conclusion of junk food essay

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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

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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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Essay on Junk Food: Samples in 150, 250 Words

• Updated on  
• Oct 5, 2023

Food is the main source of energy. It is important to consume healthy food. Any food product that contains a high percentage of saturated fats or trans fats is referred to as Junk food. The term junk itself indicates that it is harmful to our health. To lead a healthy lifestyle it is important to avoid the overconsumption of junk food. However, junk food has gained popularity because we consume it on a regular basis. Here we have provided an essay on junk food for children and school-going students. It will provide a general overview of how to draft an essay on junk food. Continue reading!

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Essay on Junk Food in 150 Words

Junk food has become a prevalent component of the modern diet. It is not only attracting the young generation but is also getting induced in their daily diet. Habitual consumption of junk food causes serious health issues because it is high in calorie content. Processed food with high content of saturated and trans fats, or high sugar content comes under this category.

Street food places and the majority of food chains and restaurants are serving food in high quantities, thereby reducing the consumption of healthier options. People are now prioritizing taste and neglecting the culinary diversity of traditional food.

Another aspect of the over-consumption of junk food is ordering food on a daily basis due to a busy schedule. Besides that, munching on snacks to satisfy hunger is another bad habit that leads to health issues. Such food products lack nutritional components such as dietary fibres, protein, vitamins, iron, etc. 

To conclude, health is an important part of life so, it is important to take care of healthy food habits and avoid the excess consumption of unhealthy or junk food.

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Essay on Junk Food in 250 Words

Junk food refers to the unhealthy food. Consumption of junk food such as pizzas, burgers, fried items, pastries, etc. has alarming consequences. Its effect is witnessed as the global obesity epidemic because the masses are more inclined towards eating junk food.

Impact of Consuming Junk Food

Food high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats contributes to weight gain. It will ultimately cause obesity. Obesity is the key source of other diseases that are difficult to cure. Some of the chronic diseases that occur due to the consumption of junk food are high risk of heart failure, GIT disorders, hypertension, diabetes, etc. So, it is crucial to eliminate or reduce the consumption of unhealthy food and replace it with nutritional food. 

Affordability

Another factor that contributes a lot in favour of a high intake of junk food is its affordability. Junk food is more accessible as it is available on the streets at a cheaper price. The price factor affects people who cannot afford healthier options. Thus, people tend to consume junk food that is comparatively more affordable and accessible.

Taste over Nutritional Value

Nowadays, people are more inclined towards enjoying the taste of food. It’s obvious that crispy and spicy food will attract you more as compared to salads and pulses i.e. much healthier options with high nutritional values. Consuming junk food on a regular basis has become common for many, and this has led to homogeneity in their diets. So, it’s important to choose the healthy option over a tastier option to minimize the negative health impact due to junk food.

In conclusion, having junk food occasionally is acceptable when you visit any party or celebrate any occasion. However, its regular consumption will disturb your dietary habits and also hamper your health for the long term.

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Junk food is processed and refined food products high in calories due to the high percentage of saturated and trans fats. Most restaurants generally serve junk food as they know that such food is popular among the young generation. However, it is not nutritious and also causes serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, etc.

Following are 10 lines on junk food: Junk food does not possess nutritional value; It causes serious health illness; Junk food is mainly fried food products or packaged foods that have high-calorie content; It lacks dietary fibres; Heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, all such health issues are caused by junk food; Talking in terms of accessibility and affordability, then, such food items are cheaper as compared to healthier options; Excess availability of junk food in the market at cheaper rates is leading to a loss of culinary diversity; Over-consumption of junk food leads to anxiety, depression, and upset stomach; Junk food products are also high in sugar content causing harmful health effects, and Fast food chains and junk food brands are prevalent worldwide, homogenizing diets.

The 10 harmful effects of junk food are listed below; Cardiovascular disease; Obesity; Fatty liver; Hypertension; Diabetes; High cholesterol; Kidney damage; Weight gain; Addictive eating patterns, and Dental problems.

