Health problems that arise from consuming processed, fast foods

Dr. Satyawan Saurabh *

Fast food is made to be consumed quickly and taste delicious and is overcooked, highly processed, and high in fiber. The human body is made of unprocessed, highly fibrous, and minimally cooked foods, so they are completely unsuitable. Sugar spikes from fast food lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, fat synthesis, and diabetes. The expanding fast food industry in India includes restaurants serving idli, vada and dosa, McDonald's burgers, Domino's pizza, panipuri-chatamsala kiosks, and pavbhaji-samosa carts. Both obesity and diabetes are on the rise.

Our body needs healthy cholesterol, which can be obtained from foods like butter, milk, and eggs. But our body is harmed by bad cholesterol. The cooking oil used to prepare fast food on the street has high triglyceride (bad cholesterol) content, which can lead to dangerous diseases if consumed. Fast food restaurants also add flavors and aromas, making it incredibly delicious and almost addictive.

Ayurvedic and sattvic diets which are a major part of Hindu customs are being replaced by modern diets. Traditional eating practices, family meals, and social bonding are all being affected by fast-food culture. The way people eat together has changed as a result of the rise of eating alone and online food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato.

India's food culture is changing as a result of globalization, urbanization and changing lifestyles, which are causing major socio-economic and cultural changes. The younger generation in India is increasingly consuming fast food, which is leading to a number of health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.

Fast food often contains large amounts of calories, sugar, sodium, and bad fats, which can lead to poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies. It can also result in a sedentary lifestyle, which will increase risks to one's health. This trend has the potential to put pressure on healthcare systems over time and affect the general quality of life of generations.

Because it promotes obesity, poor nutrition, and unhealthy eating patterns, fast food consumption can hurt children's health and eating habits. Fast food, which is high in calories, sugar, and bad fats, increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and leads to weight gain.

Frequent consumption of fast food makes children prefer processed foods over healthy foods, which reduces their chances of eating a balanced diet and choosing nutritious food. Nowadays, many young people prefer fast food because it is convenient, tasty and quick to prepare. They continue to eat it even though they are aware of its negative health effects.

In a busy lifestyle, it is convenient to eat fast food as quickly as possible. They follow the crowd because their friends may also like it.

Fast food restaurants also add flavors and aromas, making it incredibly tasty and almost addictive. Even after knowing about its unhealthy elements, such as excess fat and sugar, people find it difficult to resist the craving for fast food. Fast food companies use deceptive advertising to make their products appear cool and fun, which is another factor.

Celebrities and memorable slogans are used to attract attention, especially from young people. Despite their intelligence and education, people sometimes prefer to eat fast food rather than considering the possible harmful effects on their health. They act as if they know it is not the best option, but they still choose it because it is so simple and attractive.

Therefore, many people still find themselves attracted to fast food, even though they know its disadvantages. Eating habits are changing as people are choosing convenience food over home-cooked meals. According to the National Family Health Survey, young people in urban areas are eating more processed foods.

Traditional cereals like millet are being replaced by refined cereals and packaged foods. To promote the consumption of millets, the government has launched the International Year of Millets in 2023. The growing number of processed, high-fat, high-sugar Western diets is replacing traditional balanced diets. The rapid growth of McDonald's, KFC, and Domino's has changed urban eating habits in India.

Due to the homogenization of food culture caused by globalization, regional cuisines are losing their distinctiveness. Fermentation-based diets and other traditional cooking techniques are falling out of favor in Northeast India. Due to changing food habits, culinary traditions of festivals and religions are losing their significance.

Ayurvedic and sattvic diets which are a major part of Hindu rituals are being replaced by modern diets. Traditional food practices, family meals, and social bonding are all affected by the fast-food culture. Eating alone and social gatherings have changed as a result of the rise of online food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato.

Street vendors and indigenous food artisans face challenges as a result of global food chains. UNESCO has acknowledged Mumbai's street food culture, but urban modernization is threatening it. Malnutrition and health impacts: As a result of eating more processed food, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity have increased. Changes in dietary habits have led to 101 million diabetics in India.

Changes in consumption patterns have led to a decline in demand for traditional crops, which has impacted farmers' profits. According to Niti Aayog (2022), crop diversification is important to sustain the rural agricultural economy. Small-scale food businesses, traditional eateries, and neighborhood food vendors are all affected by global food chains.

Due to the 2017 food licensing regulations, small, traditional restaurants had to close. Farm-to-table programs and organic farming counter-movements are beginning to take shape. Indian food products are encouraged to be certified organic by the Organic India initiative. Local food affordability is affected by global food trends that increase dependence on imports.

Increased import costs for wheat and palm oil have an impact on domestic food security. While maintaining its foundations, India's diverse culinary culture must change. Traditional food diversity and cultural identity can be enhanced rather than diminished by modernization through the implementation of sustainable food policies, support for native crops, and balanced diet awareness.

Importantly, eating fast food occasionally is unlikely to have a major impact on your general health. On the other hand, eating fast food regularly can eventually lead to a number of health problems. The goal is to limit to protect your health.