You may have wondered what a bag or two of chips could do to your body. Because of human metabolism and digestion, scientists don’t know the precise answer. It’s evident that what you put inside your mouth affects your health.
A healthy diet requires balance. While it is acceptable to occasionally eat high-sugar, salt and fat foods, you should make sure that most of your diet is made up of plant-based meals. Here are the effects of junk food on your body, as well as reasons to choose healthier options.
Don’t Get Sweetened
You may be one of many Americans who eats a lot of sugar. This is because sugar can sneakily increase in quantity, as many manufacturers use sweeteners in virtually everything, even products you wouldn’t suspect.
A half-cup of commercial pasta sauces typically contains between 2 to 12 grams. The American Heart Association recommends limiting women’s consumption to 25g per day. That means you could eat half your recommended daily amount in one bowl – even if you don’t have a restaurant-sized meal.
Every food you eat eventually converts to sugar. But, nutrients-dense foods that are rich in other ingredients go through a complex chemical procedure first. This prevents too many sweet things from flooding your body. Insulin, a hormone that helps sugar be admitted to cells so they can store it or use it later.
You can get into trouble if you eat too many simple sugars. Simple sugar can be broken down quickly by your body, which will cause a rise in blood glucose. Your pancreas responds with more insulin, but eventually it will stop keeping up with demand.
If it continues, it may progress to Type 2 diabetes in some individuals. However researchers are still not sure why. You can develop this disorder regardless of your age. Excess blood sugar can cause inflammation, which can lead to damage to body tissues.
Salt Can Elevate Blood Pressure
Too much sodium can be dangerous. You can understand this mechanism by imagining how salty chips taste in your mouth. You might be eager to consume cola and wash off the crumbs.
The body’s tissues respond the same way. Salty foods cause fluid to pull into your veins, increasing blood pressure. Over time, this force can cause damage and even cause a heart attack.
Increased Cancer Risk
The World Health Organization has declared processed meats, such as ham, to be carcinogenic. Many menu items on a lunch-room menu that claim to be healthy can actually be unhealthy. You should avoid eating cold cuts, salami, and other junk food.
Same applies for meat snacks. Slim Jims and other meat snacks fall under the processed meat category. The WHO believes that red meat is a potential carcinogen even though it contains no dehydrated jerky. The chemical red meat contains, haem is broken down.
Releases substances which can harm your intestinal line and cause cancer.
Trans Fats Still Exist in Many Places
Trans fats happen when oil is partially hydrogenated, leading to instability. Despite the FDA banning trans-fats in 2018, gave a phased out period. That means that some items still found in office vending machines may contain these harmful substances.
However, some vegetable oils used to make your favorite baked goods could be less nutritious. Many canola brands use a solvent, called hexane. Heating during this process can lead at times to the formation of trans fats.
If you can afford the cost, opt for cold-pressed versions. They aren’t as harmful to your health. You should be aware, however, that many muffins and donuts sold at bakeries contain the problem kind.
White Flour Does Not Make a Difference
White flour can have a similar effect as sugar on your Type-2 diabetes risk. It doesn’t contain fiber or nutrients and is only high in empty calories. Chronic pain, weight gain and fatigue can all result, which can sometimes lead to poor diet choices, further complications, and ultimately a vicious circle.
These days, bleached wheat flour is no longer an option. Ancient grains like amaranth and quinoa are safe even cause high blood pressure to persist over the long-term. Grape juice, however, can offer the same antioxidant properties.
Alcohol also impacts your neurotransmitters. Alcohol affects your serotonin level, glutamate and GABA levels, as well as your mood. Do you feel anxiety after a night of drinking? If so, blame your insomnia.
Experts recommend limiting the amount of alcohol you consume per day, even if it is something you enjoy. Many people do better with a smaller amount of alcohol.
Don’t Eat Junk Food!
It is possible to make informed choices when you are tempted by junk food. Be aware that junk food can be addictive.