junk food or healthy food essay

Essay on Healthy Food vs Junk Food

Students are often asked to write an essay on Healthy Food vs Junk Food in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Healthy Food vs Junk Food

Introduction.

Healthy food and junk food are two types of food often discussed. Healthy food is nutritious, while junk food lacks essential nutrients but is high in harmful substances.

Healthy Food

Healthy food includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. They provide the body with necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber to maintain good health.

Junk food includes fast food, sweets, and soda. They contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to health problems like obesity and heart disease.

In conclusion, healthy food is the best choice for maintaining good health, while junk food can harm our health.

250 Words Essay on Healthy Food vs Junk Food

The allure of junk food.

Junk food, characterized by high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, is often preferred for its convenience and addictive taste. However, the immediate gratification it offers comes with long-term health consequences. Overconsumption of junk food is linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. It also negatively impacts cognitive functions, affecting academic performance and productivity.

The Power of Healthy Food

On the other hand, healthy food, rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, provides the body with the necessary components for optimal functioning. These foods boost the immune system, enhance cognitive abilities, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. They also contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and promote overall well-being.

Changing the Narrative

Despite the clear benefits of healthy food, the pervasive culture of fast food has normalized junk food consumption. However, changing this narrative is possible through education and awareness. Understanding the detrimental effects of junk food and the benefits of a balanced diet can help steer societal preferences towards healthier options.

In conclusion, while junk food may appeal to our taste buds and offer convenience, its long-term effects on health are detrimental. In contrast, healthy food, despite being less convenient, provides numerous health benefits, making it the superior choice. It is essential for individuals, especially college students, to make informed dietary choices for a healthier future.

500 Words Essay on Healthy Food vs Junk Food

The debate between healthy food and junk food has been a topic of interest for many years. As society becomes more health-conscious, the importance of dietary choices is increasingly recognized. This essay aims to explore the differences between healthy and junk food, their impact on our health, and the societal implications of these choices.

Understanding Healthy Food and Junk Food

On the other hand, junk food is typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, while being low in nutritional value. Common examples include fast food, candy, soda, and chips. These foods may be appealing due to their taste and convenience, but their regular consumption can lead to various health issues.

The Health Implications

The consumption of healthy food has numerous health benefits. It provides the necessary nutrients that the body needs to function optimally. A balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Societal Implications

The choices between healthy food and junk food also have broader societal implications. The rising consumption of junk food is often linked to the global obesity epidemic. The ease of access and low cost of junk food, combined with aggressive marketing strategies, contribute to its popularity, particularly among younger generations.

Meanwhile, healthy food is often perceived as more expensive and less accessible, especially in low-income communities. This creates a socio-economic divide in dietary choices and health outcomes. Promoting the consumption of healthy food and making it more accessible and affordable can help address these disparities.

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Healthy Food vs. Junk Food

What's the difference.

Healthy food and junk food are two contrasting categories of food that have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. Healthy food, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that nourish our bodies and support optimal functioning. It provides sustained energy, boosts the immune system, and helps maintain a healthy weight. On the other hand, junk food, including fast food, sugary snacks, and processed foods, is typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. It lacks essential nutrients and can lead to weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases, and a decline in overall health. While healthy food promotes vitality and longevity, junk food can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental well-being.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to our diet, the choices we make can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. The food we consume can be broadly categorized into two main types: healthy food and junk food. While healthy food provides essential nutrients and promotes good health, junk food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. In this article, we will explore the attributes of both healthy food and junk food, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Attributes of Healthy Food

Healthy food, as the name suggests, is packed with essential nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products are all examples of healthy food choices. These foods are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting overall well-being.

One of the key attributes of healthy food is its ability to provide sustained energy throughout the day. Whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, release energy slowly, keeping us feeling fuller for longer and preventing energy crashes. Additionally, healthy food is often low in unhealthy fats and added sugars, making it an excellent choice for weight management and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, healthy food is known to support brain health and cognitive function. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and nuts like walnuts have been linked to improved memory and concentration. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens can also protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Lastly, healthy food choices are often associated with better mood and mental well-being. Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower the risk of depression and anxiety. These foods contain nutrients like folate, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C, which are essential for the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.

Attributes of Junk Food

Junk food, on the other hand, is typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, while lacking essential nutrients. Fast food, sugary snacks, processed meats, and sugary beverages are all examples of junk food. While these foods may be convenient and tasty, they often come with several negative attributes that can harm our health.

One of the main drawbacks of junk food is its high calorie content. Consuming excessive calories without proper nutritional value can lead to weight gain and obesity. Junk food is often low in fiber, which means it fails to provide the feeling of fullness that healthy food offers. This can result in overeating and a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

Moreover, junk food is typically high in unhealthy fats, particularly trans fats and saturated fats. These fats can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, many junk food options are heavily processed, containing artificial additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium. Regular consumption of these additives has been linked to various health issues, including inflammation, digestive problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Another attribute of junk food is its negative impact on dental health. Sugary snacks and beverages can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. The high sugar content in these foods provides a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque formation and dental problems. Poor dental health can have broader implications on overall health, as it has been linked to cardiovascular disease and other systemic conditions.

Furthermore, junk food is often associated with mood swings and a lack of mental clarity. While these foods may provide a temporary feeling of pleasure, they can lead to energy crashes and a decrease in overall productivity. The high sugar content in junk food can cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, affecting mood stability and cognitive function.

Choosing between healthy food and junk food is a decision that can significantly impact our health and well-being. While healthy food provides essential nutrients, sustained energy, and numerous health benefits, junk food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, leading to weight gain, chronic diseases, and a decline in overall health. By making conscious choices and prioritizing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, we can take control of our health and enjoy the benefits of nourishing our bodies with the right foods.

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• School Education /

Healthy Food Essay 150 and 300 Words in English for Students

• Updated on  
• Apr 4, 2024

Eating healthy food is important for a healthy and disease-free life. A person who eats healthy food means he/ she is taking good care of his/ her body and overall well-being. From childhood, we are told to eat healthy food, which includes green vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, dairy products, etc. On this page, we will be discussing healthy food essay 150 and 300 words for school students.

Table of Contents

• 1 Healthy Food Essay 150 Words
• 2 Essay on Healthy Food in 300 Words
• 3 10 Healthy Food Essay Lines

  Quick Read: Essay on Good Habits

Healthy Food Essay 150 Words

‘Healthy food means food that is good for our physical growth and overall well-being. From an early age, we are told to eat healthy foods, ones that are rich in protein, fiber, and calcium. There are five types of healthy foods: Fruit and vegetables; starchy food; dairy products; proteins and fats.

Food is essential for growth and development, and when we talk about healthy food, it means better growth and a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of our bodies is our responsibility, and it all starts with eating healthy food. 

Today, India is the largest producer of milk and pulses, and the second largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, groundnut, vegetables, and fruit. The country not only sustains its 1.4 billion population with healthy food but also exports a large amount of it. 

