Junk Food is devastating for our Health
By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
Kashmir has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, strong traditions, and wholesome lifestyle. However, in recent years, our dietary habits have undergone a drastic transformation. We Kashmiris have always been quick to adopt new trends, often without fully considering their consequences.
This adaptability, though beneficial in many ways, has also led us to abandon our traditional, nutritious diet in favor of unhealthy, processed junk food. This shift is contributing to a rising health crisis, particularly among children and young adults.
Junk food, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to foods that are high in calories, fats, sugars, and salt while lacking essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibres. These foods, including cakes, chips, pizzas, fried snacks, candies, and soft drinks, are often highly processed and designed to be addictive. While they provide immediate pleasure, their long-term impact on health is alarming.
There is a Science behind Junk Food Addiction: Junk food is not just unhealthy—it is engineered to be addictive. Scientific research has shown that consuming junk food triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and motivation.
This response is similar to what happens when a person consumes addictive substances like alcohol or drugs. In fact, studies have found that eating junk food produces a pleasure sensation in the brain similar to that of cocaine and heroin. This addiction is primarily driven by processed sugars such as fructose and sucrose, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
These ingredients not only make junk food irresistible but also contribute to serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Many junk foods also contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), a controversial additive known for enhancing flavour but linked to various health risks. The combination of excessive sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial chemicals makes junk food one of the biggest dietary threats to modern society.
Junk food consumption has both immediate (short-term) and long-term effects on health. Short-Term effects include increased stress levels, fatigue and low energy, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, mood swings and depression, tooth decay and poor oral health. Long-Term Effects include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, obesity and metabolic disorders, weak bones and osteoporosis, increased risk of certain cancers, depression and eating disorders
Junk Foods also affect the reproductive health; One of the most alarming effects of junk food is its impact on reproductive health, particularly among young girls. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of trans fats, commonly found in junk foods, can lead to infertility in both men and women. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that a high intake of trans-fats affects ovulation, leading to menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalances in women.
In men, a diet high in trans-fats and low in essential fatty acids can negatively affect sperm count, motility, and morphology, leading to fertility issues. Obesity, a common outcome of junk food consumption, further contributes to reproductive disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women, a condition that affects menstrual cycles and fertility.
The Junk Food Epidemic in Kashmir’s Schools: A disturbing trend in Kashmir is the increasing dependence on junk food among school-going children. Despite various awareness campaigns on the dangers of unhealthy eating, the problem persists. A simple inspection of school dustbins reveals piles of wrappers from chips, chocolates, and sugary drinks, highlighting the deep-rooted addiction to junk food among students.
To curb this issue, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the sale of junk food within 50 meters of school premises. Additionally, FSSAI has directed school authorities to promote a safe and balanced diet among students. While most of the schools have implemented these guidelines, the habit remains widespread, requiring stricter enforcement and deeper awareness.
The Role of Teachers in Curbing Junk Food Consumption: Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping students’ eating habits and overall lifestyle choices. As educators, they are in a unique position to influence children’s mind-set regarding food. Some key steps teachers can take include:
Incorporating nutrition education into the curriculum: Schools should introduce dedicated lessons on healthy eating and its impact on well-being. Teaching children about the benefits of a balanced diet and the dangers of junk food can help them make informed choices.
Setting an example: Teachers should practice what they preach by avoiding junk food themselves and promoting healthy eating habits within school premises.
Encouraging healthy school lunches: Schools should implement guidelines that encourage students to bring homemade, nutritious meals instead of relying on processed foods.
Organizing awareness programs and workshops: Regular seminars, health camps, and interactive sessions with doctors and nutritionists can educate students and parents about the risks associated with junk food.
Introducing healthy snack alternatives in canteens: Schools should ensure that only healthy food options such as fruits, nuts, and whole-grain snacks are available in the school canteen.
Conducting regular monitoring: Teachers and school authorities should work together to monitor students’ eating habits and ensure that junk food is not being brought to school.
The Role of Parents and Society in Controlling Junk Food Consumption
Efforts to reduce junk food consumption should not be limited to schools. Parents and family members play a crucial role in shaping a child’s eating habits. Parents and family members have to take some steps like: Providing healthy alternatives: Keep nutrient-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods readily available at home.
Limiting unhealthy snacks: Reduce the intake of foods high in trans fats, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates, and replace them with homemade, wholesome meals.
Including essential nutrients: Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds) are essential for brain and heart health.
Reducing exposure to junk food advertisements: Many TV programs and online ads promote unhealthy eating habits. Limiting children’s exposure to these advertisements can help reduce cravings.
Encouraging healthy eating habits at school and home: Parents should support school initiatives that promote healthy eating and discourage junk food consumption.
The increasing consumption of junk food in Kashmir is a growing public health crisis that cannot be ignored. While it may be challenging to eliminate junk food entirely, conscious efforts must be made to reduce its intake and promote a healthier lifestyle. Schools, teachers, parents, and society as a whole must work together to protect our children from the dangers of junk food.
The youth of Kashmir represent the future, and ensuring their good health is crucial for building a stronger and brighter tomorrow. It is time to reclaim our traditional, nutritious food habits and prioritize the well-being of our children before it is too late. By making small but consistent changes in our food choices, we can reverse this dangerous trend and create a healthier, happier generation.
(The author is Teacher by profession in the Department of Education)
