This word is heard very often now a days.
Junk food has been a major part of our daily meals.

But what is junk food actually called??

Junk food " is prepared or packaged food that has low nutritional value."

Junk food contains high level of calories, sugar, salt and fat and less amount of fibres, protein, vitamins or minerals.

Now a days cases of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases have increased at a high rate and our food habits plays a major role in this.
Food that is principally made up of white flour, refined sugar or syrup is know as junk food.
e.g. white bread
Crackers
Ice cream
Chocolate
Pizza
Burger
Carbonated drinks etc

It is also known as cheat food.
The preparation of junk food is so appealing and mouth watering as you always ask for some more.
But we always get confused between fast food and junk food.
All fast food may not be junk food as healthier version of salad, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pizza base may be fast food but not the junk food.

Effect of junk food on health

• Consumption of junk food increases intake of calories, fat, sugar and salt which may lead to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, class 2 diabetes etc.
• Obesity may lead to clogging of the arteries which may cause heart attack.
• Eating junk food is like an addiction.it may result in rejection of eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables.
• They lack necessary nutrients so makes you feel fatigue.
• Junk food causes hormonal changes in teenagers which leads to depression.
• Excessive intake of junk food impairs digestion as most of the junk foods are deep fried and excessive oil causes acidity.
• Deposition of excessive fat in liver may damage the liver.

How to avoid

• Always check for the ingredients of the food you buy and avoid bringing home such food with low nutritional value.
• Ask yourself a question before eating "what I am eating is really healthy or not?"

• Make a habit of having fresh fruit juice instead of carbonated drinks.
• Use whole wheat bread or pizza bases.
• Limit the intake of French fries or other food at the time of watching TV or working on a laptop.
  Unknowingly you eat more during watching TV.

• All parents should educate their kids about the adverse effects of eating excessive junk food as kids are more influenced by the commercial adds watched in TV.
• Opt for the healthy fast food like
  Popcorn, frozen yogurt, dark chocolates, coconut:etc.