Have a look on 5 unhealthy foods that you must not intake in excess:
1. Highly Processed Foods –
Processed foods aren’t just microwave meals and other ready meals. Any food item that has been altered from its natural composition so that they can last for a longer period of time contributes to the term “processed foods”. It includes both synthetic dyes and artificial sweeteners (like saccharin, aspartame). Most shop-bought foods have been processed in some way. A few examples of common processed foods include breakfast cereals, Cheese, spicy snacks, such as crisps, tinned vegetables, bread, ready meals, and drinks such as soft drinks. Techniques through which food is processed include freezing, canning, baking, drying and pasteurising products. When you look at the food label, if it contains more than five ingredients, or contain something that you’ve never heard earlier, this likely is not healthy, and you should not consume it.
2. Artificial Sweeteners –
Furthermore, unhealthy foods are foods that contain artificial sweeteners. Even ingredients that are calorie free can harm you, and this may be especially applicable to artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners show constant associations with pre-term delivery and various diseases like obesity, metabolic health issues and type II diabetes. Studies have evaluated that fructose which is used in carbonated beverages, has toxic effects on the liver that are similar to effects of alcohol. Dsodas, sugar-free desserts such as ice cream and some cereals are some sugar substitutes which people are taking in large amounts. Sugar substitutes are often used nowadays due to their low or non-caloric characteristics. One packet of sugar substitute is equal to 2 teaspoons.
3. Anything Labelled “Low-Fat” or “Diet”
Any diet that restricts fat intake such as saturated fat and cholesterol contribute to a “Low Fat diet”. Low-fat diets are intended to reduce diseases such as heart disease and obesity but can cause other obstacles as well. You must know that reducing fat in the diet can make it easier to cut calories as fat provides nine calories per gramme while carbohydrates and protein each contributes four calories per gramme. So choosing low-fat foods makes it possible to eat a larger volume of food for the same number of calories.
4. Refined Grains
Food products that contain proportions of grains or grain flours that have been significantly customized from their natural composition are known as refined grains. Some standard refined food products are white rice, cream of wheat, cookies. They are excessively starchy and are practically devoid of natural fibre. Grains are fumigated. They are “enriched” with synthetic vitamins.
A few studies reveal that whole wheat can raise cholesterol. The evidence states that gluten sensitivity is common in our population. Gluten appears to have harmful effects on digestion and other aspects of health, even in individuals without the celiac disease. Because refined grain products are non-nutritional, they lead to several degenerative diseases. Several refined grain products are associated with causing tooth decay to children as well as adults in this country, and hence is becoming the primary cause of brittle bones in the elderly. Grains contain no essential nutrients that we can’t get in much greater amounts from animal foods or vegetables.
5. High-Salt Foods
Convenience foods usually contain high amounts of salt. Salt is added for enhancing the taste of food and preservation. The body needs some salt. However, too much salt in the diet has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, which is a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Significant amounts of sodium can be present in canned, processed and convenience foods. And sodium can be found in many foods that are served at fast food restaurants. A maximum salt intake should not be more than 6 g of salt per day is recommended for adults with normal blood pressure. High sugar, high fat, and high salt are not, in themselves, unhealthy but can cause problems when eaten disproportionately. If you’ve a healthy diet, then you can consume those foods on occasion with no problem.
The Bottom-Line
Indian parents always nag their kids when they ask for junk food, but they keep on eating unhealthy Indian snacks. Moreover, both Indian deep fried snacks and fast foods such as burger, pizza, Chinese are unhealthy which you must avoid.
