How Does Junk Food Affect Developing Teenagers

The teen years are a time of rapid physical and emotional growth. The nutrients in food serve as the fuel for this development, making a nutritious diet vital for good health during the teen years. â€Å"Junk food† includes items like candy, chips and soda that are high in fat and calories but low in nutrients. Understanding the impact of junk food on developing teens helps highlight the importance of a healthy diet. Weight Gain Overweight and obesity are a threat posed by Junk-food consumption. More than Just a superficial issue, childhood obesity increases the risk for several serious diseases, ncluding heart disease and type 2 diabetes.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 percent of obese kids observed in one study had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. Junk food causes weight gain by filling the diet with calories and fat rather than nutrients, while large portion sizes make it easy to overindulge in these foods. Sponsored Links Diabetes Penyakit Diabetes bisa dihindari, Hitung Skor Anda disini. www. meetdoctor. com Nutrient Deficiencies Junk food is a poor source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients teens need for roper health.Filling up on the empty calories in Junk food makes it difficult to obtain nutrients from healthier foods like fruits and vegetables. The University of Minnesota School of Public Health reports that a person's nutrient needs are higher during their adolescent years than at any other time. Failure to consume adequate nutrients during this period can result in delayed physical growth and sexual maturation. Poor nutrition during the teenage years may also lead to increased risk for cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases later in adulthood. DepressionFor some kids, being overweight or obese can have a negative impact on self-esteem and well-being. But there is some evidence that Junk food itself can contribute to poor mental health. Prel iminary research suggests that an unhealthy diet may increase the likelihood of depression in some individuals, dietitian Katherine Zeratsky wrote for MayoClinic. com in 2010. While more studies are needed in this area, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods is a teenager's best bet for a healthy mood. Prevention/SolutionLimiting Junk food rather than avoiding it altogether is usually sufficient to prevent serious health consequences. When eating high-fat or high-sugar foods, limit the amount of calories and fat from other sources that day. Make fresh fruits and vegetables a staple in the diet and keep plenty of healthy snacks in the home to feed hungry teens. Replace soda with skim milk or water and choose whole-grain foods over refined products like cereal, bread and pasta. You and your teen should also discuss proper diet and nutrition with their doctor. How Does Junk Food Affect Developing Teenagers? By alipol