Junk food is typically food that is rich in fats, calories, and sugar, with very little or no nutritional content. The lack of any creditable nutrition in this type of food is probably the reason why it is called “junk”. Junk food is also known as fast food. It is quick, convenient, and most of the times very light on the pocket. It is readily available everywhere, from corners shops and supermarkets to big retail chains. Despite all the noise about it being the unhealthy, junk remains the popular food, especially among youngsters. Why? Junk food is a feel good food that tastes as good as it looks.
Details about junk food
So what makes junk food unhealthy? Well, here are some disturbing facts:
- Junk food is small quantity, high calorie food
- It has very little nutritive value
- Junk food is high in sugar and sodium
- Junk food is very high in palatability and very low in satiation
- It is mostly preserved in harmful hydrogenated vegetable oils
The list of foods that are labelled as junk food by the health officials and food purists is endless. Here are some of the popular ones:
- Burgers
- Fries
- Tacos
- Chicken fillet sandwiches
- Chicken nuggets or strips
- Cakes
- Hash browns
- Nachos
- Biscuits
- Fried chicken
- Pizza
- Cookies
- Doughnuts
- Pop tarts
- Cold cuts, submarine sandwiches
- Milkshakes
There are many more food items that are labelled as junk food. In fact, any food or beverage that is high in fat, sugar, or salt can be termed as junk food.
So What Is It That Attracts People To Junk Food?
There are many reasons that make junk food attractive. Junk food is high in fat, salt, and sugar and that is where the taste comes from. This lethal trio makes this pleasing to the palate and almost addictive. Apart from that, there are three things that greatly add to the appeal of junk food, namely, price, convenience, and location. Junk food is easily available, low-priced, and non-messy.
Options and alternatives are also big reasons for the popularity of junk food. The markets are flooded with a variety of junk foods, which cater to every taste and palate.
Well-balanced diet
As with any other food, balance should be the key. It is not a bad thing to give in sometimes and indulge in a doughnut or a burger. The key is moderation; junk food should remain a sporadic indulgence and not an everyday taste trip.