Eating-Out
| Junk Food in Chennai |
 |
|
Junk food is eaten between meals or taken to substitute for a regular meal. Mostly these are food items that have no nutritional value or great taste. They are just taken for the convenience. In many cases eating junk food is considered a fashion. They can be quickly made and served and do not need Most items of junk food contain high levels of oil or fat, sugar or salt, spices and various food additives like monosodium glutamate and tartrazine. They lack in proteins, vitamins and fiber and other nutrients. It is popular with traders because it is relatively cheap to manufacture, has a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration. They are popular with the consumers as they are easy to purchase, require little or no preparation and are convenient to carry and consume and come with strong flavor. Consumption of junk food causes many disorders like obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, dental cavities etc. The government of India is taking measures to ban the sale of junk food and colas in the Government school premises. The consumption of colas and burgers has lead to diet related chronic diseases among the children. The main cause of diabetes among children is found to be junk food. The diet related diseases include cardio-vascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, cancer, diabetes etc. Junk food eating leads to indigestion, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. The conditions like heartburn and acidity may lead to ulcer and cancer in the food pipe, according to a study. Most of the junk food eaters suffer from Gastroesophagal Reflex Disease, a conation in which bile, acid and partially digested food in the stomach backs up to the esophagus, Heartburn is caused when the stomach acids come into contact with the esophagus. It may lead to cancer also. Long working hours, lack of sleep, stress and erratic lifestyle have also been reasons behind the increased use of junk food due to the easy and quick availability of these foods and less time for preparing regular food. The fast food and on the go snacks are preferred to normal meals in the urban areas where a social change has changed the food habits of a major junk of the population. The people suffering from heartburn try to manage the symptoms and take medications like Diegene or use Pudin Hara and Eno for relief. To control the ill effects of junk food consumption campaigns have been launched by the Government of India. In Chennai the Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department has written to school authorities to enforce a total ban on junk food in the school or college canteens. They also insisted the nutritious wholesome meals should be made available in the school canteens. The schools should not allow campaigns for the junk food inside the schools to lure children through distribution of freebies or free samples. Fruit juices, milk and other healthy snacks should be available and the awareness about the dangers of eating junk should be increased especially among children. The social gatherings and functions can avoid serving spicy food and junk food and colas. Educating the rural and urban poor families about the ill effects of junk food can also help. Alongside nutritious food items should also be made available at reasonable prices. Fruits, salads, juices and some healthy snacks can replace junk food and can result in a healthy eating habit among the children. All ready made and salty and oily snacks should be avoided as they may cause the food related diseases fast. They may need less shelf life and convenient to store but can lead to prolonged or chronic diseases like ulcers and bleeding of the esophagus and finally cancer. The Consumer Action Group organized an exhibition at the Corporation Middle School at Nungambakkam to create awareness about nutritional deficiencies and childhood obesity, diabetes etc. Visitors were explained why despite the presence of a few slices of vegetables the pizza’s maida base is more harmful. Likewise excessive use of ice-creams would slow down metabolism. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           Related Articles |
much of side dishes or messy eating. They are mostly dry and can be eaten anywhere anytime without the need for proper settings like a dining table and utensils, spoons etc. and require minimum or no washing of hands. The popular junk foods are packaged and seasoned chips, corn puffs, cheese balls and pizza and aerated drinks.
Comments