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Kajal Thareja

Hi, I am Kajal, a pharmacy graduate, currently pursuing management and is an experienced content writer. I have 2-years of writing experience in Ed-tech (digital marketing) company. I am passionate towards writing blogs and am on the path of discovering true potential professionally in the field of content marketing. I am engaged in writing creative content for students which is simple yet creative and engaging and leaves an impact on the reader's mind.

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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.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

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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Causes and Effects of Fast Food: Essay Example

Essay about fast food: introduction, causes of fast food: essay body paragraph, effects of fast food: essay body paragraph, fast food causes and effects: conclusion, reference list.

Food is an integral part of any culture and society around the globe. Until the last century, most people used to eat fresh, home-cooked food. Eating was a process that required specific preparations. However, now, we see that they prefer to eat fast food such as pizza, hamburgers, or fried chicken.

These fast-food restaurants have become common on our streets, and people of all ages visit them. The popularity of these restaurants has increased internationally. There are many reasons why fast food has become popular, and fast food also has some serious effects on humans and society.

The basic question is, what made fast food so popular this last century? One answer would be that the change in lifestyle compared to before is a cause for this. It pushes workers or people to eat fast food than cook food themselves.

For instance, two working parents are a good example of this. Due to their jobs, they do not have time to cook for their children or even themselves. As a consequence, they find it easier to order from these fast food restaurants rather than cook. That is why they favor fast food over their own cooked food.

Another cause of fast food usage is long working hours, which may also lead people to eat outside the home. There are many fast-food businesses in our cities. Some are McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc. We can make a long list with hundreds of names from these restaurants.

During the last couple of years, we saw a lot of advertisements and promotions for those restaurants. Nevertheless, there still remains a question of why they spend to promote ineffective food. What are the reasons for this? The answer is that fast food is easy to cook. It does not take long to cook, and it is readily available. The shareholders of these businesses have their own goals, that of the profits they get from these restaurants.

Above, we have seen the causes that may have led to the flourishing of the fast-food industry. However, what is more important, is its effects on society and human beings. The primary effect that fast food has on human beings is that it can get your health in danger status. First, fast food can cause vitamin deficiencies that may, in turn, help to cause diseases.

Obesity is one of the consequences of fast food on the human body. Obesity comes because fast food is the factor that enriches the body with fats. So people will become less healthy, less effective, and less productive, and this is the conclusion of obesity (Adams, 2007, pp. 155).

Another serious effect of the popularity of fast food presences is the loss of the family tradition of eating together. The family used to eat together, and thus they had the opportunity to talk with each other about daily problems.

Fast food also affects the income of the family. The conclusion is that fast food is more expensive than the food you cook for yourself.

In conclusion, it can be said that fast food has been born out of the modern way of living in our societies. Unfortunately, its effects on the human body and health are unfavorable. It also has other adverse effects on the income of a family. It would be best to avoid eating fast foods as much as possible.

Adams, C., 2007. Reframing the obesity debate: McDonald’s role may surprise you. Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, no. 35: pp. 154-157.

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• Harmful Effects Of Junk Food Essay

Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay

500+ words essay on harmful effects of junk food.

The word ‘junk’ refers to fast food, which is easy to make and contains a low nutritional value. There are various types of junk food that are available in restaurants, such as cold drinks, pizza, burgers, sandwiches etc. Nowadays, fast-food restaurants and their chains are increasing because people around the world like to eat junk food. Junk food has become more popular because of its great taste, better shelf life and easy transportation. Junk food advertisement also plays a great role in making them popular, but these junk foods create a lot of health problems. So, with the help of this Junk Food Essay, we will make students aware of the harmful effects of junk food. Also, this Junk Food Essay will help you know how we can avoid these junk foods and follow a healthier diet regimen. Students can also get the list of CBSE Essay topics to practise essays on different topics.

Why Do People Prefer Junk Food?

Food is a basic need for human beings which provides energy to our body and protects us from diseases. Today, it’s common to have junk food in our diet. Junk foods are immensely popular among the younger generation. Junk meals contain a lot of fat and sugars, oils, salt, and excessive calories and have low nutritional value and quality. Many people like junk food as it has a delicious flavour. Junk food has unique tastes as it lets in a solid bunch of spices that make it tasty. Children like junk food the most and want to have them for breakfast and as snacks in the evening. Whether it’s any occasion, party or celebration, people prefer to eat junk food. We all must have seen that different varieties of fast food items are served during weddings or birthday parties.

