We all know that eating healthy is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our bodies. But do we all really know the risks we are taking if we don’t eat a balanced nutritious diet? Probably not, seeing as though the list of potential risks and dangers could go on forever. Eating a diet that is high in junk food is quite unnecessary; in fact, the dictionary meaning of junk food portrays it as something useless and not needed. This type of diet will not provide your body with the right amount of nutrients, nor will it benefit energy levels, risk of diseases or weight control. In fact, as well as not doing any of these things it will also cause a wide range of consequences. We have listed some of these below.
Nutrient Deficiencies
If you consume foods that don’t provide enough nutrient value, your nutrient levels will start to decline. There are many, many dangers of a nutrient deficiency, including digestion problems, defected bone growth, anaemia and skin problems. Children are at a high risk of nutrient deficiencies so it is important to make sure that they are being completely nourished with the right foods.
Diabetes
Because junk food is high in refined carbohydrates, it causes rapid spikes in blood sugar. This causes an influx of insulin to be released into the blood stream. When this starts to happen often, it can causes a lot of stress on one’s metabolism, which then affects the body’s ability to manage insulin levels. If this continues to happen over a period of time, a person can easily get type 2 diabetes. When diabetes is not managed well with a healthy balanced diet, the consequences are not nice to say the least! Kidney failure, blindness and lower limb amputation are just a few of those.
Weight Gain
It is no secret that an unhealthy diet causes weight gain. By unhealthy diet we mean a diet high in processed foods and low in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, pulses and good fats.
Poor Concentration & Behavioural Problems in Children
It’s amazing how much food can really affect us. In both adolescents and children, consuming an unhealthy diet has been linked to poor concentration, social problems and hyperactivity. There is quite a lot of research out there to support this, but a book by Schauss, A. (1980) uses case histories and literature to present a solid argument on just how detrimental an unhealthy diet can be for children’s behaviour. Food allergies, food additives, nutrient deficiencies, intake of junk food and physical inactivity are all highlighted as potential contributors to criminal behaviour. In addition, an unhealthy diet has also been linked to mental health problems, such as depression, in children and adolescents (O’Neil, A et. al). Starting to consume a healthy balanced diet has even been proven to benefit children with mental health problems.
A nutritious balanced diet is essential for health and well-being, not only for us but for our children as well. Healthy Meals To Your Door prides itself on providing delicious healthy meals, with each meal giving you a balanced serve of nutrients and vitamins. Why not order today at www.healthymealstoyourdoor.com.au
References:
Schauss, A. (1980). Diet, Crime and Delinquency. Parker House, United States of America.
O’Neil, A. (2014). Relationship Between Diet and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Am J Public Health, 104(10): 31-42. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4167107/
