Why junk food is addictive. Junk food - what is it? Chocolate bars, sweets, cakes, junk food

What is junk food and, as they say, "what does it eat with"? Let's find out in this article.

Junk food- in fact, this is a food that does not require cooking, has a very large number of calories, and, of course, contains an incredible amount of harmful substances - a high content of sugar, fat, all kinds of carcinogens, food additives.

There are the following types of junk food:

• Chips, crackers, snacks, french fries, hamburgers and the like. All this food is in fast food establishments, so loved by most people. These products contain a huge amount of salt, fats, carcinogens, which are extremely detrimental to the human body, especially children and adolescents.
• Cakes, chocolate bars. On the packages you can read that they provide an increase in energy levels and a charge of vivacity. This is due to the high amount of carbohydrates, and the burst of energy does not last very long, after which people feel tired due to a sharp jump in insulin.
• Salted or candied nuts. Nuts are a fairly healthy food, but all kinds of spices with which it is seasoned neutralize all the beneficial properties. By the way, thanks to these spices, it is impossible to determine the degree of freshness of the product, it is likely that these same nuts are more than one year old.

All these chips, nuts, bars, due to their cheapness and rich taste, literally cause psychological dependence in people. More and more people are becoming slaves to eating habits; for the most part, these are children, teenagers, schoolchildren, students and eternally busy people.

How to be?

It is best to refuse such food, literally clogging the stomach. It is preferable to use fruits, nuts without seasonings as a nourishment for the body instead of a bar, and mineral water instead of lemonade. Also, it will be more useful to eat hamburgers and cheeseburgers together or cabbage - there will be much less harm. Of course, it is recommended to eat more cereals, seasonal vegetables and fruits, meat and steamed fish - in a word, healthy and healthy food.

Statistics show that the consumption culture and eating behavior of parents play an important role in a child's food preferences. Parents need to keep a close eye on what their child eats and try to instill in him a love of healthy food.

Junk food is definitely one of the tastiest perverse pleasures of the modern world, as well as an integral part of popular culture. People eat junk food at fast food outlets, schools, sports games, amusement parks and movie theaters, and a host of other places. Moreover, junk food is sometimes easier to find than water. Unfortunately, the consumption of unhealthy food is costly in terms of human health. No matter how delicious these foods are, unhealthy foods are just as bad for your health as alcohol and smoking. You can see for yourself with these twenty-five facts about junk food that might convince you to eat healthier.

25. The term "junk food" was originally used in the sixties, but became widely popular in the next decade, when the song "Junk Food Junkie" reached the top of the charts in the mid-1970s.

24. Many studies over the past few decades have shown that excessive consumption of unhealthy foods is directly associated with an increase in obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.

23. If you're looking for someone or something to blame for the unhealthy eating culture that exists today, then you should blame the TV. It has been scientifically proven that nearly 80 percent of all food commercials that run on Saturday morning children's shows are junk food ads.

22. The American snack "Cracker Jack" was the first to use toys to sell junk food to children without thinking about morality at all!

21. You've probably heard over and over that a can of Coca-Cola contains approximately eight or nine (or even ten, according to some sources) teaspoons of sugar. However, you've probably never heard that metal cans are by far the most expensive of all "ingredients" since the famous sweet water is made primarily from water, additives, refined sugar and caffeine.

20. The sweets industry in the United States generates $23 billion annually and is the world leader in junk food sales. Surprisingly, candy sales continue to rise despite concerns about junk food and obesity.

19. In the late 1970s, Daniel White assassinated San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Administrator Harvey Milk. In a controversial verdict that led to the legal slang "Protection of Twinkie," White was found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder because he allegedly suffered from depression. His change in diet from healthy foods to Twinkies and other sugary foods was used by the defense as a symptom of depression.

18. Halloween sells $2 billion worth of candy, more than any other holiday in America. This makes Halloween the most unhealthy and "fat" holiday.

17. In case you're wondering, french fries are (of course) the most popular type of junk food in the entire world. A serving of McDonald's french fries has about 600 calories and won't help you satisfy your hunger, but will instead make you even hungrier.

16. Dunkin' Donuts reportedly sells approximately 6.4 million donuts a day. In other words, Americans consume over 2 billion donuts a year from Dunkin' Donuts alone.

