Some junk food is hard to resist, no matter how much we know it isn’t good for us. This is due to the fact that they are generally very tasty, affordable, and convenient. However, junk food is typically full of unhealthy ingredients, such as sodium, sugar, and artificial additives. Today, we will look at 15 junk foods that we can’t resist as well as the health risks involved with eating them.
Processed Meat
Processed meats such as deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs are a favorite junk food of many people. However, they are also ranked among the most unhealthy foods you can consume. This is because they are packed with saturated fats, preservatives, and sodium, which increase your risk of developing cancer and heart disease. They have even been categorized as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, which has found links between their consumption and the development of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Flavored Yogurt
While people generally consider yogurt to be a healthy choice, many varieties of flavored yogurt actually contain more sugar than a candy bar! They also contain significant quantities of preservatives, thickeners, and artificial flavourants. This can result in tooth decay, weight gain, and spikes in blood sugar levels. Rather choose a plain yogurt and then add a little bit of fresh fruit and honey.
Sugary Cereals
Sugary cereals are convenient and bring back happy memories from childhood. However, they are full of artificial additives, sugars, and refined grains and offer very little actual nutrition. They are successfully marketed to young children with their fun, colorful designs, and playful cartoonish advertisements. Yet, eating these cereals often causes cravings, energy crashes, dental issues, and weight gain. Rather choose whole-grain cereals that contain minimal sugar.
Microwave Popcorn
Many people think of microwave popcorn as a somewhat healthy snack and not junk food. However, this is not entirely the case, with many brands using large amounts of preservatives. Sodium, and artificial butter flavoring. Additionally, the inside of the bag is coated with PFOAs that are linked to a range of different health issues, such as hormone disruption and even cancer. It’s far better to air pop kernels than use microwave popcorn.
Canned Soup
Canned soup may be convenient, but it is often high in sodium, preservatives, MSG, and BPA from can linings, which pose health risks. The processing also removes nutrients, making fresh or frozen alternatives a better option. To enjoy a healthful and fulfilling supper, make homemade soup in batches and freeze portions, or use low-sodium, BPA-free alternatives. Studies have revealed that frozen or fresh alternatives offer more minerals and vitamins.
Instant Noodles
Instant noodles may be regarded as a budget-friendly and easy-to-prepare junk food, but they also aren’t the healthiest choice. They are full of unhealthy fats, sodium, and artificial additives, such as MSG. They are deep-fried before being packaged and contain saturated fats and empty calories. This can lead to weight gain, and high blood pressure, and raises the risk of metabolic syndrome. A healthier option would be rice noodles or whole-grain pasta.
Frozen Pizzas
Frozen pizza is easy to prepare, but it contains high levels of sodium, bad fats, and processed carbohydrates, which contribute to weight gain and inflammation. A single serving can contain up to 1,000 calories, and processed additives such as chemical preservatives and sugary sauces increase the risk to your health. For a healthier choice, create your own pizza with fresh ingredients to regulate nutrients and eliminate harmful additives.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is often regarded as a healthy drink. However, some fruit juices contain the same amount of sugar as a can of soda! In fact, one glass of apple juice can contain as many as six teaspoons of sugar. Although fruit juices do contain minerals and vitamins, most of the beneficial fiber is stripped away in the juicing process. Therefore, eating whole fruit is a better choice than drinking fruit juice.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks might provide an immediate energy boost, but they contain sugar, caffeine, and stimulants that can increase heart rate, anxiety, and blood pressure. A single can often contains more sugar than several candy bars, increasing your chances of gaining weight, developing diabetes, and experiencing dental problems. The caffeine crash makes you more tired, and mixing it with alcohol increases the dangers. For a healthier choice, consider natural energy sources such as green tea.
Read More: 25 So-Called ‘Junk Foods’ That Are Actually Good For You
Margarine
Margarine is a staple of breakfast for many people, yet it is actually one of the worst things you can consume. Margarine contains trans fats that increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. The hydrogenation process, which converts liquid oils into solid margarine, produces numerous harmful compounds that your body is just not intended to process. It is far safer to use normal butter than this unhealthy substitute, which increases your heart disease risk by 28%!
Granola Bars
Granola bars are considered health bars by many people and certainly not thought of as junk food. However, many store-bought granola bars actually contain the same amount of sugar as a typical candy bar. In fact, some brands contain up to 12 grams of sugar per bar, as well as artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, and other processed ingredients. A healthier option would be to make them at home using whole ingredients such as seeds and nuts.
Bottled Smoothies
Many store-bought bottled smoothies are not nearly as healthy for you as fresh versions. In order to lengthen shelf life, these products are often filled with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. One bottle can contain the equivalent of 12 to 17 teaspoons of sugar! While they are often marketed as pure smoothies, they often contain corn syrup, purees, and fruit concentrates to improve the taste and increase sweetness. Making smoothies yourself will provide you with less sugar and more fiber.
Coffee Creamers
Coffee creamers may add flavor, but many also contain hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, and corn syrup. This raises the risk of developing heart disease and disrupts blood sugar management. With up to 5 grams of sugar included per serving, they contain hidden calories and dangerous trans fats. Rather choose unsweetened almond, coconut milk, or ordinary milk. You can also sweeten your coffee naturally with honey or maple syrup.
Fast Food Milkshakes
Fast food milkshakes are laden with artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and up to 130 grams of sugar (equivalent to 32 teaspoons). They contain roughly 950 calories and 15 grams of saturated fat, resulting in blood sugar surges, energy collapses, and cravings. Certain substances may also cause digestive difficulties and acne. For a healthier option, mix your own shake with real milk and fruit.
White Bread
While white bread may be cheaper and kids seem to prefer it, refined grain products can actually lead to health issues. When white bread is manufactured, all the beneficial germ layers and nutrient-rich bran get stripped away in the process. What is left behind are simple carbs that your body converts into sugar very quickly. This can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, leaving you hungry again shortly after eating and making you gain weight in the long term. It is far healthier to pick bread made from whole wheat flour.
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