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

Regular consumption of junk food rich in sugar salt and fat hampers micronutrient absorption in the body and leads to nutrient deficiencies affecting overall health said experts on SaturdayNational Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to September 7 The theme this year is lsquoNutritious Diets for EveryonersquoA nutritional deficiency occurs when the body doesnt get enough of a nutrient from food or has trouble absorbing itJunk 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 dementia nervous system damage and moreldquoConsuming 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 mineralsrdquo Dr Narendra Singhla Lead Consultant ndash Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital Delhi told IANSJunk foods often contain phytates oxalates and lectins which can bind to minerals like zinc iron and calcium inhibiting their absorption levelsSimilarly ldquothe high sugar content in junk foods can interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients like calcium and magnesium which are crucial for bone healthrdquo Dt Divya Gopal Consultant ndash Dietician ampamp Nutritionist Motherhood Hospitals Banashankari Bengaluru told IANSIn addition the excessive unhealthy fats found in junk foods can impede the absorption of fatsoluble vitamins A D E and K leading to potential deficiencies the expert saidThe deficiencies in vital micronutrients can lead to fatigue weakened immunity and impaired cognitive functionMoreover the consumption of junk foods can disrupt the gut microbiota which plays a critical role in nutrient absorption and overall healthldquoA diet dominated by processed and junk foods can lead to inflammation in the gut further impairing the bodys ability to absorb essential micronutrientsrdquo Gopal saidTo maintain optimal health its crucial to reduce junk food intake and opt for a balanced diet focussing on whole nutrientdense foods like fruits vegetables whole grains and lean proteinsAlso Read National Nutrition Week Uncover the hidden power of nutrition on womens health mdash An expert guideThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever