The Impact of Junk Food on Health
Ultra-processed junk food, despite its vibrant and tempting appearance, poses significant risks to our health. These colourful, crunchy snacks, although enjoyable, can wreak havoc on our bodies. They have become popular choices for various occasions like birthdays, hangouts, cheat meals, or even as comforting treats on low-mood days.
Unhealthy Nature of Ultra-Processed Foods
Dr Shubham Vatsya, a senior consultant in gastroenterology, highlighted the risks and addictive nature of junk food in comparison to smoking. He mentioned that ultra-processed foods are abundant in grocery stores but are laden with unhealthy fats, excessive sugar, salt, and artificial additives. Scientific evidence has shown that these foods can lead to health issues comparable to smoking, such as obesity, heart diseases, cancer, and premature death.
Addictive Properties of Junk Food
Similar to the addictive nature of smoking, the appeal of favourite snacks like greasy burgers or packaged chips is hard to resist. Dr Vatsya explained how the brain reacts to junk food consumption similarly to cigarettes. The consumption of high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat triggers dopamine pathways, leading to overeating and emotional dependence on these foods.
The addictive nature of junk food stems from its ability to stimulate the brain’s reward system, making individuals crave more despite being full. These ultra-processed foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, mirroring the effects of nicotine on the brain.
Understanding the Biological Mechanism
Dr Vatsya clarified that ultra-processed foods include items like chips, instant noodles, soft drinks, processed meats, and flavoured yoghurts, all of which contain unfamiliar substances. These foods are engineered to be highly appealing, activating the brain’s reward system akin to nicotine. This leads to difficulties in stopping consumption even after consuming a small amount.
Readers should note that this article provides information and is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns.
