Entry #9. The Impacts of Junk Food on Health

 

In my opinion, the main reason why junk food is so bad for health is because it contains high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars and artificial additives. If eaten in large amounts, junk food can lead to many health problems such as being overweight, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. One of its main problems is that junk food is very rich in calories, which can quickly result in weight gain if consumed in too big quantities. Furthermore, the fats in many junk foods are saturated and trans fats, which can increase bad cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Moreover, junk food is loaded with sugar, which can cause health problems such as type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. Furthermore, the artificial additives and preservatives that are commonly used in junk foods have been associated with increased risk of cancer and other serious health problems. Consuming junk food regularly can greatly affect one’s health in the long run. It is important to curtail consumption of junk food and depend on a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to sustain wellness.

The health issues related to junk food are important because they can lead to huge negative effects on an individual, and the society in general. Junk foods generally contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, sugars and salt, and are low in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients like fiber. Eating too much junk food can lead to chronic medical conditions such as obesity, heart diseases, diabetes and some types of cancers. In addition, the abundance of many communities of junk food, which often is cheaper than healthier alternatives, can play a role in the epidemic of diet-related disease, especially in some low-income communities where healthy food options might be limited. This can lead to higher medical costs and decreased quality of life for those suffering from diet-related disease. At the same time, the advertising and marketing of the consumption of junk foods to children and other vulnerable populations can contribute to detrimental dietary habits that can harm long-term health outcomes. Therefore, addressing the health consequences of junk food is essential for realizing the goals of promoting health and reducing health disparities within a society.