Why are junk foods bad for your health?

If you consume junk foods frequently, your intake of excess fat, carbohydrates, and processed sugar increases which also increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many other chronic health problems. It can increase the risk of heart attack too. It is even said that the consumption of junk food affects the brain in the same way as consuming addictive drugs. An addiction to junk food may even result in abandoning healthy foods that may lead to further lack of nourishment.

Most fast and junk foods are loaded with carbohydrates with little or no nutrients. When your digestive system breaks down this carbohydrate-rich food, the carbs are released as glucose into your bloodstream and this results in the increase of blood sugar. And your pancreas responds to the surge in glucose by releasing insulin. When your body uses or stores the sugar your blood sugar returns to normal, and this blood sugar is highly regulated by your body and till you are healthy, your organs can properly handle these sugar spikes but consuming high amounts of carbs can lead to repeated spikes in your blood sugar and over time these insulin spikes may cause your body's normal insulin response to faltering. This can increase the risk for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.

Many junk food has added sugar and it means extra calories with little nutrition.

The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests only eating 100 to 150 calories of added sugar per day. That’s about six to nine teaspoons.

Many fast-food drinks alone hold well over 12 ounces. A 12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons of sugar that equals 140 calories, 39 grams of sugar, and nothing else.

Trans fat is neither good nor healthy and consuming foods containing trans-fat can increase LDL also known as bad cholesterol and lower your HDL, that is, good cholesterol and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Some examples of trans-fat are:

Fried pies

Pastries

Pizza dough

Crackers

Cookies

Consumption of high sugar and fats tends to suppress the function of the brain that helps in learning and memory function. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was observed that junk food consumption led to poor cognitive test results. Results displayed a sudden inflammation in the hippocampus region of the brain which is responsible for your memory and recognition.

The presence of sugar and carbs in fast food and processed food can increase acids in your mouth. These increased acids can break down tooth enamel. As tooth enamel disappears, bacteria can take hold and cavities may develop. Obesity can even lead to many complications with bone destiny and muscle mass.

Frequent and continuous consumption of junk foods can be very harmful for your overall health. There are a number of reasons why junk foods are unhealthy for you, some explained above.