Processed Foods : Nowadays, foods like chowmein, pizza, burger, pastry and cake are very popular among the youth. All these are considered ultra-processed foods. Processed and ultra-processed foods may be tasty to eat but they affect health badly. Doctors advise to stay away from them.
According to the NIH report, eating ultra-processed food increases the risk of obesity by 55%, sleep disorders by 41%, type 2 diabetes by 40% and depression by 20%. It makes you old before your age. Let’s know its side effects…
Effects of processed food on health
According to experts, many types of sweeteners, colours, thickeners and additives are used in processed food. This causes the gut microbiota to become unbalanced. This also increases the risk of inflammation. Processed foods also increase eating disorders. This can cause problems like bloating, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Processed foods also affect brain functioning.
Side Effects of Processed Foods
1. Risk of diabetes
Processed food contains high amounts of fats and sugar, which has a bad effect on health. According to a report, people who eat processed foods up to 22% of their diet are at a higher risk of diabetes. According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, the risk of insulin resistance increases in those who eat junk food 2-3 times a week.
2. Weight gain
Eating ultra-processed foods rich in high sugar, fats and carbs increases calories in the body, which increases the risk of obesity. High amounts of refined carbs, added sugar and trans and saturated fats lead to hormonal imbalance. This increases the problem of laziness and weight gain in the body. Eating processed food daily also causes problems like lifestyle disorders.
3. Heart problems
According to a report by Science Direct, the amount of fat present in processed food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in the body. Consuming food addictives increases the level of bad cholesterol in the body and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and hypertension. According to a report by Harvard Health, 20,000 people consumed processed food in all four meals of the day for 10 years, of which 62 percent faced heart-related problems.
4. Craving to eat something again and again
According to experts, processed food contains high amounts of unhealthy fats, sugar, oil, chemicals and salt. Even after eating it, the craving does not end. There is always a desire to eat something or the other. The problem of eating disorder can affect physical and mental health.
5. Effect on metabolism
Eating carbs increases empty calories in the body. This increases the problem of weak digestion, bloating, stomach pain and acidity. Eating sugar-added drinks, white bread and chips and wafers can badly affect the digestive system. Gastrointestinal problems can increase due to increased levels of bacteria in the body.
6. Skin problems
Eating sugary, oily and refined carbs increases sebum secretion on the skin. This can cause acne problems. Apart from this, you may have to face oily skin. Eating processed food every day starts showing signs of aging on the skin, which can make you old at a young age.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
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