Seven Castles

Junk Food

                                      

June 2, 2008

 

Junk food is food that is unhealthy and/or has poor nutritional value. High in calories, low in nutrients and usually quick to prepare, it is popular with suppliers because it is relatively cheap to manufacture, has a long shelf life and may not require refrigeration, and it is popular with consumers from all over the world because it is easy to purchase, requires little or no preparation, is convenient to consume and has lots of flavor.

 

Salted snack foods, pasta, burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, crisps, gum, most sweet desserts, sweets and carbonated beverages have all at some time been classified as junk foods. Generally, they offer little in terms of protein, vitamins or minerals and lots of calories from sugar or fat. If ingredients make junk foods appealing, it is the same reason that makes them health hazardous too. The fat contents, barring a few manufacturers, have high cholesterol levels. Secondly, the sugar and sodium salts have their effects on health. High calorie content with sugar can lead to obesity. Cholesterol and salt are known to setoff blood pressure, stroke and heart diseases in a chain. Excessive salts can affect functioning of kidneys too. Consumption of junk food has been associated with obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and dental cavities. There is also concern about the targeting of marketing to children.

 

Some nutritionists condemn all such foods with a zeal bordering on fanaticism; but most nutritionists believe that there are no bad foods, only bad diets. So-called junk foods can provide valuable nutrients and, if taken in moderation as part of a balanced diet, do little harm and can be of psychological benefit. Fish and chips, for example, if prepared properly to minimize the fat content, provide a nutritionally rich meal high in vitamins D and B12 as well as some minerals. There is no doubt, however, that it would be extremely difficult to design a balanced diet based exclusively on junk food since most have a high fat and salt content.

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2008年06月2日 星期一 05:17】【注册】【打印】