15. Tootsie Roll (Tootsie Roll) was named after the daughter of its creator, Clara (Clara), nicknamed Tootsie. It was the first individually wrapped penny candy. During World War II, Tootsie Rolls were placed in soldiers' rations because they tolerated various weather conditions well. Hmm, what do you say they're made of?

14. Before the term "junk food" became popular, junk food became part of the American diet in the 1920s, but it was through television advertising after World War II that junk food became more popular and nutritionists finally started to worry.

13. Have you ever wondered when and how gum became so popular? As early as 1891, William Wrigley Jr. began selling soap in Chicago. To increase his sales, he gave gum to his customers. When his gum became a hit, he decided to start making and selling gum instead of soap.

12. The vast majority of researchers and nutritionists agree that fats from unhealthy foods make the brain crave more food, which of course leads to obesity in the long run.

11. Twinky is the undisputed champion of all junk snacks and it is estimated that Hostess produces over 500 million Twinky every year. By the way, according to some reports, the substance that gives Twinks their delicate taste, cellulose resin, is also used in rocket fuel.

10. Despite not being the best-selling chocolate bar, Snickers is undoubtedly the most popular in America due to its supposed health benefits.

9. Recent scientific studies conducted in China have shown that the growth rate of breast cancer in the country has increased significantly due to the consumption of Western junk food.

8. There is a theory that suggests that daily consumption of candy and junk food by children is associated with later life violence, although many psychologists and scientists openly disagree with this theory.

7. Many studies have shown that mothers who eat unhealthy foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding give birth to children who are prone to obesity throughout their lives. Their children are also prone to diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood fat.

6. Alloxan is a by-product of white flour bleaching and is found in many foods classified as junk food. What is he doing? Studies show that it leads to diabetes in healthy animals by destroying their pancreatic beta cells. Imagine the harm it can do to people.

5. A study conducted by the Healthy Children's Food Campaign (CFC) showed that some foods for children can contain as much, if not more, saturated fat and sugar than unhealthy foods.

4. For thousands of years, natural licorice has been used as a medicine to treat ulcers, sore throats and coughs. The first licorice "candy" was an attempt to mask the bitter taste of the medicine, although most American licorice "candy" today does not contain licorice's historical medicinal properties.

3. Whenever you want to eat junk food, remember that the most popular thickener, corn dextrin, used in some junk food products, is also the adhesive for envelopes and postage stamps.

2. We all tend to think that a good milkshake is made from milk and cream. This is absolutely not true, at least when it comes to the delicious "Wendy's Frosty", which contains not one, not two, but 14 different ingredients (called thickeners).

1. A recent study found that young women who consistently eat unhealthy foods are at higher risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that commonly causes type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Every year more and more foreign words and expressions appear in the Russian language. Most of them, oddly enough, are related to food. Relatively recently, the unusual expression junk food has become increasingly used in everyday life. What does this term mean, and why do scientists around the world pay so much attention to it?

Detailed description

Nutritionists have been dealing with the problems of proper nutrition for a very long time. True, literally ten or twenty years ago, many specialists had a rather superficial approach to this problem. Scientists believed that in order to create the right diet, two main points must be taken into account:

• the amount of food consumed;
• a certain ratio in it of the main elements (fats, carbohydrates and proteins).

This belief over time has led to markets flooding with high-calorie foods. Of course, they contained a huge amount of fats and carbohydrates. But no one paid attention to the fact that many of them had a very low biological value.

Over time, such products have become known as junk food or junk food. At that time, little attention was paid to the presence of vitamins and various minerals in food. But in large quantities, various flavorings and flavorings began to be used. Most of them were purely chemical in nature. In fact, this is food that, contrary to expectations, ultimately brings the human body more harm than good. Scientists from all over the world have tackled this problem. Their task was to open people's eyes to the danger that many foods that have already become familiar to them carry.

A bit of history

The term "junk food" first appeared in the United States in the distant seventies of the last century. True, then he did not refer to the food itself, but to its packaging. At that time, the fast food industry in the United States was experiencing a period of great growth. Stores were filled with ready-made products in colorful packages. The reason for their popularity was that with the help of such food it was possible to quickly satisfy the feeling of hunger. In this case, it is not even necessary to be at home, in a cafe or restaurant. Products are small packaged specifically for on-the-go consumption. They are convenient to eat anywhere (in transport, on the street and even at work). City dumpsters were overflowing with colorful bags. The wind carried them through the streets, creating whole mountains of garbage. Hence the name of the new food. After all, "junk" in translation means "waste" or "unnecessary trash." Later, when scientists figured out that popular novelties, among other things, also bring great harm to the human body, this term began to be used directly to food.

