French fries, donuts, burgers – all of these happen to be examples of junk food items available at present. Although these will be able to satisfy our taste buds, are they beneficial for our health? As a matter of fact, junk foods became popular due to the fact that they are mouth-watering and are also readily available out there. However, things are not the same right now. With healthy food items becoming tastier as well as easily accessible, there is no reason to indulge in junk foods anymore.
There are various reasons to stop consuming junk food items at present, and in the following paragraphs, we have mentioned several of them. After going through these reasons, you should make sure not to eat this unhealthy stuff anymore.
1. Your waistline is going to increase
As per a recent study which was published in CBS News, kids indulging in junk foods will be gaining 6 pounds more per year as compared to those who consume non-junk foods. It is a fact that you will be gaining weight significantly by consuming junk food items, and therefore, it is desirable to quit having these types of foods without fail.
2. Beware of trans fats and saturated fats
Although saturated fats obtained from pasteurized animals are acceptable, trans fats and saturated fats derived from other sources are not beneficial for you. These types of fats can result in various life-threatening conditions such as atherosclerosis and stroke.
3. Does not have any nutritional value
The majority of junk food items do not contain any nutritional value. Even though these are deprived of nutrients, they are usually loaded with different chemical substances and additives which are meant to increase their shelf value. Apart from decreasing your lifespan, these chemicals are not beneficial for your health as well.
4. Loaded with antibiotics and hormones
On most occasions, junk food items are loaded with different types of antibiotics and chemicals. While certain foods are loaded with tertiary butylhydroquinone (which happens to be a life-threatening hormone), others consist of dimethyl polysiloxane. And this is not the case with only dishes which are meat-based, even vegetables and fruits are also not spared given that they contain chemicals and pesticides.
5. You might be consuming slime
Are you aware of what exactly you are consuming? Even though the fast food joints might appear to be rather fancy, they happen to be the breeding ground for all types of bacteria. As a matter of fact, several years ago, a number of fast food centers in the US shot into the limelight since slime had been detected on the ice machines used at these locations. Perhaps you are able to recall MacDonald’s coming in the news for removing slime from hamburgers.
6. You might be ingesting uncooked foods
The majority of the fast food centers are packed with people on most occasions, and therefore, you might be ending up eating uncooked or half-cooked food as well. Most of the time, frozen foodstuff is simply stuffed into an oven for several minutes and then served to the customers for saving time. Although this helps the fat food centers to save time and cash, it will prove to be detrimental for the consumers in the long run.
7. You might be attacked by carcinogens
Most of the junk food items are prepared using inexpensive hydrogenated fats for increasing their shelf life as well as generating profits. These fats, when used in high temperatures, are going to be converted into carcinogens in the long run. As a result, eating junk foods might imply that you are ingesting carcinogens!
8. Risk of infertility
It has been found by recent studies that the majority of the meats used for preparing junk foods happen to be sources of growth hormones. Moreover, it has been suggested by research that these hormones can even result in infertility.
9. Look out for refined sugar
Refined sugars are going to deplete the levels of nutrients within our systems as well as hamper our immune systems. These are not the same as the natural sugars found in fruits. The metabolic process is impaired by the lack of nutrients which might put you at the threat of toxic metabolism caused by the absence of oxygen. It might likewise increase your blood sugar levels in the long run.
10. You might suffer from depression
Although the majority of the folks love junk foods, adolescents, in particular, are more interested in the fast-food centers. However, it is a fact that all types of unhealthy fast foods such as burgers and pizzas lead to depression. In spite of being filling, these don’t provide us with the required nutrients. Lack of nutrients can result in mood swings and depression.
How to avoid fast foods
1. Consume plenty of water
Although consuming plenty of water might sound like a no-brainer, most people don’t drink much water as required by their bodies. Once you drink water when you are feeling hungry, it will help you to control your urge. On many occasions, while we want to eat fast food items, it might be the fact that we are simply thirsty and not hungry whatsoever. Therefore, it will be a good idea to drink water once you have the temptation of ingesting fast food items.
2. Have an adequate slumber
In case you suffer from inadequate slumber, it might be hampering the normal functions within your system and we might be tempted to eat junk and sugary foodstuff. Slumbering properly will help to rejuvenate your health and you will be able to avoid eating unhealthy food items as well.
3. Consume proteins
Consuming proteins will help us to feel full for a long time since they take a long time to break down within our systems. This will help us to control our temptation to ingest junk prior to our subsequent healthy meal. Consuming proteins will likewise allow us to avoid consuming an excessive amount of food as well. This will help us to shed pounds successfully as well.