Our health is our responsibility, which can only be achieved by eating healthy food and exercising. There is a saying in sports, ‘ Your performance is determined by the type of fuel you provide to your body.’ So, let’s all live a healthy and happy life with healthy food.’

Quick Read: 200+ English Essay Topics

Essay on Healthy Food in 300 Words

‘Food is a source of energy for every living being. Even plants require food in the form of sunlight, water, and minerals from the soil. As humans, we all want to eat our favorite and most delicious food, which is mostly unhealthy. Healthy food, on the other hand, is not preferred by all, as some people don’t consider it tasty. Healthy food is known for its rich fiber and protein content. There are several benefits of eating healthy food, which are very important for our growth, body functioning and to live a sustained life.’

‘A healthy diet is generally a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Proteins and fats are required for energy, carbohydrates support our bodily functions and physical activity, and vitamins and minerals help boost the immune system, and support normal growth and development.’

‘India is one of the largest producers of healthy foods. In India, the Northern Plains, the Central Highlands, and the coastal areas are known for their rich production of healthy and nutritious food. Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of sugarcane and wheat, West Bengal of rice, Karnataka for coffee, and Rajasthan of millet. We are surrounded by so many natural and healthy food resources, which can help lead a healthy and sustained life.’

‘Healthy food helps maintain a good body weight. It’s all about balancing what we eat and drink with the energy we burn. Sure, filling our plates with good food is important, but watching how much we take helps too.’

‘Eating healthy food is not just advice to live a healthy life. It’s a way of life that we all must adhere to. Adding fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to our diets will help us maintain good body weight, boost our immune system, and enhance our cells and body functioning.’

10 Healthy Food Essay Lines

Here are 10 healthy food essay lines for students: 

• Eating healthy food is very important for a healthy and happy life.
• We get all the important nutrients and minerals from healthy food.
• Vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and dry fruits are part of healthy food.
• Dairy products such as milk, eggs, ghee, butter, and cotton cheese are rich sources of protein.
• Healthy food keeps our mind and body fit.
• Avoiding junk food and switching to healthy food can help us live a healthier life.
• World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 every year to promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy food.
• Healthy food makes us agile and increases body functioning.
• Healthy food can help boost our immune system and digestion.
• Healthy food can uplift our mood and make us feel good.

Ans: ‘Healthy food means food that is good for our physical growth and overall well-being. From an early age, we are told to eat healthy foods, ones that are rich in protein, fiber, and calcium. There are five types of healthy foods: Fruit and vegetables; starchy food; dairy products; proteins and fats.’ ‘Food is essential for growth and development, and when we talk about healthy food, it means better growth and a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of our body is our responsibility and it all starts with eating healthy food.’

Ans: Food is a source of energy for every living being. Even plants require food in the form of sunlight, water, and minerals from the soil. As humans, we all want to eat our favourite and delicious food, which is mostly unhealthy. Healthy food, on the other hand, is not preferred by all, as some people don’t consider it tasty. Healthy food is known for its rich fiber and protein content. There are several benefits of eating healthy food, which are very important for our growth, body functioning, and living a sustained life.

Ans: ‘Healthy food helps in maintaining a good body weight It’s all about balancing what we eat and drink with the energy we burn. Sure, filling our plates with good food is important, but watching how much we take helps too. Healthy food makes us agile and increases body functioning. Healthy food can help boost our immune system and digestion. Healthy food can uplift our mood and make us feel good.

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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• Junk Food Essay

Essay on Junk Food For Students

Any form of food items that have a high level of calorie content and saturated fats are referred to as junk food. They are unhealthy foods and have low nutritional value for our bodies. Most of the restaurant foods and fast foods are highly processed and are often regarded as junk. It has gained popularity among the young generations who consume it on a regular basis. 

Here, we have provided a long essay and a short paragraph on junk food discussing the harmful effects of consuming junk food and how we can deal with it. The two junk food essays provided by us will thus help the students to be familiar with the topic and get key ideas for writing their own essay during their exam preparation.

Such essays are usually asked in exams. Here we have provided a sample of a long and short essay each on the topic along with its conclusion. This provides the students with an idea about how to form perfect essays on any given topic. The information mentioned in these essays will also be useful for students to think about.  

Long Essay on Junk Food 

This 500 words junk food essay has been provided as a reference for the students to jot down their own essay for exams. This has been written addressing the students of all age groups in a simple language. 

With the growing chains of fast-food restaurants and street foods, the young generation today has become more addicted to eating outside and are dependent on these junk foods. This has become a new trend in modern culture. Also, the marketing of various food brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino’s and McDonald’s have attracted more youngsters to go and consume such food items. Although these items taste good but are not at all considered healthy for our bodies. With their higher level of proteins, sugar and saturated fats, they tend to increase the cholesterol level in our body. They do not contribute to providing nutritional values required for the immune system and lack essential vitamins and minerals. 

Due to the busy day-to-day life, we often prefer ordering food from outside or munching on some snacks to satisfy our hunger. As a result, this has increased our addiction to eating junk every day. We often enjoy eating food that satisfies our taste buds and is less time-consuming. Since these junk foods are easily found nowadays with just a click on our phone, we tend to eat more of them. But we should keep in mind that these create a harmful impact on our body later and give rise to several health problems.

As per reports, the increase in the number of obesity cases has resulted due to the regular consumption of junk food items. Some of the severe health issues include cardiovascular diseases, a higher risk of obesity, PCOD/PCOS in females and several other chronic diseases which have a greater impact on our body and mental health.

Some of the commonly eaten junk foods include pizzas, burgers, deep-fries, food items made of processed cheese and high protein meat. Even some of the breakfast items and cereals tend to contain high amounts of sugar content. 

Since the risk of obesity and heart disease has become a major concern today, we should avoid the consumption of junk foods and sugary items. Replacing highly processed food items with a bowl of green salads and fruits can reduce the risk of high cholesterol in our bodies. Although we can consume junk food on some occasions, it must be followed by some physical activity to burn the calories consumed. 

To conclude, the health of an individual is an important part of their life and must be taken care of. It is, therefore, essential to make a habit of healthy eating instead of relying on these highly processed junk foods. This junk food essay in English is thus provided as a reference for the students to give them an idea about the harmful effects of junk foods.

Short Essay on Junk Food in English for Students

This short paragraph on junk food is provided for the students to be familiar with the health risks of consuming junk foods. This short essay will provide all the key information on this topic to help the students prepare for their examination.

Any food item which contains a higher level of saturated fats, sugars and proteins which can increase our cholesterol level is regarded as junk food. These can either be highly processed meat, a pizza or a burger and can even be breakfast cereals that have high sugar content. These junk foods tend to satisfy our taste buds but leave a harmful effect on our bodies in the long run. Regular consumption of junk foods has resulted in several health issues such as a higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, liver problems and other chronic health diseases. 