Secret composition

People are not accustomed to fully trust doctors. Sometimes their strong recommendations are perceived as intrusive advice that you don’t want to listen to. Today in any country on the shelves of supermarkets and in the menu of many cafes you can find junk food. At first glance, these products seem completely harmless and even somewhat useful. They are very high in carbohydrates, which, as you know, are the main source of energy. But not everything is so simple. Decomposing under the action of enzymes, carbohydrates really give a surge of strength. But this temporary surge is quickly replaced by severe fatigue. The reason for this jump is that the body at this time produces a huge amount of insulin to regulate carbohydrate metabolism. After emergency neutralization, a decrease in sugar levels leads to hypoglycemia, which is usually accompanied by weakness, fatigue, impaired concentration, and sometimes overt aggression. It is almost impossible to control such processes. Therefore, in this situation, it is better to give up junk food.

dangerous habit

Many people do not fully understand what junk food is. It would seem that it is so convenient to buy a cherished bag in the store and literally in a few minutes feel the long-awaited satiety. True, after a short time there is an irresistible desire to repeat the purchase. Indeed, to be honest, such food is really very tasty. This is probably why many people try not to even think about what is actually inside the coveted package. But there are those who are aware of the possible danger, and still cannot find the strength to refuse such food. Children are the first to be at risk.

When parents buy them chips, bars with incomprehensible sweet filling or sparkling water with bizarre flavors, they do not think about the fact that these delicacies can lead to very serious consequences. The constant use of such products threatens with obesity, as a result of which complexes often develop in children. Other health problems are not ruled out. To avoid this, it is better to immediately abandon junk food and replace it with natural products. For example, instead of chips, it is better to fry an ordinary potato. It is desirable to replace sugar with honey. By the way, it contains a lot of vitamins that are good for health. And you can make your own chocolate bar. All you need is cocoa and fruit. But after such a meal, it will be possible not to fear for the health of your beloved child.

useless food

Unlike ordinary shoppers, specialists have their own understanding of the meaning of the term junk food. Junk food is sometimes translated as "junk food" or "surrogate". But nutritionists have found a more precise definition. They call food with reduced biological value "empty calories". In fact, that's the way it is. Such products usually have an increased energy value. Sometimes they even roll over the content of carbohydrates or fats. This allows the human body to quickly saturate. But with a normal lifestyle, such a huge amount of energy simply has nowhere to go. Therefore, after the breakdown of carbohydrates, they are immediately deposited in the form of fat in the subcutaneous tissues of problem areas (on the sides, abdomen, legs or back).

Due to the complete lack of vitamins and minerals, such food cannot be healthy. After the studies, doctors found that in addition to being overweight, junk food eventually leads to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, constipation, colitis, heartburn and cholecystitis). It also contains acrylamide. It is a carcinogen that promotes the formation of cancer cells in the body. It is hard to imagine that people, knowing this, consciously create such problems for themselves.

Portuguese cuisine

The cuisine of any country is individual in its own way. As a rule, it contains dishes, the secret of which is known only to local chefs. Tourists who decide to visit, for example, Portugal, can be convinced of this by their own example. Sweet pastries are highly respected here. Fresh buns and cakes can be smoked in any store. Usually for the Portuguese, the ideal breakfast is a cup of hot coffee or tea with buns. Moreover, their range is so large that visiting guests simply run their eyes from such a variety. This is a kind of national junk food. There is no need to talk about any control of calories in this case. But Portuguese junk food isn't just about confectionery. Here, as in other countries, they love burgers, sandwiches and, of course, the famous french fries. True, in Portugal they are made in their own way. For example, the famous bifana is an analogue of a burger.

It is a piece of marinated meat fried in melted lard, which is served in a bun with the addition of sauce and mustard. But the unusual taste of this fragrant dish does not guarantee its safety at all.

Varieties of junk food

Every person who wants to properly compose their diet should know what junk food is. The types of products that relate to it are well known to almost everyone.

