COVID 19 has not been easing off of health scares and the anxiety born out of constantly worrying about the safety of your loved ones. Let us not try to add to our health worries. There are things you are doing that could actually be damaging your health. And at a time when we all need to be at peak health, you should focus on strengthening your immunity.
None of us can claim that we are able to resist the lure of fast foods. They are delicious and at the end of a stressful day, these foods can be mood-lifters. They are part and parcel of friends’ meet-ups. We even serve them to guests because who honestly has the time to cook elaborate dishes?
But the harsh truth is, fast foods have a ruinous effect on your health. They are particularly notorious for triggering and/or aggravating obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases and even some types of cancer.
As you may have heard, some of these diseases are considered comorbidities for a person infected with COVID-19. That means if you develop these health conditions, you are likely to suffer a more severe COVID infection than usual. So why take that risk? Let us get into the details of how fast foods can destroy your health.
Fast foods are loaded with unhealthy fats that can increase LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in your body. This LDL deposits along the arteries that carry blood to your heart. The arteries become narrow and the walls become hard. Blood has to push harder to reach your heart. This triggers hypertension (high blood pressure). Also, since the passages are narrowed, very little blood is able to make its way to the heart. Those muscles of the heart that are oxygen-deprived (blood carries oxygen) slowly stop functioning. Eventually, LDL and high blood pressure trigger a heart attack or even a cardiac arrest.
Fast foods may also initiate a stroke. The LDL that accumulates in the arteries as plaque may break free. Blood will carry it to the brain where it will cause a stroke.
NAFLD is a silent killer. It can wear away your liver’s ability to function. It is not just alcohol that causes chronic liver disease but foods that pack in a lot of unhealthy fats and sugars can also damage your liver. Fast foods can cause fats to be deposited in your liver and may even trigger inflammation. If unchecked, this could lead to serious liver damage (cirrhosis). NAFLD may even cause liver cancer. NAFLD is almost always a result of a diet rich in triglycerides (hint: all those rolls, burgers and pizzas you adore). NAFLD can easily be avoided and even if you have already been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, you can drastically reduce your liver fat by losing weight.
Fast foods are loaded with sugars, fats and salts. None of these in excess is good for you, especially if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes. These foods will mess up your diabetes management plans. Besides, fast foods have a high glycemic index, which means right after consumption, they will make your blood sugar level shoot up, the level will drop again soon. This constant fluctuation is really bad for someone with diabetes and may even trigger insulin resistance in people who do not have diabetes.
Also Read: Are French Fries Healthy? A Detailed Nutritional Analysis
By now we all know that fast foods stuff us with calories. Our sedentary lifestyles do not allow us to burn these extra calories and the result is weight gain. This has happened to multitudes of people during the lockdown. But did you know that obesity is the risk factor for many diseases including heart problems, fatty liver disease, arthritis, asthma, type 2 diabetes and stroke?
Fast foods and obesity can also trigger different types of cancers such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, oesophagus cancer or kidney cancer.
Actually, there is a bit of good news. Some ‘fast foods’ are not all that bad for you. Usually, grilled foods use very very little oil and hence are not exceptionally harmful. Instances of good fast foods include chicken bowls, quinoa bowls, protein bowls, grilled sandwiches, tandoori chicken or paneer, veg/ chicken wraps (if the tortilla is made from whole wheat or mixed grains). But a word of caution, this is not a license to binge on fast foods. Everything needs to be eaten in moderation.
Also Read: Best Fast Food For Weight Watchers: Making Healthy Choices on the Go
Like any addiction, this too may seem like a difficult addiction to extricate yourself from.
Take a vow to steer clear of fast foods. Do not push off implementing this vow, do it right away. There are many healthy foods you can eat that taste exciting. Eat healthy and filling meals so that you are not tempted to binge. Also, remember to exercise a little every day to amplify the effects of your healthy diet and to boost your immunity against diseases.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The monsoon season in India provides respite from the heat of the scorching summer. Monsoons might bring freshness to our surroundings. However, it also brings along potential risks for some diseases and infections. One of the primary difficulties faced during monsoons is the maintenance of food safety and hygiene. Monsoon is the perfect weather for bacteria to thrive and diseases induced by mould, fungus, worms and spoilage might quickly occur. The following precautions for the rainy season can help you maintain food safety and hygiene during this period.