Consumption of junk foods has become more common these days due to their easy availability in the market. All the fast-food chains and food brands tend to promote the consumption of these foods and as such people get more attracted towards them. Most of the time, we often order food from outside and many snacks while studying/working, and thus we end up consuming it regularly. These junk foods are unhealthy and reduce our immunity as they do not contain any nutritional elements or vitamins. Before these junks take a high toll on our health, we should cut down the consumption of this highly processed food and switch to healthier food options. Parents are also advised to teach their children to develop a habit of healthy eating and try some healthy alternatives for junk food. A habit of regular consumption of fruits and green vegetables must be inculcated in the children. 

To conclude, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables will help us maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is advisable to avoid regular consumption of junk foods as they do not add any nutritional value to our body and thus, makes us inactive.

Few Pointers to Keep in Mind While Writing Essays

Carefully understand the topic that you are going to write the essay on. Analyze how much information you already have on the topic and how much more research needs to be done.

After understanding the topic, work on defining your argument. Carefully lay out the important points and think about how you are going to present them.

A good essay must have a good introduction, informative and touching content, and a strong conclusion. An eye-catching and captivating title is also a must.

Make sure that you write clearly and stick to the topic. 

You must also analyze your audience and write accordingly. If you are writing the essay for your school, ensure that all the guidelines explained by your teacher are met.

Make sure that you do not include unnecessary technical jargon if you are writing for a simple audience.

Your conclusion should sum up your arguments and also send the message that you want to convey clearly.

Recheck your essay for any grammatical errors.

Think about where you can make your words more eloquent and effective.

Have a rough draft in mind before jumping on writing. This ensures that your essay is organized coherently and is not all over the place.

If you are writing the essay in a live exam, make sure you keep the word count in mind. Have some general guidelines prepared before appearing for the exam.

FAQs on Junk Food Essay

1. Is Consumption of Junk Food in a Smaller Amount Harmful?

No, consumption of a very small amount of junk food on rare occasions doesn’t cause any harm. But after consumption, one must continue eating healthy food and perform some sort of physical exercise to burn the amount of high calorie that is being consumed.  One must incorporate a healthy lifestyle. In addition to eating healthy and nutritious food, one must avoid a sedentary lifestyle and stay physically active. With such a healthy lifestyle, eating small amounts of junk food can be enjoyable and harmless.

2. Why are Breakfast Cereals Considered Under Junk Foods?

Most of the cereals that we consume for breakfast have high sugar content in them which is not good for our health. Also, most of them are produced from refined wheat and refined sugars which add up the cholesterol and diabetes level in our body. Thus, they are regarded as junk foods. Also, they are more dangerous because people usually eat them thinking that they are healthier alternatives to other breakfast items and thus end up eating them more. 

3. How can one make better food choices?

There are several things that we can do to adopt a healthy overall lifestyle and also make better food choices. Here are a few of them:

Always check labels before buying prepackaged items. Avoid items that are high in sugar and trans fats.

Avoid eating outside regularly.

Prepare fresh home-cooked meals every day.

Include foods rich in fiber like fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

Maintain a well-balanced diet.

Avoid buying prepackaged items that claim to be healthier alternatives.

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Get healthy snacks like peanuts, dates, makhanas etc to munch on when hungry.

4. Why do students end up eating more junk food than any other age group?

Students of today live very hectic and stressful lives. This is true in particular for students who are driven and aim to have a competitive edge. With the extensive syllabus and tight schedules, care is rarely taken to eat healthily. Students, therefore, end up going on long hours without eating anything and then end up munching on unhealthy junk food as a quick reprieve. Social media and exposure to various global food chains is another reason why students end up eating more junk food than others.

5. What are some components of writing a good essay?

A good essay has a captivating heading and an introduction that draws the reader to read the entire essay with interest. The body of the essay is also extremely important. It should be such that it conveys the message to the reader without including unnecessary technical details. If you are writing for the exam, then the word count should be kept in mind while writing the essay. Vedantu provides several sample essays on its website to help the students. In addition, students can refer to Essay Writing tips by Vedantu's experts to further excel in writing essays.

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The Impacts of Junk Food on Health

Energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, otherwise known as junk foods, have never been more accessible and available. Young people are bombarded with unhealthy junk-food choices daily, and this can lead to life-long dietary habits that are difficult to undo. In this article, we explore the scientific evidence behind both the short-term and long-term impacts of junk food consumption on our health.

Introduction

The world is currently facing an obesity epidemic, which puts people at risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Junk food can contribute to obesity and yet it is becoming a part of our everyday lives because of our fast-paced lifestyles. Life can be jam-packed when you are juggling school, sport, and hanging with friends and family! Junk food companies make food convenient, tasty, and affordable, so it has largely replaced preparing and eating healthy homemade meals. Junk foods include foods like burgers, fried chicken, and pizza from fast-food restaurants, as well as packaged foods like chips, biscuits, and ice-cream, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, fatty meats like bacon, sugary cereals, and frozen ready meals like lasagne. These are typically highly processed foods , meaning several steps were involved in making the food, with a focus on making them tasty and thus easy to overeat. Unfortunately, junk foods provide lots of calories and energy, but little of the vital nutrients our bodies need to grow and be healthy, like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Australian teenagers aged 14–18 years get more than 40% of their daily energy from these types of foods, which is concerning [ 1 ]. Junk foods are also known as discretionary foods , which means they are “not needed to meet nutrient requirements and do not belong to the five food groups” [ 2 ]. According to the dietary guidelines of Australian and many other countries, these five food groups are grains and cereals, vegetables and legumes, fruits, dairy and dairy alternatives, and meat and meat alternatives.

Young people are often the targets of sneaky advertising tactics by junk food companies, which show our heroes and icons promoting junk foods. In Australia, cricket, one of our favorite sports, is sponsored by a big fast-food brand. Elite athletes like cricket players are not fuelling their bodies with fried chicken, burgers, and fries! A study showed that adolescents aged 12–17 years view over 14.4 million food advertisements in a single year on popular websites, with cakes, cookies, and ice cream being the most frequently advertised products [ 3 ]. Another study examining YouTube videos popular amongst children reported that 38% of all ads involved a food or beverage and 56% of those food ads were for junk foods [ 4 ].

What Happens to Our Bodies Shortly After We Eat Junk Foods?

Food is made up of three major nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. There are also vitamins and minerals in food that support good health, growth, and development. Getting the proper nutrition is very important during our teenage years. However, when we eat junk foods, we are consuming high amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are quickly absorbed by the body.

Let us take the example of eating a hamburger. A burger typically contains carbohydrates from the bun, proteins and fats from the beef patty, and fats from the cheese and sauce. On average, a burger from a fast-food chain contains 36–40% of your daily energy needs and this does not account for any chips or drinks consumed with it ( Figure 1 ). This is a large amount of food for the body to digest—not good if you are about to hit the cricket pitch!

• Figure 1 - The nutritional composition of a popular burger from a famous fast-food restaurant, detailing the average quantity per serving and per 100 g.
• The carbohydrates of a burger are mainly from the bun, while the protein comes from the beef patty. Large amounts of fat come from the cheese and sauce. Based on the Australian dietary guidelines, just one burger can be 36% of the recommended daily energy intake for teenage boys aged 12–15 years and 40% of the recommendations for teenage girls 12–15 years.

