Nutrients Health

Junk food is perceived to have poor nutritional value; and fails to add any health benefits to an individual's diet. The term was coined in 1972, by Michael Jacobson, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Street food and fast food fall under the category of junk food. Apart from adding empty calories, it spoils the digestive system, hence jeopardizes the absolute health of the body. But, what if an individual's body is deficient in fats and carbohydrates, can junk food provide nutrition?

Healthy junk food is not an oxymoron; take the example of chocolate that is high in fat content, cocoa the main ingredient in chocolate provides flavenoids (antioxidants), which provides defense against heart disease and cancer. It contains endorphins, which provides physiological benefits of euphoria and prevents depression.

Salsa is yet another junk food, but can add terrific nutritional content, particularly if it is organic. Two tablespoons contain 0gms of fat and 10 calories. It contains Lycopene, which prevents cancer. When used with grilled chicken, eggs, potatoes and salads, not only enhance our taste buds, but also add to the nutritional value to the food preparation.

Tortilla chips contain 0 cholesterol, 7g of fat and 140 cal. Natural sunflower, corn and soybean oils are used in its preparation, these oils contain healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that lowers the LDL (bad) cholesterol and maintains optimal levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

According to the Third National Health And Nutritional Examination Survey, two-thirds of teenage girls who are trying to eat "healthy" by avoiding junk foods are deficient in iron, calcium and other essential nutrients Eating disorders have increased five-fold amongst children aged between 8-13, and children as young as5 are developing anorexia.

"Many teenage girls, already the most poorly nourished of any group in America, have stopped drinking milk or eating meat in their extreme fear of fat." Frances Berg, MS (Author of Women Afraid to Eat)

Fig cookies contain 0gms fat, 60 calories and plenty of calcium important for healthy bones and teeth.

Biscotti are low-calorie, low-fat cookies, containing 3g Protein, 2% Vitamin A, 2% Calcium and 4% Iron, essential nutrients for an absolute health.

Market surveys indicate Australians prefer healthier takeaways. Fast foods that are relatively low -fat and low-sodium include; pizzas with less cheese and meat, skinless chicken, grilled chicken, grilled fish burgers, grilled lean meat hamburgers and Souvlaki.

Pork rinds are puffy snacks that contain 0 carbohydrates, 17 g protein, 9 g fat, 43% oleic acid (unsaturated fat present in olive oil) and13% stearic acid (harmless saturated fat).

To satisfy your sweet tooth indulge in evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, barley malt syrup, beet sugar, date sugar, agaves nectar, stevia, and maple syrup.

Harvard scientists discovered that those who consumed alcohol twice a day each week, had the lowest risk of heart attack

Always avoid foods cooked in hydrogenated oil; it corrupts the nervous system. Instead, focus on foods cooked in olive oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil and grapeseed oil.

Don't refute junk food, but eat them occasionally. Some junk foods are plain unhealthy, and there are healthier choices to them in fresh and natural food forms like carrots, apples, almonds and orange. You're children can lavishly enjoy these junk food, if you make them healthy by adding more vegetables and fruits.

About the Author

Do visit Irsan's latest website at fagor pressure cooker which contains the best prices on cuisinart egg cooker and other information about pressure cookers.