Our life is becoming busy day by day, so we are going for easily made food like fast food and junk food. The junk food is smooth and fast to prepare. People can cook them instantly and consume them quickly. For example, making Maggi noodles does not take much time as compared to parathas. Also, it has become a fashion to eat junk food while watching a favourite show, match or movie on the television. Junk food can be easily transported. Now with shipping and delivery online, delivery of junk food is just a click away. The meal reaches the doorstep within 20 to 30 minutes.

Harmful Effects of Junk Food on Health

Junk food has high cholesterol and poor concentration. They are less nutritious and provide us with less energy. By eating junk food, fat accumulates in the body, and we become lazy. It gives rise to various health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, etc. Mental disorders, loss of balance and lack of concentration can also occur due to excessive eating of junk food. Consumption of junk in early childhood can result in behaviour-associated problems like hyperactivity, aggressiveness, etc. Dental cavities can also be formed due to the excess consumption of junk food.

Ways to Avoid Junk Food

Eliminating the temptation for junk food and developing an awareness of fitness can help in avoiding junk food. We should not let our children get habituated to junk food. We must stop them from eating outside and make them eat home-cooked food. Keeping good food nearby and having meals right on time may help in this direction. The habit of eating junk food can be avoided by strong willpower and awareness of the side effects associated with them. People must be educated about the harmful effects of junk food on health. This will surely help in avoiding junk food and developing healthy eating habits.

Students must have found the Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay useful for practising essay writing skills. They can get the study material and latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay

What are the impacts of junk food.

In the long run, junk food can cause stomach and colon upset, constipation, diarrhoea, skin rashes and infections.

Can junk food be addictive?

Yes, continuous consumption of junk food can lead to addiction in children and also adults. Certain additives in junk food can make us crave repetitive consumption of the same.

How to control the urge to have junk food?

Choose and select natural, home-cooked food which tastes similar to junk food.

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Essay on Junk Food

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In the contemporary world, one cannot escape the prevalence of junk food. From ubiquitous fast-food chains to convenience store shelves stocked with sugary snacks and processed treats, junk food has become an integral part of modern diets. It’s quick, tasty, and often affordable, making it a popular choice for people of all ages. However, it is imperative that we delve deeper into the subject of junk food, exploring its definition, its effects on our health, and the measures we can take to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Before we delve into the complex implications of junk food, it is essential to define what it actually is. Junk food refers to a category of food that is typically high in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These foods are often processed and manufactured with additives and preservatives to enhance their taste and shelf life. Common examples include fast food items like burgers, fries, and pizza, as well as sugary beverages, candies, and chips.

The Temptation of Junk Food

Junk food’s allure lies in its taste and convenience. The combination of fats, sugars, and salt in these foods can trigger a pleasurable response in the brain, similar to what occurs with addictive substances. This pleasure reinforces the desire to consume these foods repeatedly. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of modern life has led to an increased reliance on convenience foods, many of which fall into the category of junk food.

The Health Consequences of Junk Food

While junk food may offer immediate satisfaction for our taste buds and fill our stomachs, it also carries severe health consequences that extend beyond the momentary pleasure of consumption.

• Weight Gain and Obesity: Junk food is often calorie-dense, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is associated with numerous health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Junk food is notoriously low in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Overreliance on these foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakening the immune system and impairing overall health.
• Blood Sugar Imbalance: Sugary junk foods can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased hunger, irritability, and cravings for more unhealthy snacks.
• Heart Health: The high levels of unhealthy fats and salt in junk food can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
• Dental Problems: Sugary snacks and beverages are a leading cause of dental cavities and gum disease.
• Mental Health: There is evidence linking the consumption of junk food to poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.
• Addictive Behavior: The combination of sugars, fats, and salt in junk food can trigger addictive behavior, making it difficult for individuals to resist and moderate their consumption.