A few hours to a few days after eating rich, heavy foods such as a burger, unpleasant symptoms like tiredness, poor sleep, and even hunger can result ( Figure 2 ). Rather than providing an energy boost, junk foods can lead to a lack of energy. For a short time, sugar (a type of carbohydrate) makes people feel energized, happy, and upbeat as it is used by the body for energy. However, refined sugar , which is the type of sugar commonly found in junk foods, leads to a quick drop in blood sugar levels because it is digested quickly by the body. This can lead tiredness and cravings [ 5 ].

• Figure 2 - The short- and long-term impacts of junk food consumption.
• In the short-term, junk foods can make you feel tired, bloated, and unable to concentrate. Long-term, junk foods can lead to tooth decay and poor bowel habits. Junk foods can also lead to obesity and associated diseases such as heart disease. When junk foods are regularly consumed over long periods of time, the damages and complications to health are increasingly costly.

Fiber is a good carbohydrate commonly found in vegetables, fruits, barley, legumes, nuts, and seeds—foods from the five food groups. Fiber not only keeps the digestive system healthy, but also slows the stomach’s emptying process, keeping us feeling full for longer. Junk foods tend to lack fiber, so when we eat them, we notice decreasing energy and increasing hunger sooner.

Foods such as walnuts, berries, tuna, and green veggies can boost concentration levels. This is particularly important for young minds who are doing lots of schoolwork. These foods are what most elite athletes are eating! On the other hand, eating junk foods can lead to poor concentration. Eating junk foods can lead to swelling in the part of the brain that has a major role in memory. A study performed in humans showed that eating an unhealthy breakfast high in fat and sugar for 4 days in a row caused disruptions to the learning and memory parts of the brain [ 6 ].

Long-Term Impacts of Junk Foods

If we eat mostly junk foods over many weeks, months, or years, there can be several long-term impacts on health ( Figure 2 ). For example, high saturated fat intake is strongly linked with high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, which can be a sign of heart disease. Respected research studies found that young people who eat only small amounts of saturated fat have lower total cholesterol levels [ 7 ].

Frequent consumption of junk foods can also increase the risk of diseases such as hypertension and stroke. Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure and a stroke is damage to the brain from reduced blood supply, which prevents the brain from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to survive. Hypertension and stroke can occur because of the high amounts of cholesterol and salt in junk foods.

Furthermore, junk foods can trigger the “happy hormone,” dopamine , to be released in the brain, making us feel good when we eat these foods. This can lead us to wanting more junk food to get that same happy feeling again [ 8 ]. Other long-term effects of eating too much junk food include tooth decay and constipation. Soft drinks, for instance, can cause tooth decay due to high amounts of sugar and acid that can wear down the protective tooth enamel. Junk foods are typically low in fiber too, which has negative consequences for gut health in the long term. Fiber forms the bulk of our poop and without it, it can be hard to poop!

Tips for Being Healthy

One way to figure out whether a food is a junk food is to think about how processed it is. When we think of foods in their whole and original forms, like a fresh tomato, a grain of rice, or milk squeezed from a cow, we can then start to imagine how many steps are involved to transform that whole food into something that is ready-to-eat, tasty, convenient, and has a long shelf life.

For teenagers 13–14 years old, the recommended daily energy intake is 8,200–9,900 kJ/day or 1,960 kcal-2,370 kcal/day for boys and 7,400–8,200 kJ/day or 1,770–1,960 kcal for girls, according to the Australian dietary guidelines. Of course, the more physically active you are, the higher your energy needs. Remember that junk foods are okay to eat occasionally, but they should not make up more than 10% of your daily energy intake. In a day, this may be a simple treat such as a small muffin or a few squares of chocolate. On a weekly basis, this might mean no more than two fast-food meals per week. The remaining 90% of food eaten should be from the five food groups.

In conclusion, we know that junk foods are tasty, affordable, and convenient. This makes it hard to limit the amount of junk food we eat. However, if junk foods become a staple of our diets, there can be negative impacts on our health. We should aim for high-fiber foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; meals that have moderate amounts of sugar and salt; and calcium-rich and iron-rich foods. Healthy foods help to build strong bodies and brains. Limiting junk food intake can happen on an individual level, based on our food choices, or through government policies and health-promotion strategies. We need governments to stop junk food companies from advertising to young people, and we need their help to replace junk food restaurants with more healthy options. Researchers can focus on education and health promotion around healthy food options and can work with young people to develop solutions. If we all work together, we can help young people across the world to make food choices that will improve their short and long-term health.

Obesity : ↑ A disorder where too much body fat increases the risk of health problems.

Processed Food : ↑ A raw agricultural food that has undergone processes to be washed, ground, cleaned and/or cooked further.

Discretionary Food : ↑ Foods and drinks not necessary to provide the nutrients the body needs but that may add variety to a person’s diet (according to the Australian dietary guidelines).

Refined Sugar : ↑ Sugar that has been processed from raw sources such as sugar cane, sugar beets or corn.

Saturated Fat : ↑ A type of fat commonly eaten from animal sources such as beef, chicken and pork, which typically promotes the production of “bad” cholesterol in the body.

Dopamine : ↑ A hormone that is released when the brain is expecting a reward and is associated with activities that generate pleasure, such as eating or shopping.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

[1] ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2013. 4324.0.55.002 - Microdata: Australian Health Survey: Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2011-12 . Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available online at: http://bit.ly/2jkRRZO (accessed December 13, 2019).

[2] ↑ National Health and Medical Research Council. 2013. Australian Dietary Guidelines Summary . Canberra, ACT: National Health and Medical Research Council.

[3] ↑ Potvin Kent, M., and Pauzé, E. 2018. The frequency and healthfulness of food and beverages advertised on adolescents’ preferred web sites in Canada. J. Adolesc. Health. 63:102–7. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.01.007

[4] ↑ Tan, L., Ng, S. H., Omar, A., and Karupaiah, T. 2018. What’s on YouTube? A case study on food and beverage advertising in videos targeted at children on social media. Child Obes. 14:280–90. doi: 10.1089/chi.2018.0037

[5] ↑ Gómez-Pinilla, F. 2008. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 9, 568–78. doi: 10.1038/nrn2421

[6] ↑ Attuquayefio, T., Stevenson, R. J., Oaten, M. J., and Francis, H. M. 2017. A four-day western-style dietary intervention causes reductions in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory and interoceptive sensitivity. PLoS ONE . 12:e0172645. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172645

[7] ↑ Te Morenga, L., and Montez, J. 2017. Health effects of saturated and trans-fatty acid intake in children and adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 12:e0186672. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186672

[8] ↑ Reichelt, A. C. 2016. Adolescent maturational transitions in the prefrontal cortex and dopamine signaling as a risk factor for the development of obesity and high fat/high sugar diet induced cognitive deficits. Front. Behav. Neurosci. 10. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00189

Junk Food in Schools: Good or Bad for Children? Essay

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Introduction

The arguments for junk food at schools, the arguments against junk food at schools, the rebuttal of the advantages of junk food, the rebuttal of disadvantages of junk food.

