Life today has become fast and lifestyle changes have made people addicted to food and eatables that can be readily made. Fast food is the name coined for such food items which are either pre-cooked or can be cooked in lesser time than regular food.
People find it convenient to eat such food items which please the taste buds more than regular food. They contain more salts, sugar and no or very less dietary fiber but have spices that make it more palatable. Fast food items have no nutritional value and are extremely unhealthy. But still fast food items are popular as people find it hassle free to prepare and consume.
Fast foods have several side effects. The most immediate affect is on the energy levels that reach its peak on eating of junk food. The temptation to have more as one eats a quick snack is a result of this spike in energy levels. The energy levels sometimes remain high and cause sleep disorders. Drowsiness sets in and the ability to concentrate reduces after the consumption of fast food. This is because it has excess of oil and calories and is not easy to digest.
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Thus the blood from the brain and other body parts is concentrated in the heart to digest the fast food. Reduction of oxygen supply to the brain reduces concentration level.
Other side effects are not immediate but definitely harmful to the health and body of the person consuming fast food regularly. Obesity is one prime disadvantage of consuming fast food. Fast food contains excess of oil or saturated fat and is also high in sugar content. As a result, the fat deposits in body begin to accumulate resulting in weight gain and obesity.
Processed foods like noodles, pizza, white bread, diet soda etc. fall into the category of fast food. People who intake fast food as a part of their diet or in form of snacks can be found to face depression. Fast foods are filled with harmful carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol that cause more cholesterol to be absorbed in the body and can also lead to heart ailments and heart attacks.
Teenagers consume fast food more fanatically including snacks like chips, fries, pizzas, samosas, burgers, ice-cream, shakes and a lot more variety of fast foods. Since fast foods lack fiber, they are likely to cause constipation and related problems if consumed on regular basis. Pancreas can also be damaged from the excessive consumption of fast food.
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Fatigue is more common in people who consume fast food in large quantities and on regular basis. More plaque in arteries exerts pressure on the heart to pump blood resulting in fatigue. Because of the various health disorders known from the consumption of large quantities of fast food, it is advised to substitute it with some healthier options like fruits and vegetables.
A lot of damage to the health and the body can be prevented by choosing nutritious food instead of opting for fast food.