Yes, washing vegetables is such routine advice. However, take extra care while washing your vegetables during the monsoon. Wash them thoroughly as, during the monsoon, vegetables might contain tiny insect larvae in their crevices. If possible, use a vegetable wash during monsoons to take additional safety measures.
Fruits and vegetable storage should be done in the refrigerator to avoid any chances of spoilage. After washing they should be dried properly and stored in paper bags in separate sections in the refrigerator. Check on them and remove any fruit or vegetable in case they start getting spoiled.
The moisture in the air during the monsoon is the main reason why bacteria thrive. Keeping your food stock in airtight containers significantly reduces the risk of spoiling or moulding. Storing items like salt or sugar in glass containers also eliminates the risk of moisture spoiling their consistency. Keep your food items crisp and dry during monsoons by storing them in glass or stainless steel airtight jars.
Refrigerators can keep away mould and reduce the risk of food getting spoiled. However, an unclean refrigerator might have a negative impact as it becomes a breeding ground for fungus or harmful bacteria. Food particles might get stuck in the corners of refrigerators, thus it is crucial to clean your refrigerator at regular intervals. A solution of vinegar and baking soda along with warm water is great for cleaning your refrigerator shelves. Dry your refrigerator racks properly after cleaning them. You can reduce odour and also absorb excess moisture in the refrigerator by keeping a small container with baking soda in one corner.
Monsoons are not a good time to keep your food out for too long. The excess moisture can easily spoil food items like bread and even vegetables. The tropical weather in India is amicable for fungus growth and the moisture in the air during monsoons aid fungal growth in our food. Take care to always store your food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
Using dry spoons to use condiments is a very underrated precautionary method. During the rainy season, moisture already damps condiments in our kitchens. Use a dry spoon to use condiments like spices, flour, salt, etc as even a little bit of moisture may spoil these condiments.
Your freezer can be very helpful during the monsoons. Freezing your pulses, grains and rice after buying them can help dehydrate the products and help you store them safely during the monsoons. Freeze these products for 1 – 2 days right after purchasing them and then store them in airtight containers.
Vegetables and fruits in the monsoon season can be refrigerated easily and stored but what about other food items? Age-old home remedies like using herbs to keep insects away from food are very beneficial during the monsoons. Herbs and spices like neem, cloves, turmeric and dried chillies can be stored along with pulses and rice to keep insects away from them during the monsoons. These are natural insect repellants. Putting a few grains of rice along with sugar and salt can help them be free from moisture as the rice grains absorb any excess moisture in the container.
Fruits and vegetables top the list if you are looking for healthy food to eat during the rainy season. These help in keeping your immunity levels high and naturally fend off any diseases which might harm you. Seasonal fruits and vegetables during the monsoon should be consumed in abundance as they are the freshest produce available during the season.
Herbs and spices like ‘tulsi‘, ginger, black pepper, turmeric and clove are great to be consumed during the monsoon. These boost our body’s immunity and also help us keep cosy during heavy rains. Adding these to a warm cup of tea can really liven up a gloomy monsoon day.
Bakery items are very prone to attract moulds during the monsoon season. Consume them on the day that you purchase them and avoid storing them for long periods. Only purchase as much as you need and do not purchase them to store for later consumption.
The rainy weather is perfect to enjoy fried snacks, however, be aware to not consume excessive fried items. Strictly avoid street food during the monsoon, however, homemade fried items from time to time during heavy rains will not pose any dangers to your health.
This is the time when fishes (especially saltwater fish) lay eggs. During their breeding season, it is best to avoid including fish in the menu because many people have a hard time digesting fish eggs.
Cooking with leftover oil can trigger stomach infection during the monsoon when our digestive systems are sluggish.
The monsoon season in India is a sight to behold and leaves the surroundings fresh and nurtured. The season brings with it great seasonal fruits and vegetables like pineapples, pears, bottle gourds, bitter gourd and fresh herbs. Enjoy the full potential of these monsoon vegetables and fruits by following the simple suggestions above. Take care of your food habits and avoid getting too wet in the rain, as it might cause illnesses.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