Junk food has become very popular nowadays especially among children. Children really like junk food and as a result junk food are provided at school. Is it good or bad for children? There are advantages as well as disadvantages of junk food in schools.

There are three main advantages of junk food in schools namely quick preparation, change in routine and benefits for children’s health (Borkar, 2011). One of the main advantages of junk food is that it is simple to cook and it satiates hunger. If any child forgets his/her lunch bag at home it is very convenient to have junk food for lunch at school (Maire, n.d.). More than that, it is delicious and liked by children. It is the food that is easy to eat even on the go. As a result, junk food saves a lot of time and it is very convenient at schools where the breaks are not so long to have a rigorous lunch (Jenkins, 2005).

The second advantage is the change in routine. Children are accustomed to the food prepared at home and junk food at school may add the variety to their routine menu (Antwerp, n.d.). It does not have serious effects on the health if it is varied with the food prepared at home.

The third advantage is that it is healthy. Of course, there are cases when junk food is prepared with unhealthy ingredients and oil but there is also healthy junk food that may be eaten by children. If such junk food as potato chips or juice are available at school’s children will be protected from unhealthy food proposed outside the boundaries of the school ( Pros & Cons of Fast Foods in School, n.d.).

As for the disadvantages of junk food at schools, they are obesity, the influence over the students’ performance and other health issues (Richards, n.d.). It is a well-known fact that junk food contains a lot of salt, pepper and other unhealthy ingredients. All these ingredients are harmful as far as it is complicated for a young organism to break down them and these ingredients accumulate in the body (Rosenthal, n.d.). More than that, they prevent the absorption of other valuable nutrients and as a result affect the immune system. These harmful ingredients lead to obesity among children that is the burning issue nowadays (Ankerberg-Nobis, n.d.). This kind of food does not contain all the nutrients necessary for children and as a result it causes a lot of problems with their health (A Comparison of Nutritious Food and Junk Food , 2009). These health issues include heart problems such as hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and problems with liver, kidneys and stomach.

The content of junk food including carbs, sodium and sugar is very unhealthy for children and it affects their performance at school (Bodeeb, 2011). It takes a lot of energy to digest junk food. As a result, after such snack the child begins to fade and become sluggish. The person feels weakness and the necessity to have a snack again. It is not an addiction, but it is the dependence on the boosts of energy that fade so quickly. There is no wonder that students are not ready to study after such a full snack that influences their attention and concentration.

If we consider the advantages of junk food that have been described before we may conclude that they seem to be doubtful. As for the main advantage of availability of junk food and its simplicity to be cooked it is not an advantage if we speak about the health of our children. Time does not play any role if junk food influences children’s health (Bose, 2012). As for hunger satisfaction with junk food it is a poor semblance as far as it is a sort of energy boost as it has been described in the list of disadvantages. As for the variety of the children’s menu it is possible to add this diversity with the help of healthy domestic food. These arguments supporting junk food are so weak comparing to its disadvantages.

Nevertheless, the disadvantages that have been presented above also may be doubted. Of course, children’s health depends on the food they eat but the main reason of heart problems and obesity is the lack of activities. It will be more reasonable to take care of this problem rather that to criticize junk food. Children should go in for sport as far as they have a lot of energy that is necessary to be burnt out. As for the content of junk food, there is no wonder that any kind of food contains salt, sugar and carbs and it does not depend whether it is junk food or not. Any kind of food may contain ingredients that influence human body in a negative way (Chen, 2009). First of all, its influence depends on the state of health, the way of life and susceptibilities to different diseases. The third disadvantage also sounds weakly as far as it is a well-known fact that after eating a human body needs a rest and there is no wonder that children are not ready to study after having had a snack.

From the above said we may conclude that there are advantages and disadvantages and it is up to everybody to decide whether their children eat junk food or not. Junk food has become a debatable question nowadays and the list of its advantages and disadvantages is endless.

A Comparison of Nutritious Food and Junk Food (2009). Web.

Ankerberg-Nobis, T. (n.d.). Fast Food in Schools Fuels the Obesity Epidemic . Web.

Antwerp, V. (n.d.). The Pros of Junk Food Sales in Schools . Web.

Bodeeb, J. (2011). The Growing Problem of Junk Food in Schools . Web.

Borkar, R. (2011). Junk Food in Schools – Pros and Cons . Web.

Bose, D. (2012). Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food.

Chen, G. (2009). Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth . Web.

Jenkins, R. (2005). Junk Food Ban . Web.

Maire, L. (n.d.). Pros & Cons of Fast Foods . Web.

Pros & Cons of Fast Foods in School . (n.d.). Web.

Richards, R. (n.d.). Fast Food in Schools . Web.

Rosenthal, J. (n.d.) Back to School, Back to Junk Food? Web.

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• Arts & Humanities

Unhealthy vs. Healthy Food

30 Dec 2022

• Arts & Humanities

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Academic level: College

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Unhealthy food is much more affordable and available than healthy food

Did you know that over 35 percent of adults and 20 percent of the children between 2 and 19 years old in the United States are either obese or overweight? The main reason for this alarming rate of obesity in contemporary society is the increased presence of junk foods. From a definitional perspective, junk foods refer to food products without substantial nutritional value to the users. Junk foods are packaged or pre-prepared. For example, the pre-prepared junk foods incorporate the cooked products before the consumers make substantial order; thus, burgers, pizzas, French fries, and tacos among others. Alternatively, packaged junk foods emanate from the companies in diverse tins, wrappers, or bottles such as the carbonated drinks, chocolate, candy, and pastries. In the fast-paced society, junk foods (unhealthy foods) have become popular because they are highly convenient, as well as cheaper in comparison to the healthy foods at the disposal of the consumers (Cecchini, Sassi, Lauer, Lee, Guajardo-Barron, & Chisholm, 2010). Notably, healthy food choices should be more affordable and available for all to help tackle the growing cases of obesity in modern society.

Because of fast food, as well as corporate farming implications, the food market is a mess. It is ideal for society to go back to the local food, as well as organics to promote healthy eating practices and activities in modern society. According to reality, junk food is a cheaper and convenient option for most Americans. Junk foods are highly available. With the presence of the fast-food chains at every corner in a town, more and more people in the fast-paced society focus on optimizing the convenient and cheaper junk foods because of their busy schedules and increased commitment to their jobs or work expectations. Other than just being widely available, junk foods or unhealthy foods taste good (Kern, Auchincloss, Stehr, Diez Roux, Moore, Kanter, & Robinson, 2017). Consumers do not spend time in preparing for the food as they can acquire them from the chains. Amid all these, there is a growing perception among the consumers that healthy foods are more expensive compared to junk foods. Researchers believe that eating healthy foods is highly expensive. It is about three times as expensive as consuming junk foods at fast food chains (Tam, Yassa, Parker, O'Connor, & Allman-Farinelli, 2017). In making it worse, the price gap between healthy and unhealthy foods is widening. The increased price difference between healthy and unhealthy foods is the main contributor to the growing cases of food insecurity, as well as increasing aspects of health inequalities, thus, the growing deterioration in the health outcomes of the population. One of the reasons for increasing food poverty is the high cost of healthy options. The cost of healthy food is a reflection of the sociological problem rather than just an individual’s choice.

