This morning I ran to the grocery store to pick up a salad and an apple before work. At the register, the cashier made the statement, “it sure is expensive to eat healthy.” I smiled back at her and replied, “Is it?” This is one statement that I hear quite often. I think it’s actually and excuse, but I will talk about that later on.
So, let’s talk about Junk food versus healthy food. Is junk food really cheaper, in the long run?
JUNK FOOD
Junk food which is rich in calories, fat, sugar and salt, tastes much better and is easier to prepare than healthy food. This food does not contain vital nutrients required for a good health and made up of fried and preserved food which does not remain natural. Moreover high refined sugar, hydrogenated fats, saturated fats, sodium, artificial sweeteners and calories make it an unhealthy food option.
How does a junk food impact your body?
After eating junk food you feel satisfied but actually it lacks all the essential nutrients. So you just have the feeling of fullness and nothing else. Also you must have felt drowsiness after having junk food. Sleepiness is caused by a drop in the blood circulation as fat gets accumulated in the inner walls of arteries.
Obesity is the most common result of eating junk food. Eating junk food like burger, wafers, salad full of preservatives leads to poor concentration. Children eating junk food often lack concentration.
If you are among those who regularly eat junk food then be prepared to have digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acidity in stomach is caused by the deposition of oil in junk food leading to these problems. Moreover these lack fiber which aids in digestion.
Blood sugar level gets irregular by eating junk food. Refined sugar in this food hampers the normal metabolism. To digest high level of refined sugar in blood, pancreas secretes more insulin. But as junk food have less carbohydrates and proteins so there is a sudden drop in blood sugar. This increased the craving to eat more and disturbed insulin level. On the other hand healthy diet means steady supply of glucose and balanced insulin level. But eating just the junk food means stressed metabolism and inability of body to produce normal insulin. This may result in diabetes.
Cholesterol and triglyceride level increases by eating junk food which put you in the risk of developing heart diseases and even heart attack. Such a condition also leads to kidney problems. A study indicates that arteries start begin to clog at the age of 30 and lay the foundation of future heart attack.
Fast food rich in sugar and fat also increases the chances of developing cancer. This has been found out in a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention.
HEALTHY FOOD
Now, on the other hand healthy food like vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and fish contain plethora of nutrients. By eating healthy food your mind, body and soul feel healthy. Brain functionality can be increased by eating nuts. Whole food with minimum or zero processing is the best for health. Healthy food increases the immunity and reduces the risk of health problem. Berries, such as blueberries are rich in antioxidants which reduces the risk of cancer. Nuts, legumes and cereals are rich in protein and fiber. Children must consume green healthy vegetables, fruits, broccoli, sweet potatoes, milk and water.
What we eat affects our growth, health, behavior and mind. So, is junk food cheaper? Not in the long run. You get what you pay for?
When choosing fuel for your body, don’t forget the advantages of healthy food and what good it can do for your body.