Essay on Junk Food: Junk foods have very little or no nutritional value but contain high carbs and calories. Junk foods look very attractive, that is why people are craving over chips, burger, doughnuts, pizza, etc.
Essay on Junk Food 500 Words in English
Below we have provided Junk Food Essay in English, written in easy and simple words for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students.
Junk food is appealing to the eyes and captivating many people towards it. It is easily available in departmental stores, malls, airports, restaurants, etc. It is not complete trash and harmful. Though the heavy consumption of it can cause many issues, therefore it should be taken in a limited amount. In the present time, people usually prefer to buy food rather than preparing it for hours in the kitchen. Junk food is extremely popular among peoples and kids.
Americans celebrate National Junk Food day to sell more junk food. Huge marketing is done to create brand equity to make people buy more and more junk food. It has very bad consequences on health such as obesity, etc. The majority of junk foods are unhealthy as they do not have any nutrition, but our body needs proper nutrients to function. This nutritional value of food depends upon the method of preparation and the ingredients used. Junk foods comprise of lots of sugar, fat, salt, and calories.
Junk food is very common throughout the world. Commercially, it is sold in restaurants, cafeteria, etc. Burgers and pizzas are the best junk foods grabbing a lot of attention. It looks awe-inspiring so that people buy it repeatedly. It is easily accessible; people have many options to eat from, whether from restaurants, shops, cafes, and ordering online. It is very convenient. Many chain restaurants like Burger King, McDonald’s, Dominos, Pizza Hut, and others are in almost every city, taking very little time to prepare the food.
It is instant and easy to cook. It is very affordable. Healthy foods cost very high as compared to junk food. People let go of healthy food easily. Food commercials are also promoted in TVs, ads making people eat and crave more junk food. Though they are cheap, they cost more in the end due to the harmful effects on health. Eating junk becomes a habit. You can’t live without hankering over them. It is full of a variety of flavours and spices.
Harmful Effects of Junk Food
The word ‘junk’ itself means that it is useless and garbage. These foods can affect our health. Junk food is highly refined, causing digestive problems like Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It causes pain and discomfort in the stomach. It can cause type-2 diabetes. Insulin levels become very high due to processed sugars. The body becomes reluctant to use insulin. Proper nutrients are required to metabolize glucose, which is not present in junk food.
Obesity is one of the biggest consequences of eating junk food. Kids gain more weight by hogging packets of chips, burgers, French fries, pizza, etc. It causes cardiovascular disease and higher chances of a heart attack. Junk foods are linked to depression, anxiety, and hypertension. Studies found that people who eat unhealthy food are more prone to depression. It affects our mental health. It is associated with behavioural issues among kids. Children eating more junk food usually have less academic development.
It worsens the memory power, too, resulting in a lack of concentration. It hampers the speed of learning and lowers down appetite. It temporarily fulfills your hunger and decreases the intake of healthy foods. It increases body weight and belly fat. It can cause various skin diseases such as acne, etc. Many junk foods are of no nutritional value. Your body might end up overeating, as you will not be convinced for too long despite eating high calories.
Cholesterol levels will rise in the body, which will prevent the blood flow in arteries putting the heart at risk. A huge quantity of sodium compounds is found in junk foods resulting in higher chances of cancer. Sodium weakens the bones causing osteoporosis. It weakens the immune system too.
Ways to avoid Junk Food
It is very important to plan your meals and make a proper chart consisting of all the vitamins and minerals in an adequate amount. Add fruits daily in your diet. It contains lots of vitamins, antioxidants, etc. It helps to build immunity. Drink more water, and it will keep you hydrated. Take 6-8 glasses of water daily to ensure plenty of minerals.
Eat healthy foods and fruits in the gap of 1-2 hrs. Increase eating items such as eggs, fish, etc., which have more proteins. It will reduce your appetite and build your stamina. Sleep at least 8-10 hours daily. Otherwise, it will alter your dietary preferences. Meditation and exercise relax your mind and give peace to the soul.
Try to avoid buying junk food. It is okay to eat sometimes once a week. Eating pizza with lots of veggies rather than cheese is better and healthy. Do physical activities to avoid eating fast food. The government is also imposing a ban on junk food to promote healthy food in school canteens. Increasing higher taxes on junk food helps in preventing eating junk food.
It is important to have command about our daily choices and eating patterns. Consult your nutritionist for having a healthy diet plan. Cut out the use of processed foods and eat real foods. Eat breakfast every day. Do not eat too fast; it slows down metabolism. Stop intake of trigger foods like soda, carbonated drinks. It makes you crave more and eat more. Keep a journal; it will keep you in being honest with yourself and accountable for yourself.