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Why is this a problem? Unhealthy foods are the main contributors to obesity in the context of the fast-paced society. Other than causing obesity, junk foods are elements of poor nutrition associated with high blood pressure. Junk foods also lead to high cholesterol, as well as heart disease and stroke among consumers. Food is an important component of the physical and mental health of the consumer; thus, the need to avoid consuming unhealthy foods or junk foods. Unhealthy foods also contribute to tooth decay, different types of cancer, and diabetes. These aspects contribute to the negative implications of the health outcomes within society. More and more people continue to spend more on healthcare costs rather than securing healthy foods, as well as ideal eating habits for their health. The society has more obese and overweight people because of the increased consumption of the convenient, widely available, tastier, and cheaper unhealthy foods compared to the consumption of the healthy foods, which consumers deem to the expensive.

How is it possible to address the issue? The answer is quite simple. The government should adopt and implement appropriate measures to make healthy food choices more affordable and available for all. In this aspect, consumers will have the chance to optimize education on nutrition while understanding the perception and need for healthy eating habits to consume the available healthy foods rather than go for the unhealthy foods or junk foods.

One of the ways of addressing this is to increase awareness through improved communication channels from the authoritative support agencies to increase the knowledge among the consumers on the consumption of healthy foods. In this aspect, education as an intervention approach is ideal in the improvement of the negative perceptions among the consumers on the affordability of healthy foods (Harrison, Lee, Findlay, Nicholls, Leonard, & Martin, 2010). There is also the improvement of access to the farm products as a win-win strategy for the consumers and producers.

The authorities should also achieve this by moving the markets to the consumer through eradication of the geographical barriers (Niebylski, Redburn, Duhaney, & Campbell, 2015). The approach will create room for the establishment of the distribution channels such as food hubs, which are accessible to more and more consumers. Over 20 million Americans tend to live in low-income towns, as well as rural neighborhoods, which are far away from the supermarkets. In such aspects, it is appropriate to consider taking the market to the people/consumers. Conclusively, in curbing the growing cases of obesity and other health issues emanating from increased consumption of tastier, convenient, cheaper, and widely available unhealthy foods, healthy food choices should be more affordable and available for all.

Cecchini, M., Sassi, F., Lauer, J. A., Lee, Y. Y., Guajardo-Barron, V., & Chisholm, D. (2010). Tackling of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and obesity: health effects and cost-effectiveness. The Lancet , 376 (9754), 1775-1784.

Harrison, M., Lee, A., Findlay, M., Nicholls, R., Leonard, D., & Martin, C. (2010). The increasing cost of healthy food. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health , 34 (2), 179-186.

Kern, D., Auchincloss, A., Stehr, M., Diez Roux, A., Moore, L., Kanter, G., & Robinson, L. (2017). Neighborhood prices of healthier and unhealthier foods and associations with diet quality: Evidence from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. International journal of environmental research and public health , 14 (11), 1394.

Niebylski, M. L., Redburn, K. A., Duhaney, T., & Campbell, N. R. (2015). Healthy food subsidies and unhealthy food taxation: A systematic review of the evidence. Nutrition , 31 (6), 787-795.

Tam, R., Yassa, B., Parker, H., O'Connor, H., & Allman-Farinelli, M. (2017). University students' on-campus food purchasing behaviors, preferences, and opinions on food availability. Nutrition , 37 , 7-13.

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Essay on Junk Food

Food is the necessity of all living beings. We will die if we do not have a meal. Having food is sufficient to live but to live a healthy life we should have a proper meal. A healthy meal leads to a healthy mind and healthy living. We always choose good things for us but when it comes to food, we get attracted towards unhealthy food. People should not forget that health is wealth. Therefore, one should always prefer health over everything.

Short and Long Junk Food Essay in English

Here, I’m presenting a long essay on Junk Food. This essay would be helpful for students of all classes, especially kids. It will also be helpful to know the harmful effects of junk food.

10 Lines Essay on Junk Food (100 – 120 Words)

1) The foods that have high calories and low nutrition value are considered Junk foods.

2) The word ‘junk’ depicts harmful or unhealthy food.

3) Snack, soda, cake, processed food, etc belong to the category of junk food.

4) Junk foods are harmful to our bodies and health.

5) Increased weight, mental issues, depression, etc are other harmful effects of junk food.

6) Junk foods are popular due to their cheap prices and easy availability.

7) Children and youngsters are the main targets of junk food.

8) Fast foods, directly and indirectly, lead to diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, etc.

9) Working women mostly prefer junk and fast food over healthy food to save time.

10) Various countries have taken several steps to regulate and control junk food.

Short Essay on Junk Food (200 – 250 Words)

Junk foods are foods that are rich in calories but lacking in nutrients. They are not healthy for our bodies. They take more time to digest and are bad for both our physical and mental health. Junk foods do not feed your hunger, you will always feel hungry and end up having more and more unhealthy food.

Obesity is the synonym of junk food. They have high amounts of sugar quantity and thus contribute lots of fat to our body. Children may suffer from increasing weight, inadequate growth, depression, and so on due to over consumption of junk foods. However, junk food invites lots of diseases like hypertension, cancer, heart-related issues, diabetes, etc.

We all know that a balanced diet is what our body needs to work properly but due to many reasons, we are attracted to junk food. Junk foods are easy and quick to prepare. In addition to being affordable, they are easily available in the market. Therefore, people who don’t have time or don’t want to cook, easily step into junk food. Packaged foods, unhealthy chips, cokes, sodas, pastries, pizzas, noodles, most of the fast foods, etc come in the category of junk food.

If you don’t want to fall sick frequently, try having healthy food instead of junk food. They only look delicious but actually do not contain the adequate amount of nutrition value that a healthy body requires.

Long Essay on Junk Food and Its Harmful Effects (1500 Words)

Introduction

Today’s generation is influenced by junk food. They mostly prefer chips and cokes over a healthy diet like sprouts and milk. Junk food is replacing healthy food. But they are unaware of the upcoming consequences they are going to face in the future.

Sometimes people consider junk food as fast food, but both these terms are different from each other. Fast food is the name given to the time of making the food. As they can be prepared quickly. However, some fast foods come in the category of junk food as they are unhealthy but not all fast foods are junk food.

What Is Junk Food?

In many terms, the word Junk is used for garbage or things with little value. In the case of food, this word depicts unhealthy. Junk food is the category of food and drinks which contains high calories and low nutrition values. Most of the junk foods are snacks and fast foods.