The Impact on Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to the allure of junk food. Advertisements targeting them are omnipresent, and the easy availability of sugary and processed snacks only adds to the problem. Poor eating habits developed during childhood can have lasting consequences on health. Childhood obesity, for example, can lead to a lifetime of health issues.

The Need for Education and Awareness

In the battle against junk food and its detrimental effects on health, education and awareness play a vital role. It is crucial to inform students and the general public about the risks associated with excessive consumption of junk food. This education should encompass the nutritional value of foods, the importance of a balanced diet, and the long-term consequences of unhealthy eating habits.

Schools and educational institutions have a significant role to play in this regard. They should incorporate nutrition education into their curricula, teaching students about making informed food choices and understanding food labels. Encouraging healthy eating habits at a young age can have a profound impact on students’ future well-being.

Promoting Healthier Alternatives

While it’s important to acknowledge the challenges posed by junk food, it’s equally essential to explore solutions and promote healthier alternatives. Here are some strategies to encourage better eating habits:

• Access to Nutritious Food: Efforts should be made to ensure that nutritious food options are readily available and affordable. This includes providing healthier meal choices in schools and workplaces and promoting the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Nutrition Labeling: Clear and easy-to-understand nutrition labels on packaged foods can empower consumers to make informed choices. Understanding serving sizes, calorie content, and nutrient values can guide individuals toward healthier options.
• Cooking Skills: Teaching students and adults how to prepare balanced meals from fresh ingredients can instill a lifelong appreciation for home-cooked food. Cooking classes and workshops can be valuable in this regard.
• Reducing Marketing to Children: Regulations should be in place to limit the marketing of junk food to children. This includes restrictions on advertising in schools, on children’s programming, and through digital media channels.
• Role of Parents and Caregivers: Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping children’s eating habits. Setting a positive example through their own food choices and providing a variety of nutritious foods at home can establish a strong foundation for healthy eating.
• Physical Activity: Encouraging regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Schools and communities should provide opportunities for physical exercise and play.
• Government Policies: Governments can implement policies such as sugar taxes, restrictions on unhealthy food advertising, and regulations on school lunch programs to promote healthier eating habits.

In conclusion, junk food is a prevalent and tempting part of modern diets, but it comes with significant health consequences. It is essential to educate students and the general public about the risks associated with excessive junk food consumption and promote healthier alternatives. By emphasizing nutrition education, access to nutritious food, cooking skills, and responsible marketing practices, we can work towards a healthier future where individuals make informed food choices, leading to improved overall well-being and a reduced burden of diet-related diseases. It is a collective effort that involves individuals, families, communities, educational institutions, and policymakers. Together, we can navigate the path to a healthier future and help students make choices that support their long-term health and vitality.

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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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How to Help Americans Eat Less Junk Food

By Kat Morgan and Mark Bittman

Ms. Morgan is a food systems consultant. Mr. Bittman is a former Opinion columnist and a special adviser on food at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

Whether you shop for food in a traditional grocery store, a big-box store, a bodega or a gas station, you’ll have to contend with the reality that many if not most of your options are junk — highly processed foods often loaded with sugar, salt and chemical additives.

You’ll also have to contend with a haze of aggressive marketing — terms like “low fat,” “gluten-free,” “paleo,” “keto-friendly” and “a good source of fiber” — that doesn’t answer the fundamental question: Is this food good for me? An orange is a simple enough choice, but a frozen dinner? There is little reliable guidance available for people who don’t have the time, patience or skill to analyze the dense nutrition labels on food packaging.

What could help is a system giving consumers important nutrition information at a glance on the front of a package: a warning sign that a high-sugar soda or breakfast cereal product, for example, is an unhealthy choice. The bold move here would be to steer people away from food that’s bad for them.

These kinds of labels, of course, are the last thing most large food manufacturers want on their products. But a few countries, mostly in Latin America, have begun to require or encourage such labeling, and there’s some early evidence that it’s already having a positive effect on the way people eat.

Some countries in the European Union use a system called Nutri-Score that grades food products on a scale from A (most healthy) to E (least healthy).

These chips sold in France received a C grade because of their salt and fat content.

Several other countries use a traffic light system to inform consumers about high (red), medium (orange) and low (green) levels of sugar, sodium, calories and fat.

