Wednesday, May 23, 2012

JUNK FOOD IS HARMFUL: PAU HOME SCIENTISTS

LUDHIANA, MAY 22:------



"Food is one of the basic needs of life and is vital for the growth of human beings. But, with the passage of time, the change in food varieties, availability and taste has been witnessed," expressed the home scientists of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).



The young generation prefers to take junk food such as burgers, pizzas, French fries, hot dogs, etc. because they are reasonably priced and readily available alternatives to the home cooked food, they added. While being convenient for a busy life style and inexpensive, fast foods are typically high in calories, fats, saturated fat, sugar and salt. The home scientists disclosed, "Nearly, 20% of school going children and 60% of adults are obese in India." They called upon the general public to avoid junk food as it has no nutritional value and is considered unhealthy to consume.



Dr Sukhjeet Kaur, Head, Department of Home Science Extension and Communication Management, said that most of junk food lacks in vitamins and minerals which are, generally, present in properly cooked food. Sometimes, it is prepared of ingredients that are not very clean and can spoil the stomach, liver and intestines. She cautioned that packed junk food contains preservatives and colouring, both of which include carcinogenic substances, that are harmful for the body system, especially, cardiovascular system.



Elaborating further, Dr Sukhdeep Kaur Mann said that junk food hastens the effects of aging. The continuous eating of junk food exposes the body to long period of bad nutrition. Moreover, it contains a lot of sugar which can make the person prone to diabetes, she told. It is prepared of saturated fats that are unhealthy and on digestion can release toxins into the body. Dr Mann stated, "Eating sugary and fatty foods regularly means that a person is not eating food that gives nutrients which are essential for mental health like anti-oxidants, folate and omega-3s."



The PAU home scientists noted that clever junk food advertising and the lure of convenience, in addition, to taste get people hooked to junk food addiction. Advising to replace the junk food with fruits, vegetables and a well-cooked food, they urged the public to take their food along with them to their respective places. School administration as well as parents must educate the children about the harmful effects of junk foods in schools. They also stressed on developing fitness as it helps to separate junk food from the regimen.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

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