Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating Junk Food

Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating Junk Food
Junk food may be called “trash” but it certainly does not taste nor appear like it if you rely on public opinion, as billions of people worldwide eat various types of junk food everyday, from tortilla chips to burger and fries. To those who do not know, any food that has little to no nutritional value and is high in salt, fat, sugar, and calories is classified under the junk food category.

Since it is not only cheap but also readily available, more people are prone to buying such unhealthy foods. Many individuals find it much more convenient to eat a prepackaged meal and just reheat it than go to the market, buy fresh ingredients and cook them. A good percentage of these kind of junk food patrons either don’t know how to cook or do not have the time to prepare a meal for themselves.

Unfortunately, the aforementioned scenario is barely scratching the surface as the real issue lies in junk food being eaten also as a dessert, appetizer, and even the main course. More and more people find purchasing these kinds of meals and snacks easier to store and eat than natural foods, which can perish if not eaten immediately.

There is also a good number of men and women that eat junk food out of ignorance, which can cause serious health problems in the future. The unfortunate news about eating junk food is that it can become a habit and eventually lead to addiction. Many types of junk food are sweet and appealing to various palates, which makes it even harder for doctors, nutritionists, health enthusiasts, and even the government to dissuade the public from eating them often.

Linked to Mental Disorders

Another cause for concern is that It has become a frequent phenomena for pregnant women to crave for junk foods. Based on a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, mothers who eat more junk foods during pregnancy such as juices and sodas, refined cereals, and salty foods seemed to have children who display an increase number of certain behavioral problems such as frequent tantrums and aggression.

The study analyzed 23,000 mothers and observed their diets throughout pregnancy, as well as their children’s eating patterns during their 18th month and their third year. They were also asked to provide information during specific period of their respective children’s’ first years to determine whether they exhibited signs of depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other behavioral problems associated with mental health.

The researchers then analyzed the link between the diet and eating patterns of the mothers and the children, as well as the telltale signs of mental disorders among children in their first five years.

This link between junk food and mental health problems should be a cause for worry among mothers who are at risk for bearing children with mental disorders, as well as doctors who could be facing a wave of children born with mental health problems. It is becoming more evident how proper diet is essential in maintaining good mental health regardless of the age of the individual.

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