Junk food

Junk food is a derogatory term, used for any food that is perceived to be unhealthy and has low or poor nutritionalvalue. The phrase was coined by Michael Jacobson, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, in 1972. Examples of junk food may include, but are not limited to hamburgers, candy, sodaand saltyfoods like potato chipsand french fries. A dietrich in junk food is not conducive to maintaining a balanced diet, as suggested by various government and non-profit health organizations. The term has been used by many different groups over the years including opponents of fast foodindustries and environmentalists.

Junk food nevertheless remains popular because it is relatively cheap to manufacture, is convenient to consume, and has a lot of flavor because of its typically high fat, sodium, or sugarcontent. Its nutritional value is typically very high in empty calories. Junk food also may contain numerous food additives, which are used to enhance flavor, adjust texture, alter color, and prevent spoilage. For this reason many junk foods are also convenient in that they keep for long periods of time.

Since junk food is high in fats, sugars, and certain toxic chemicals, it is the leading cause of obesity, dental cavities, increasing cases of diabetes, heart diseases, etc. They are very low on proteins, vitamins and roughage. Once children start consuming junk foods their intake of high-protein-vitamins-roughage diet substantially decreases intake of milk and healthy fruit juices is replaced by soft drinks. This can cause a deficiency of calcium, milk being the richest source of calcium, resulting in softening of bones.

See also

• Empty calorie
• Fast food
• Super Size Mebg:Джънк фуд

de:Junk Food fr:malbouffe ja:ジャンクフード

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk+food Wikipedia article Junk food.