Health food vs. Junk food

Today foods are classified into two types: healthy food and junk food. Most people today do not eat foods like they did a hundred years ago. In the past, people ate food that was very good for their health. The foods they ate did not contain chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. People also used to cook more. Therefore, those people were not affected by the food that they ate, because most of the foods that they had were natural and healthy. They did not have as many problems with their health as people do today. However, nowadays many people, particularly young people prefer to eat junk food such as hamburger, pizza or fried chicken. One way to decide between junk food and healthy food is to compare them on important points. Healthy foods are foods with their nutrients intact and a minimum of toxins. The best foods have no ingredient list. An apple is just that, an apple.

The more healthy foods that are in your diet, the better. There are many reasons why everyone should eat healthier foods especially before work and school. Some of the most important reasons are so people can concentrate better through out the day, they’re less hungry, and they study or work time is more productive. Another advantage of healthy food is that it may help control an individual’s weight better than when they eat junk food. Many healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and beans, have a low energy-density, or a low amount of calories in each serving. This means that people may get full after eating fewer calories. The things found in healthy foods also help decrease hunger, promote energy, good health and longevity. Everyone loves greasy foods, but they are not good for you. All the fried foods, hamburgers, french fries and things like chimichangas we eat taste so good but are not good for us.

Where is the nutrition? By frying or over-cooking your food, you cook all of the nutrients out. Think of a Big Mac, with all the fat and calories going through your bloodstream. Not a good thought. All of the fats, calories, and grease from the food will clog up a person’s artery and can cause other health problems too. Most junk foods are polar opposites of healthy foods. Junk foods are high in trans fats, sugar and sodium, which can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes among other health problems. Trans fat may be the worst kind of fat for peoples heart, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. A high-sodium diet may raise an individual’s blood pressure, and a high-sugar diet may increase your risk for diabetes. An advantage of junk food is that it can be very convenient, since it is easily available at restaurants, fast food chains, vending machines, convenience stores and social gatherings.

However, people can learn to plan ahead so that they always have a healthy alternative nearby, such as yogurt and fruit in the refrigerator, vegetables and whole-grain bread in the freezer and nuts and a can of tuna in the pantry or a drawer at work. According to many studies the key differences between fast foods and health foods have to do with the processing that junk foods go through along with the added fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium. These characteristics are responsible for increased rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Health foods when consumed in their unadulterated forms provide nutrients that promote good health and vitality without the excess calories or unhealthy additives.

Many say eating healthy cost too much but looking at the studies of what eating junk food does to a person’s health they are most likely going to spend more money in doctor bills and medication if you eat unhealthy. Lastly we all want to be able to focus on our day and get as much done as possible. By eating un-healthy foods and having lots of sugar an individual is more apt to feel sluggish, non-motivated, and feel poorly about themselves. By eating healthier, people are able to focus longer on things and have a sense of accomplishment by having energy through the day.

References
www.livestrong.com
www.nutritioncrashcourse.com/index.html
Harvard School of Public Health: Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage; 2011 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; January 2010