Why We Consider Junk Food an Unhealthy Food

“Why we consider junk food an unhealthy food and why it is called junk Aunt Midas?” my niece asked me yesterday afternoon while we are buying some stuff at the supermarket. I simply answered her that junk foods are bad foods especially those that are preserved, they are not good for the body. Junk food is an unhealthy food, not fit for eating. But she insisted that there are healthy junk foods too because of some nutritional value you could find on its packs that is why eating junk foods is fine. She made me smile that time, yes, all foods have some value but it does not mean that it has a little nutritional value you could categorize it as healthy or nutritious food. I explained to her that junk foods effects, could not be seen immediately, that it takes time before she could see its bad effects.

Why we categorize junk foods as unhealthy foods? Not just because of its low nutritional value that it was called unhealthy food but because of junk foods effects, the hazards it could cause to one’s health. Junk foods are usually high in fats. As we could see on the back label of a junk food, the fats they mostly use are hydrogenated oils, the common term for trans fatty acids or trans fats (could cause cancer). Manufacturers hydrogenate the healthy unsaturated fats so that it will last long. Unfortunately, hydrogenation causes the healthy unsaturated fats to become unhealthy saturated fats which could result to clogged arteries and heart problems. That is just one reason why eating junk foods is not advisable.

And what are some of the junk food effects why junk foods were called an unhealthy foods? High level of salt in a junk food could cause hypertension and, or kidney problems because of its sodium content. If it is a sweet junk food, too much sugar could not only ruin the teeth but could cause obesity and diabetes in the long run. Other junk foods uses aspartame or saccharin as sweetener. These  sweeteners has been linked with other health problems including certain cancers in laboratory animals. Have you seen monosodium glutamate (MSG) listed on the junk food content? This additive is flavor enhancer, as we all know it has bad reputation and been controversial that it could cause cancer. Antioxidants such as Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and  Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that are widely use in oils of junk food has been linked with certain cancers in laboratory animals too. Now, tell me, is eating junk foods good for the health? Is there such thing as healthy junk foods or you will consider junk foods now as a group of bad foods? Yes, junk food may contain low nutritional value but junk foods effects are so hazardous to ones health.

Television advertising, greatly affects child’s desire for food, especially on unhealthy foods like junk food. Relatives and friends that gives food to the children is another great factor that influences the child’s choice of food. Parents, just bear in mind that your influence in choosing the right food for your kids is still the greatest influence of all. Though it is a little bit difficult to have complete control over what your children are taking in (especially when they are with friends or relatives) but you can and should control the foods that are available at your home. If junk food or any high sugar, high fat, high salt, low nutrient and preserved foods are not available at your home, the child would be force to eat the nutritious food available. So, the best thing is do not keep foods that you do not want your child to consume, those you consider unhealthy foods for your family like junk food.

Health Benefits of Tuna

Tuna fish is good for our health according to health authorities. Tuna salad, my favorite tuna recipe, you want it?  I really love the taste of tuna aside from it nutritional value, making it one of my favorites. Tuna is one of the ‘oily fishes’ that is recommended by health authorities that we should consume at least twice a week. Tuna is an excellent substitute for meat. At home, we usually cook some recipes that use meat with tuna instead.

What is in tuna fish that makes it one of my favorites and good for your family health? It is a good source of protein, low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Like other oily fishes, it is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, making tuna good for the heart, an immune system booster, an anti-inflammatory food, anti-cancer, good for the eyes and brain. Tuna is also rich in vitamin B12, potassium, selenium, niacin and phosphorus. Selenium is excellent in detoxification which takes place in the liver. So, if you are a liver and heart lover, tuna is best for you.

Have a family bonding with this simple yet healthy tuna recipe I love:

TUNA SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

350 g fresh tuna fish fillet

1 can (234 g) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve syrup)

1/4 kg potatoes, boiled, peeled and cut into cubes

1/4 kg  sweet potatoes, boiled, peeled and cut into cubes

2 tbsp sweet pickle relish

1 tsp minced onion

1 medium carrot, boiled, peeled and cut into cubes

1 cup mayonnaise or soyannaise

salt

pepper

PROCEDURE:

• Simmer tuna in pineapple syrup with 1 tsp calamansi juice, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper for 10 minutes. Drain. Flake into large pieces. Combine with potatoes, sweet potatoes, pickles and carrots. Set aside this fish-vegetable mixture.
• Mix mayonnaise or soyannaise, onion, crushed pineapple, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix with fish-vegetable mixture. Chill.

*makes 6 servings

Hope you will love my favorite tuna recipe, the tuna salad.