Among them are:

• French fries;
• popcorn;
• salted nuts;
• chips;
• biscuits;
• sandwiches;
• hot dogs;
• pizza
• chocolate bars;
• cornflakes.

Most of these products are ready to eat, and some require only minimal heat treatment. This is one of the reasons for their popularity. In addition, all of them:

1. They have colorful packaging that always attracts customers.
2. They have a bright, memorable taste.
3. Over time, they become addictive and the body needs.
4. They contain a huge amount of salt, all kinds of spices, dyes, flavors and trans fats.

Unfortunately, there are more and more such products every year. This is because people are used to appreciating momentary pleasures, forgetting about the innate instinct for self-preservation.

Fast food

Scientists believe that there are no differences between the concepts of junk food and fast food. In fact, these are the same products. That is why they are usually sold in fast food establishments. Of course, such food is very convenient and practical. Simply tear open the package and you can immediately enjoy the familiar aromas. In addition, fast food is usually inexpensive and available to everyone. But every sane person should understand that such food is a kind of drug that quickly becomes addictive and a daily need. For example, it is difficult for chips lovers to limit themselves to one package.

After a short period of time, they want to feel the familiar taste in their mouth again. It is also difficult to refuse this, because these days fast food can be found at every turn. Store shelves are full of bright packs, and the bistro cafe attracts visitors with its unforgettable aroma. But knowing the possible consequences, it is better to overcome the seemingly irresistible desire in time and maintain your health.

junk food(from English. junk food, "weed food") - a term that has appeared in everyday life relatively recently. They call food that does not require cooking, has a high calorie content, but at the same time contains many harmful substances - sugar, salt, saturated fats, carcinogens and food additives.

Literally, junk food is unhealthy, wrong food. It includes chips, salted nuts, sodas, cakes, sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, chocolate bars, etc.

The term "junk food" originated in the 70s in the USA. Initially, this food was called weed because of the packages that filled the garbage containers to the top and were carried by the wind through the streets. But over time, the word junk food began to refer not only to the quality of the packaging, but also to the food itself. A large amount of salt, spices, dyes, flavors, fat negatively affects the functioning of internal organs, can lead to the formation of gastritis, indigestion, deterioration of the skin, metabolic disorders, and even problems of the hormonal system.

Popular types of junk food

Chips, french fries. These foods, so beloved in fast food establishments, contain a lot of salt (a 35 g bag of chips contains 2/3 of the daily salt), saturated fats (which increase the level of "bad" cholesterol), carcinogens (in particular, acrylamide, which impairs the normal functioning stomach and negatively affects the peripheral nervous system)

Salted nuts. The nut itself is a healthy product, but the huge amount of spices that are contained in packages with nuts negates all the health benefits of nuts. Peanuts mold quickly, and mold releases carcinogens. It is almost impossible to determine the specific taste of mold in nuts stuffed with spices.

Chocolate bars and cakes. This includes snickers, nuts, mars, puff pastries popular in the USA “twinks”. Manufacturers often label these sweets as "energy-boosting", citing their high carbohydrate content. But the burst of energy due to the high levels of these products is very short-lived, after a while it is replaced by fatigue due to a jump in insulin in the blood and subsequent hypoglycemia.

Junk food addiction and consequences

Weed food, because of its cheapness, availability and specific rich taste, is liked by many people, causing downright narcotic psychological addiction! Every year more and more people become hostages of their eating habits. As a rule, junk food is consumed by children, teenagers, sweet tooth, students, people who are always in a hurry and have no time to go anywhere.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a disappointing forecast: by 2015, approximately 2.3 billion adults in the world will be overweight, more than 700 million will be obese.

The WHO lists the main enemies of human health as "a global change in nutrition towards increased consumption of energy-intensive foods high in fat and sugars and low in vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients" and a trend towards a sedentary lifestyle.

What to do with junk food?

The simplest answer is not to use it. Instead of chocolate bars, use fruits as a snack, instead of sweet soda - mineral water, instead of beer - kefir. In extreme cases, instead of hamburgers, it is better to eat meat pies, and instead of cakes - fresh pastries. And of course you need to eat more simple healthy food - meat, vegetables, fruits, cereals.

Studies show that the culture of food consumption in the family greatly affects the food habits of the child in the future. Therefore, parents should carefully monitor what their child eats and, if possible, teach children to eat healthy and nutritious food.