THE HIDDEN IMPACT OF JUNK FOOD AND WOMEN HEALTH

Junk food refers to fast food, which is easy to prepare and consume having low nutritional value. The term ‘Junk food’ was coined by Michael Jacobson, director of Center for Science in 1972 who wanted to raise public attention about the issue of foods with a high caloric value refined sugar, white flour, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat, salt and numerous food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and tartrazine, and these foods lacks in protein, vitamin and Fiber. Junk foods are popular because they are easy to prepare and are very tasty such as potato wafers which do not even need cooking or heating. They are served at their doorstep as hot and ready to eat. Secondly considering the taste factor, Junk foods get their taste owing to lavish usage of oils, salts, and sugar. Thirdly Junk food has a long shelf life and may not require Refrigeration.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF JUNK FOOD

• Obesity is a global issue. It is reaching epidemic proportions in developed nations and now be considered as a chronic disease. Obesity is a multifactorial disorder of energy balance in which chronic calorie intake is greater than energy output. It is characterized by an excessive body mass index (BMI). A subject with a BMI of 20-25 is considered as having a healthy body weight, one with a BMI as 25-30 overweight and one with a BMI> 30 as obese. The main treatment of obesity is a suitable diet and Exercise. Over 90% cases of Type II diabetes are caused due to junk food consumption. Obese people have an increased risk of colon, breast, gallbladder, ovarian, skin cancer and uterine cancer.
• The abundance of salt in junk foods can result in hypertension, which raises the blood pressure if hypertension is not effectively treated; it results in a greatly increased probability of coronary thrombosis.
• Junk food diet is a major cause for heart disease, myocardial infarction, and severe heart failure due to plaque formation in arteries.
• Dental cavities formed due to the excess consumption of junk foods as food gets accumulated on teeth spaces and plaque formation.
• It can also cause kidney impairment like polyuria, renal failure and hyperuricemia.
• Balance and lack of concentration, hypersensitivity disorder can also occur due to use of the junk food.
• Hypoxia occurs due to accumulation of the fat in the arteries. chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (asthma) occurs due to artificial flavoring and coloring agents which are present abundantly in junk food.

Early menarche and associated risks in adolescence is the transitional phase between childhood and development and is characterized by immense hormonal changes. The most striking change in adolescent girls is menarche. It signals the beginning of a woman’s reproductive life and is determined by environmental and genetic factors. Alterations in lifestyle and diet increase the prevalence of obesity in the developed world, which results in decreased age at menarche.

Early menarche has several negative consequences on adult health. Women with early menarche have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and metabolic syndrome including obesity and type 2 diabetes. It also increases the risk of psychosocial distress such as depression, eating disorders, early initiation of sexual activity, and substance abuse.

Early menarche is also a risk factor for asthma in adulthood. After menarche, girls may encounter some menstrual abnormalities such as dysmenorrhea, irregularities in menstrual flow, and premenstrual symptoms. About 75% of girls experience some problems associated with menstruation, which may affect academic excellence, achievements in sports, as well as loss of self-image. Menstrual disorder at the age of 16 years is also a reliable marker of hyperandrogenemia and adverse lipid profile in later life.

THE KEY TO A HEALTHY DIET

To avoid the negative health risks, your diet needs to be nutritional and diverse. Small changes to your diet can make an immense difference to your health. It’s easier than you think, especially if you follow at least 5 of the eight goals outlined below.

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables: The more colorful your plate, the more likely you are to get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs, so be sure to choose a variety of red, orange, and green vegetables (such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli).
• Make half your plate with whole grains: Try to eat whole grain foods such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, bulgur, buckwheat, oatmeal, rolled oats, quinoa, or wild rice etc.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk: Fat free and low-fat milk contains the same amount of calcium and other nutrients as whole milk but contains fewer calories and less saturated fat.
• Choose a variety of lean protein foods: Lean meats (meat with lower fat content) are far better than meat with large amounts of fat content. Select leaner cuts of beef, turkey breast of chicken breast etc.
• Compare sodium in foods: Use the nutritional facts included in the labels on food packaging to select foods containing low levels of sodium. Choose canned foods with labels stating low sodium, reduced sodium or no salt added.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks: By drinking water or unsweetened, you can cut your calories substantially. Sodas and energy drinks are high in added sugar and calories, so be sure to avoid these. If you seek added flavor, try adding a slice of lemon or watermelon to your glass of water.
• Eat some seafood: Seafood such as fish and shellfish are high in protein, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fat). Try eating at least eight ounces of seafood a week if you are an adult.

Dietary habits in young women may determine their quality of life in subsequent middle or old age. Fastfood culture is an emerging trend among the current generation. Fast foods have high fats and sugars that are unhealthy and are addictive creating a vicious cycle making it hard for children to choose healthy foods. In addition, low levels of micro nutrients such as calcium and magnesium can cause osteoporosis, and high trans-fat content predisposes children to develop heart diseases in future. What you eat and drink each day affects your health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Good nutrition along with regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight. Food plays a decisive role in development, sustenance, reproduction and termination of life. Through centuries food has been recognized as an important factor for human beings, in health and diseased state. In today’s lifestyle fast-food and junk foods are very popular. High content of trans fat in such food items affects the health adversely.