Junk foods are unhealthy as they contain high fat and sugar. Therefore, HFSS (High in fat, salt, and sugar) is another name given to junk foods. Junk foods are usually processed food that leads to various health-related issues. However, junk food will not affect the body if consumed in a moderate amount.

Examples Of Junk Food

Today, several junk foods are flooding the market. Some of the junk foods, mainly preferred by the youngster are given below:

• Snacks like potato chips, nachos, French fries, etc.
• Sugary drinks like coke and soda.
• Cake and pastries.
• Some type of fast food.
• Processed food.
• Pizza and burgers.

Junk Food Consequences/ Disadvantages/ Side Effects

Junk food lacks essential nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, etc. Apart from low nourishment they also have various side effects.

• Feel Empty: Eating fast food makes you feel hungry. Junk food has low satiation value which leads to an over intake of unhealthy food. This takes the place of healthy food and leads to various diseases.
• Mental Issue Like Depression: Fast food contains ingredients that raise various mental issues. It also generates violent behavior among teenagers. Depression is one of the most common issues among youngsters.
• Inadequate Growth And Development: For proper growth and development of mind and body, a proper balanced diet is necessary. But today teenagers at the time of their development are approaching junk food which is harmful to them.
• Increase Weight: The major problem teenagers and youngsters are facing today is increasing weight. Everyone is well aware of the consequences of increased weight.
• Promote Acne Skin-Related Issues: Apart from various health issues, junk foods are also responsible for promoting acne and other skin-related issues.

Junk Food Diseases/ Health Issues

Over intake of junk food and fast food of some type may lead to various health-related issues. Some of the major diseases caused due to them are as follows:

• Obesity: The most common health issue due to junk food is obesity. Sitting for a long time and having junk food will lead to an excess amount of calories than required in our body. This fat will also lead to other health-related issues.
• Hypertension: We all know that junk food contains an extra amount of salt and sugar. The extreme intake of salt that is sodium is responsible for high blood pressure or hypertension.
• Atherosclerosis: The high cholesterol level in the body chokes the artery due to which the flow of blood and oxygen is disturbed. This could result in clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.
• Cancer: Consuming junk food is not directly responsible for causing cancer. However, the various health issues caused by it may constitute a condition that may high the risk of diseases like cancer.
• Heart Disease: Increased saturated fat, cholesterol, calories, etc will lead to heart related issues in our body.
• Diabetes Type 2: The various disorders caused due to intake of junk food like obesity, high blood pressure, tension, overweight, etc weaken the insulin production in our body, therefore, increase the chances of type 2 diabetes.

Junk Food Vs Healthy Food

Healthy foods are foods loaded with high nutrition values. They are foods rich in vitamins and minerals which are necessary for a healthy life. It helps to keep you healthy. On the other hand, junk foods are processed food that is harmful to our health.

Natural foods have low calories and saturated fat. They are the major source of energy, which is required to carry out our daily work. Opposing these, junk foods lack energy and are filled with high calories and fat. This results in gaining weight and obesity.

Many people prefer fast food due to its cheap prices over fresh food. But saving money on food and later suffering from serious disease is not a sign of a sensible human. Better you should opt for a healthy living instead of chasing money.

Why Is Junk Food So Popular?

There are multiple reasons why people mostly prefer junk foods over healthy food. One of the most common reasons is availability. Junk foods are easily available in shops and restaurants. Another reason is the cheap price of junk foods. The prices of junk foods are less expensive than healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Therefore, people mostly prefer these unhealthy foods to save money.

Fast food comes with a variety of flavors which makes them tasty. It is available in different shapes and sizes to grab children’s attention. The packaging is done in such a way that attracts people especially youngsters.

Junk food is convenient to cook, no extra preparation is required. People, who do not know cooking, find it as an easy way to feed the hunger. Junk foods become a part of the life of women who are working or who do not get time to cook food from their busy schedules.

Measures To Control The Intake

Junk foods are very addictive and hence it is quite tough to quit their intake in one day. Some measures that can be taken at an individual level to control the harmful effect of junk food are mentioned below.

People always used to have fast food when in a hurry. You can opt for fast food containing higher nutrients instead of that having unsaturated fat. Choosing the right food when away from home would help to a great extent like always prefer food with low sugar in it.

Today pizza is the first choice of every kid. Therefore, making pizza with multi-grains with healthy vegetable toppings will be a good option to replace junk foods with healthy foods. Another healthy option is choosing fruit juice and green tea over other unhealthy beverages. Having junk food in a minimum restricted amount would not be harmful to the body.

Steps Taken By Government To Control Over Intake Of Junk Food

By seeing the consequences and health-related issues among people due to junk food, many countries have taken steps to control the over intake.

• Sin Tax: Sin tax is a type of tax that is imposed on items that are considered harmful for an individual as well as society. The government has implemented this tax to reduce the overtake of junk foods from society. Many countries like Mexico, Hungary, Denmark, Norway, etc have imposed food taxes.
• Ban The Sale To Children: Another major step is taken by the government in some states of Mexico. They have banned the sale of junk and unhealthy food to minors.
• Stop Advertising: According to a survey, advertising is a major reason for increasing the consumption of junk foods among youngsters. The UK committee proposed to ban advertisements with cartoon characters promoting unhealthy foods.

Having junk foods occasionally would not affect the health but replacing a healthy diet and having junk food in our regular diet is not acceptable. It is high time when the Government of every country should make some guidelines regarding junk food. Rules and restrictions should be made to regulate healthy food supply. People should be made aware of its harmful effect. A healthy population will lead to the healthy growth of the country.

I expect the above-given essay on Junk Food will be helpful for you to know what exactly junk food is. I also request all the young generations to take a properly balanced diet instead of having excess junk food.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Question on Junk Food

Ans. No, not all fast foods are considered junk food. For example, salad is fast food with high nutrient value.

Ans. Fast food begins in Britain with the first fish and chips shop, which opened in the 1860s.

Ans. Junk food like dark chocolates is considered good for health when taken in moderate quantities.

Ans. The first fast-food restaurant was White Castle, founded in 1921.

Ans. The United States is the largest consumer of fast food.

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Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on harmful effects of junk food.

Junk Food is very harmful that is slowly eating away the health of the present generation. The term itself denotes how dangerous it is for our bodies. Most importantly, it tastes so good that people consume it on a daily basis. However, not much awareness is spread about the harmful effects of junk food.

The problem is more serious than you think. Various studies show that junk food impacts our health negatively. They contain higher levels of calories, fats, and sugar. On the contrary, they have very low amounts of healthy nutrients and lack dietary fibers. Parents must discourage their children from consuming junk food because of the ill effects it has on one’s health.

Impact of Junk Food

Junk food is the easiest way to gain unhealthy weight. The amount of fats and sugar in the food makes you gain weight rapidly. However, this is not a healthy weight. It is more of fats and cholesterol which will have a harmful impact on your health. Junk food is also one of the main reasons for the increase in obesity nowadays.

