In this fast-paced era, where each second counts, fast food has been a trendsetter. Fast food is defined as convenience food purchased in self-service or carry-out eating venues without wait service. With the introduction of Swiggy and Zomato, we can get delicious food with just one swipe on our touch screen, according to our convenience. But wait, do you know the synonym of the term ‘Fast-food’? Without much thinking, we can jump on to the word ‘Junk-foods’. They are foods with imbalanced nutritional content containing high calories, high fat, low fiber, and high sugar. They come in eye-catching colours and a heady smell that tempts your brain within seconds to buy them. If you have tasted it at least once in your lifetime, this period reduces to the flick of a second. Some common fast foods in India are French fries, Hamburgers, Pizza, Donuts, Shawarma, Soft drinks, and the endless list. The funny thing about them is, that even after knowing that they are harmful to our lives, we fall into their trap. The hidden factor or the real culprit is your Brain. 90% of the information transmitted to the brain is visual. The food industry spends more than $1.6 billion per year in marketing their products among which advertisements are the main key to the brain of the common population. They are so impressive that they create an impact on your mind, that you are tempted to buy them without anyone compelling you. One of the major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes is the consumption of junk food.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1, which is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, and type 2, which is more common in adults. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. Women, in particular, are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and other gender-specific factors.
One of the key reasons why junk foods contribute to the development of diabetes is their high sugar content. When consumed in excess, sugar leads to a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, causing the pancreas to release insulin to regulate the levels. Over time, this repeated cycle of high sugar consumption and insulin release causes the cells to become resistant to insulin, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the excessive consumption of sugary beverages has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as these drinks tend to be high in calories and can lead to weight gain, a significant risk factor for the disease. Furthermore, junk foods are often high in unhealthy fats, particularly trans fats, and saturated fats, which are known to increase the risk of diabetes. These fats can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation in the body, both of which are linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the excessive consumption of salt, commonly found in processed foods, has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. High salt intake can lead to hypertension and obesity, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption of junk food is often linked to obesity, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Women who are overweight or obese are significantly more likely to develop diabetes compared to those who maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, junk food can also lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which are additional risk factors for diabetes.
Moreover, the negative effects of junk food on women’s health are compounded by the fact that women are often the primary decision-makers when it comes to food choices for their families. As such, their dietary habits can have a significant impact on the health of their entire household. If women are regularly consuming and serving junk food to their families, they may be unknowingly contributing to the risk of diabetes in their loved ones.
In a study published in the BMC Journal, ‘A comparison of the Indian diet with the EAT-Lancet reference diet’ it was discovered that the calorie share of whole grains is significantly higher for households in India than the EAT-Lancet recommendations while those of fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, fish and eggs are significantly lower. The share of calories from protein sources is only 6–8% in India compared to 29% in the reference diet. Even the richest households in India do not consume adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and non-cereal proteins in their diets. An average Indian household consumes more calories from processed foods than fruits. There can be innumerable reasons for this upward trend in fast food. As Indians started to adopt the lifestyle of the Westerns, gradually the idea of being reformed might have struck their minds and would have brought modern styles to their food. As the expenditure started to sky high, every millisecond became precious in the job and we had no time to spend cooking a meal. Since junk foods have only long-term effects, people started to take them more, assuming that they are just fine even after consuming them for days. The data that the money spent on healthcare rose from 4.7 percent to 5.7 percent indicates that while running to build up a future, we are destroying it.
In this era, it’s difficult to avoid fast food, considering its dominance in our lives. But we can gradually decrease the use of them. As Vagbhata said in Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana, Annarakshavidhi, unhealthy things– foods, drinks, activities which have become accustomed by long use should be discontinued by ‘Paada’(quarter) and ‘paada’ gradually. Sudden discontinuance of unhealthy regimens and foods can lead to more diseases. Similarly, healthy things should be gradually made use with intervals of 1, 2, and 3 days. The adverse effects caused due to incompatible foods, if eliminated gradually, especially according to the ritucharya (Seasonal regimens), and good habits developed gradually, lead to a healthy body and mind. Vasanta vamana (emetic therapy done during Vasanta ritu) and Sarat virechana (Purgation therapy done during Sarat ritu) can be practiced every year to achieve this goal.
Acharya Charaka, in Sutrasthana, Matrasitiyaadhyaya, has explained shastika- Sali ( red variety of rice), mudga (green gram), saindhava (Rock salt), amalaki (Gooseberry), yava(Barley), antariksha-jala (Rain water), payas (Milk), sarpi (Ghee) , jangala-mamsa (Meat of animals living in arid region), madhu (Honey) as the 11 nityaupayogi dravyas(The substances that can be used daily). These can be used in various combinations to create a balanced diet. If you find you are more attracted to ‘momos’, there is nothing wrong in experimenting with it and changing it to a healthy steam made ‘mudga momos’. If your children are addicted to sweet sugary snacks, for their sake, let us replace it with ‘honey-soaked Amalaki’. The love for red meat can be brought down gently, and home-cooked meat, like mutton soup and low-spiced chicken curry, can be included in the diet. Milkshakes and Faloodas can be substituted by turmeric-added milk- which is common among foreign countries in the name of ‘golden milk’. It not only builds up your immunity but also helps in the healing of many diseases including wounds.
Having a balanced diet is important, but having it in the proper quantity at the right time is more important. If the food is heavy to digest (such as oily food, non-veg food items, and sweets), it should be consumed till half of the satiation level is achieved. If the food is light to digest, it should be consumed till one is not overly satiated. The right amount of food activates the digestive fire and undergoes digestion easily.
We may not be able to eliminate junk food, but we can draw a border line to it. In Kasyapa Samhita, Ahara is referred to as Mahabhaishajyam, i.e., food is the greatest medicine, making us remember the proverb, ‘Man is what he eats’. Always remember the words of Ann Wigmore “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison”.
