We hear the words junk food all the time. What is it, exactly?
Today GenuLines goes beyond the convenience food names and the fast food menu items. We’ll look at content, and what goes into your body when you get that “quick bite to eat.”
ARTICLE
Here are some things to consider if junk food products are a staple of your diet:
They’re Loaded With Sodium
Much of the sodium we consume each day doesn’t come from real whole food. Instead, it comes from the processed foods that we consume every day.
There are so many foods that contain excessive sodium that you’re unlikely to realize it. For example, you may not have a natural liking for such “salty foods”, but you love sweets.
That soda you’re consuming is also loaded with a sodium derivative, even though you can’t taste it. Such are the hidden dangers of processed food.
They’re Heavy On Simple Sugars
If you rely on processed foods for “nourishment”, you aren’t really getting it. You may notice that while using junk for sustenance, you tend to get constipated.
That’s due to lack of complex carbs and fiber. Simple carbohydrates enter the bloodstream and are quickly absorbed.
This disrupts blood sugar levels. Natural foods consist of more complex carbs.
And the fiber they contain help promote digestive health and regularity.
Processed Foods Contain Trans Fats
If you think all fats are bad, think again. In fact, natural fats are good for us and even essential.
It’s trans fats that get most of the bad rap. Trans fats are a modified variety of an oil that allows it to remain solid at room temperature.
Trans fats are pro-inflammatory. Inflammation speeds up aging and contributes to many of our chronic diseases.
The list includes high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Many Processed Foods Contain Anti-Nutrients
Foods that bring down the nutritional value of a meal are called anti-nutrients. These foods prevent the absorption of nutrients.
Did you know that white potato is considered an anti-nutrient?
And guess what? White potatoes are a favorite ingredient in processed food.
White potatoes are cheap. And you can argue that they’re tastier than sweet potatoes.
This combination leads to more profits for big brand junk food companies.
Junk/ Fast Food Can Be Deadly
Food doesn’t sit on your shelf for months without spoilage or rancidity occurring. So, how does processed food last so long?
You can credit additives and preservatives. These are chemicals for the most part.
And they give food an artificial life extension.
Are they helpful? Sometimes. But more often than not, they’re a hazard to your health.
Many are “safe” in very, very low concentrations and approved for human consumption by the FDA. But, they’re often used in amounts far exceeding their safe limit.
And we consume them much more than once in a while.
Conclusion
Processed foods are the far from natural- regardless of claims by their makers. Many are GMO* produced, which raises another set of ethical questions.
To be sure- eat whole foods, closest to their original source.
(*Genetically Modified Organisms)
JohnK 9-27-2018
Overheard: ” I don’t eat junk foods and I don’t think junk thoughts” ~Peace Pilgrim
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