National Nutrition Week is celebrated annually from September 1 to 7. This year's theme is "Nutritious Diets for All."
A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of a nutrient from food or has trouble absorbing it.
Junk food typically lacks the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber that facilitate proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Deficiencies can affect digestion and bone growth, cause skin disorders, anemia, dementia, nervous system damage, and more.
“Regular consumption of junk food can significantly hinder the absorption of micronutrients, causing nutrient deficiencies. Processed and packaged foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, which can crowd out essential vitamins and minerals,” Dr Narendra Singhla, senior consultant, internal medicine, Hospital, told IANS. CK Birla from Delhi.
Junk food often contains phytates, oxalates and lectins, which can bind to minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium, inhibiting their absorption levels.
Similarly, “the high sugar content in junk food can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, which are crucial for bone health,” said Dt. Divya Gopal, consultant, dietitian and nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bengaluru, told IANS.
In addition, the excess of unhealthy fats found in junk food can impede the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), leading to possible deficiencies, the expert said.
Deficiencies in vital micronutrients can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive function.
Additionally, consuming junk food can alter the gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in nutrient absorption and overall health.
"A diet dominated by processed and junk foods can cause inflammation in the gut, further impairing the body's ability to absorb essential micronutrients," Gopal said.
To maintain optimal health, it is essential to reduce your junk food intake and opt for a balanced diet, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of a nutrient from food or has trouble absorbing it.
Junk food typically lacks the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber that facilitate proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Deficiencies can affect digestion and bone growth, cause skin disorders, anemia, dementia, nervous system damage, and more.
“Regular consumption of junk food can significantly hinder the absorption of micronutrients, causing nutrient deficiencies. Processed and packaged foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, which can crowd out essential vitamins and minerals,” Dr Narendra Singhla, senior consultant, internal medicine, Hospital, told IANS. CK Birla from Delhi.
Junk food often contains phytates, oxalates and lectins, which can bind to minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium, inhibiting their absorption levels.
Similarly, “the high sugar content in junk food can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, which are crucial for bone health,” said Dt. Divya Gopal, consultant, dietitian and nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bengaluru, told IANS.
In addition, the excess of unhealthy fats found in junk food can impede the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), leading to possible deficiencies, the expert said.
Deficiencies in vital micronutrients can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive function.
Additionally, consuming junk food can alter the gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in nutrient absorption and overall health.
"A diet dominated by processed and junk foods can cause inflammation in the gut, further impairing the body's ability to absorb essential micronutrients," Gopal said.
To maintain optimal health, it is essential to reduce your junk food intake and opt for a balanced diet, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