This food only looks and tastes good, other than that, it has no positive points. The amount of calorie your body requires to stay fit is not fulfilled by this food. For instance, foods like French fries, burgers, candy, and cookies, all have high amounts of sugar and fats. Therefore, this can result in long-term illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure . This may also result in kidney failure .

Above all, you can get various nutritional deficiencies when you don’t consume the essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and more. You become prone to cardiovascular diseases due to the consumption of bad cholesterol and fat plus sodium. In other words, all this interferes with the functioning of your heart.

Furthermore, junk food contains a higher level of carbohydrates. It will instantly spike your blood sugar levels. This will result in lethargy, inactiveness, and sleepiness. A person reflex becomes dull overtime and they lead an inactive life. To make things worse, junk food also clogs your arteries and increases the risk of a heart attack. Therefore, it must be avoided at the first instance to save your life from becoming ruined.

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Ways to Avoid Junk Food

The main problem with junk food is that people don’t realize its ill effects now. When the time comes, it is too late. Most importantly, the issue is that it does not impact you instantly. It works on your overtime; you will face the consequences sooner or later. Thus, it is better to stop now.

You can avoid junk food by encouraging your children from an early age to eat green vegetables. Their taste buds must be developed as such that they find healthy food tasty. Moreover, try to mix things up. Do not serve the same green vegetable daily in the same style. Incorporate different types of healthy food in their diet following different recipes. This will help them to try foods at home rather than being attracted to junk food.

In short, do not deprive them completely of it as that will not help. Children will find one way or the other to have it. Make sure you give them junk food in limited quantities and at healthy periods of time.

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Essay on Junk Food

Junk food is a term used to describe highly processed and refined food. It is generally considered less nutritious than natural foods. Junk food has been associated with obesity and causing serious health issues in children, along with the development of diseases such as diabetes. Junk food is not suitable for anyone. It is filled with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that can cause diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Junk foods are also loaded with sodium, which is dangerous for people suffering from hypertension. Sometimes the calories in a junk food item can be deceiving because they will seem to satisfy hunger; instead, it fills our stomach and makes it harder to stop eating. BYJU’S essay on junk food in schools is a great tool to help the little ones understand the disadvantages of junk food.

Junk food is famous for being inexpensive processed food. The term is often used to insult unhealthy, unbalanced foods that contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and calories. Junk food usually contains added chemicals that can cause an imbalance in our bodies. Junk food also tends to be full of empty calories. Eating junk food regularly leads to weight gain, putting people at a higher risk of developing severe diseases. Now, let us learn from BYJU’S short essay on avoid junk food by understanding the harms caused by eating junk food.

Why Should We Avoid Junk Food?

Now, let us understand the demerits of junk food by reading BYJU’S effects of junk food on health essay. Junk food is not suitable for our bodies as it contains a lot of processed sugars, leading to weight gain. It also affects brain function, causing slower reaction times and memory loss. Many people are trying to be more aware of junk food, so they choose healthy alternatives like fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy treats.

Besides the health issues, junk food can also be addicting. It contains high sugar levels, which can cause diabetes, and it is often filled with preservatives, artificial colours, flavours and other unhealthy additives. Junk food also has a high-calorie content and is usually made with processed ingredients that don’t provide many nutrients.

Junk food is a term that comes to mind when thinking about food that is high in calories and low in nutrients. It is not a good choice as it is something you have to avoid because of its detrimental effects on health. Junk food has been linked to many health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others. What starts as an innocent distraction from stress could become daily chaos for many people. However, healthy food is rich in nutrients and wholesome, unlike junk food.

Having junk food occasionally is not bad, but consuming it every day is bad for health. Healthy food might taste bland, but it’s good for your health. For more essays, worksheets , and other kids learning activities, visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is junk food bad.

Junk food is bad for a number of reasons, such as high levels of salt, sugar and fat. These ingredients make junk food taste good, but they make us unhealthy. Overeating these foods can cause obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic health conditions.

How to avoid junk food?

There are many ways to avoid junk food, but the most critical step is knowing your portion sizes. When hungry, stick with whole grains like brown rice and quinoa and fill up on vegetables instead of chips or other high-carb snacks.

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Sir Charles Baskerville: Unraveling the Enigma. (2016, May 16). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/junk-food-vs-healthy-food-essay

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With cancer cases rising, some experts say there’s no better time to avoid junk food and processed meat.

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Junk food, processed meat paving way for rise of cancer? Back to video

“We advise that people eat less overly processed, high-in-saturated fat, sugar and salt food,” Matthew Lambert, a nutritionist and the health information and promotion manager at the World Cancer Research Fund, told the Daily Mail this week, according to the New York Post .

“This includes food like cakes, biscuits, pastries, (chips), sugar-sweetened drinks and fast food like pizza and burgers,” Lambert said.

Cancer has reportedly been hitting young people hard, especially adults in their 30s.

“It’s been pretty alarming to all of us,” Dr. Coral Olazagasti, assistant professor of clinical medical oncology at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, told the Post in April.

“In the past, you would think cancer was a disease of the elderly population,” she added. “But now we’ve been seeing trends in recent years of people getting diagnosed with cancer earlier and earlier.”

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While there are many factors, ultra-processed food and processed meat have drawn significant scrutiny.

Speaking to the American Society of Clinical Oncology last year, professor Charles Swanton said research has shown that sometimes early-onset bowel cancer can be “initiated” by gut bacteria that’s more prevalent in those whose diets are low in fibre and high in sugar.

“What we are seeing in some studies is some tumors from patients with early-onset colorectal cancer harbour mutations that might be initiated by these microbial species,” said Swanton, oncologist and chief clinician at Cancer Research UK.

It’s thought that these mutations diminish the body’s ability to fight pre-cancerous cells.

Ultra-processed foods include packaged goods, drinks, cereals and ready-to-eat products that contain colours, emulsifiers, flavours and other additives. These foods are typically high in sugar, saturated fat, salt and devoid of vitamins and fibre.

A recent study suggested that these foods make up an estimated 73% of the U.S. food supply, and that the average American adult gets more than 60% of their daily calories from them.

“These types of food have no fibre and contain virtually no essential nutrients. They should only be eaten occasionally and in small amounts,” Lambert said.

Recent research reported that people who eat 10% more UPFs (ultra-processed foods) than others have a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer.

A junk food diet was also linked to a 24% higher risk of cancer of the esophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach, which is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, according to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.

The UN’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” and notes that there is “sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.”

The increased cancer risk may be caused by nitrates within the meat that combine with compounds in the body to damage cells, experts believe.

Research in 2015 suggested that people who eat red and processed meat daily are 40% more likely to get bowel cancer compared to those who eat it once a week or less.

“Consumption of foods containing nitrate or nitrite preservatives, smoked or charred foods, and red meat have clear associations with cancer risk,” Dr. Nicholas DeVito, an assistant professor of medical oncology at Duke University Medical Center, wrote in a “letter to the editor” submission to STAT News published recently.

DeVito shared that most of his new patients have been under 45.

He blames poor dietary choices, like “fried foods, red meat and sugary drinks” for this troubling trend.

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