That label takes up much of the space on this to-go packet of Nutella sold in Ecuador.

Chile and six other countries use black octagons to warn about high amounts of sugar, sodium, fat and calories.

Research suggests that this type of labeling has been more successful than the traffic light and Nutri-Score systems.

With some 60 percent of the American diet coming from processed foods — foods that have been linked to an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and some cancers in the United States — it’s time for our government to update our labels with warnings, too.

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Essay on Say No to Junk Food

Students are often asked to write an essay on Say No to 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 Say No to Junk Food

Understanding junk food.

Junk food refers to food that has little nutritional value. It often includes fast food, sweets, and sugary drinks.

Why Say No to Junk Food?

Junk food can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It’s high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts.

Healthy Alternatives

Instead of junk food, choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are packed with nutrients and keep you healthy.

Saying no to junk food can be tough, but it’s crucial for your health. Choose wisely and stay healthy!

250 Words Essay on Say No to Junk Food

Introduction.

Junk food, the term coined for food that is high in calories and low in nutritional content, has become a significant part of our daily lives. Despite its convenience and taste, it poses severe health risks, which necessitates a collective movement towards saying “No” to junk food.

The Allure of Junk Food

Junk food’s appeal lies in its immediate gratification. It is quick, cheap, and delicious. The high sugar, salt, and fat content stimulate our brain’s reward system, making it addictive. However, this immediate pleasure comes at a high cost.

The Hidden Costs of Junk Food

The regular consumption of junk food leads to obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. It also impacts mental health, causing depression and anxiety. Moreover, it contributes to poor academic performance as it lacks the essential nutrients needed for brain development and function.

Steps Towards a Healthier Lifestyle

Saying “No” to junk food is not about adopting a restrictive diet but about making healthier choices. It’s about replacing processed food with whole, nutritious food that nourishes our bodies and minds. It’s about understanding the long-term effects of our dietary choices and making a conscious effort to choose health over convenience.

In conclusion, saying “No” to junk food is a commitment to our health and well-being. It’s about prioritizing our long-term health over short-term gratification. It’s a journey of discovering the joy of eating right and living a healthy, fulfilling life. As educated individuals, it’s our responsibility to make informed decisions about our diet and inspire others to do the same.

500 Words Essay on Say No to Junk Food

The ubiquity of junk food, the detrimental effects of junk food.

Junk food, characterized by high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, contributes to numerous health problems. Regular consumption can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. These non-communicable diseases are currently responsible for a significant proportion of premature deaths worldwide, with junk food being a major contributing factor.

The appeal of junk food is not solely based on its taste. It’s a product of our environment and lifestyle. The convenience of fast-food restaurants, the aggressive marketing of unhealthy food products, and the stress of modern life all contribute to the ubiquity of junk food. Our brains are hardwired to seek out high-calorie foods as a survival instinct, a trait that is exploited by the junk food industry.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Education plays a pivotal role in combating the junk food epidemic. Increased awareness about the harmful effects of junk food can encourage individuals to make healthier choices. Understanding the nutritional content of food, and the impact of diet on health, is a powerful tool for change. However, education alone is insufficient. It must be supplemented with practical strategies to make healthy eating accessible and appealing.

Practical Steps to Say No to Junk Food

One effective strategy is to replace junk food with healthier alternatives. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips, consider snacking on nuts or fruits. Cooking meals at home allows for control over the ingredients and portion sizes. It’s also crucial to be mindful of emotional eating, as stress and boredom can often lead to unhealthy food choices.

Policy Interventions and Regulations

On a broader scale, policy interventions can play a significant role in reducing junk food consumption. Implementing taxes on unhealthy food, restricting advertising of junk food, especially to children, and mandating clear nutritional labelling are some measures that have proven effective in various countries.

Saying no to junk food is not just about personal health, but also about societal well-being. The cost of treating diet-related diseases puts a significant strain on healthcare systems and economies. By choosing to abstain from junk food, we are not only improving our health but also contributing to a healthier and more sustainable society. The journey starts with a single step, a single choice, to say no to junk food.

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