactive drugs. Binge eating of junk food can lead to anxiety. The refined ingredients in junk food cause a fluctuation in the blood sugar level. Due to the increase in blood sugar level, the pancreas is forced to generate high volumes of insulin to tackle this issue.

In addition to them causing certain changes in the brain system, they also ensure that there is a craving for more junk which eventually leads to addiction. Finally, it has also been observed in some of the studies that rats developed memory issues when they were subjected to the consumption of junk food. This can be extrapolated to human beings, and it can affect our memories too. There is also research to prove that people who consume junk food often has a tendency to be impatient.

2. Junk Food Makes You Hate Fruits and Vegetables

Fast Food

Human beings are habitual creatures. As there is prolonged reliance on junk food, the consumption of fruits and vegetables drastically reduce. As the taste buds get used to junk food, the ability of the brain to even think about eating fibrous food will become a herculean task. Since junk food doesn’t have any nutritional value, and since there is no addition of fruits and vegetables to the diet, our diets would be extremely imbalanced and that would lead to deficiencies in the body. This is alarming because fruits and vegetables play a huge role in building the body’s immune system which would consequently battle illness. With over consumption of junk food, we are robbing the body of its ability to fight.

1. They Pack on High Volumes of Calories From Either Sugar or Fat

High Volumes of Calories

As a consequence, it does not contain the vitals like proteins, fibers, and minerals. Since energy is being drawn from sugar and fat, there is a high chance of onset of diseases like diabetes, CVD, and dental decay. If junk food is consumed regularly, the fat would begin to clog the arteries, ensuing in hypertension and heart attacks. Additionally, since these are high in calories, and since most people lead a sedentary lifestyle, it would be extremely difficult to burn them with a natural metabolism. This means hours in the gym to cut the flab to ensure that it doesn’t lead to anything fatal. Since they are just calories and do not add any nutritional value, they are also known as empty calories.