Junk foods can be a treat to the taste buds, but their ill effects are widely known. Consuming them regularly can have adverse effects on your health and may cause irreparable damage to the body. Scientific research has shown that junk food, foods with added sugar, and processed foods, can make you prone to type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. These foods can eventually make your brain weak and non-functional.

Eating junk food affects both your physical and mental health. Let’s deep dive into some details of junk foods and their harmful effects.

Why is Junk Food Unhealthy?

Any food with zero or negligible nutritional value, high in fat and trans fat content, can be termed junk food. Most fast foods, including candy, soft drinks, bakery products, burgers, along with salty and oily foods, can be termed junk food. They are high in calories, salts, and fats, and are usually low in vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional contents. The more we consume these foods, instead of healthier and nutritional options, the less our body will get the essential nutrients and vitamins needed for proper functioning.

Does Eating Junk Foods Cause Health Complications?

Eating junk food regularly can lead to several health complications, while occasional indulgence is unlikely to cause significant harm.

10 Harmful Effects of Junk Food on Health

Consumption of junk food can lead to a lot of health problems. Let’s look at a few of the harmful effects of junk food.

1. Obesity

One of the major harmful effects of junk foods from your favourite fast food restaurantsis obesity and its related health complications. The excessive sugar, calories, and fats present in junk foods contribute to weight gain. Obesity can lead to many medical issues, such as diabetes, joint pain, and heart diseases.

2. Depression

Junk foods are loaded with sugar and fats that can cause certain chemical reactions in the brain, affecting its functioning. The body may lose essential nutrients and amino acids by consuming too much of them. These symptoms can eventually lead to the inability of the brain to deal with stress and can leave you feeling depressed.

3. Loss of memory and learning problems

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that people who ate junk food performed poorly on cognitive tests. It concluded that junk foods can deteriorate your memory and leave you with a weaker brain. These foods may lead to sudden inflammation in the hippocampus of the brain that is responsible for memory and recognition.

4. Worsens appetite and digestion

Consumption of excess junk food may leave the brain in a dilemma. Excessive sugar intake can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate and make the brain demand more food, eventually leading to overeating. This can make it difficult for the body to digest excessive junk food.

5. Inadequate growth & development

The deficiency of nutrients and vitamins is one of the many bad effects of junk food. Nutrients and vitamins are essential for the proper growth and development of the body. Unhealthy eating habits, even if they involve consuming junk food in small amounts,combined with an imbalance of fatty acids and the need for nutrients, can hamper the development of your brain and other body parts. Excess soda and sugar intake can also lead to tooth decay and the weakening of bones.

6. Dental Problems

Regularly consuming sugary or processed food, followed by an irregular dental care routine, leads to tooth decay and infections. One of the most common reasons behind cavities is junk food, which is why dentists advise people, especially children, to avoid over-consuming sugar and packaged items.

7. Skin Issues

High sugar, oil content, and glycaemic index found in junk food can lead to acne breakouts and other skin-related conditions. Since gut health has a direct effect on skin and hair, consuming unhealthy foods’ effects are visible on one’s skin.

8. Type 2 Diabetes

High sugar content can lead to insulin resistance, resulting in diabetes and worsening the cases of pre-existing diabetes. Junk food also causes excessive weight gain, which in turn increases insulin resistance in a person.

9. Liver Damage

People who regularly consume junk food, especially fried and processed items, are more prone to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver. The excess fat in these food items is absorbed by the liver. This stresses the organ and hinders its natural function.

How to Reduce the Amount of Junk Food You Consume?

Reducing junk food intake requires conscious effort and planning:

• Meal Preparation: Preparing meals at home ensures control over ingredients and cooking methods.
• Healthy Snacking: Opt for fruits, nuts, and yogurt instead of chips or candies.
• Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, thirst is mistaken for hunger; drinking water can reduce unnecessary snacking.
• Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what and when you eat to avoid impulsive junk food consumption.

How to Make Healthy Food Choices?

Making healthier food choices involves:

• Reading Labels: Understand nutritional information to make informed decisions.
• Balanced Diet: Include a variety of nutrients by consuming different food items.
• Limit Processed Foods: Choose whole foods over processed ones to avoid additives and preservatives.
• Portion Control: Be mindful of serving sizes to prevent overeating.

FAQs

1. Can I eat junk food occasionally?

Yes, occasional indulgence is acceptable, but it should not be a regular part of your diet.

2. Are all fast foods considered junk food?

Not necessarily. Some fast-food options offer healthier choices; it's essential to choose wisely.

3. How can I teach my children to avoid junk food?

Lead by example, provide healthy alternatives, and educate them about nutrition.

4. Does junk food affect mental health?

Yes, studies have shown a correlation between high junk food consumption and increased risk of depression and anxiety.

5. Can exercise offset the effects of junk food?

While exercise is beneficial, it cannot completely counteract the negative impacts of a poor diet.

6. How to identify junk food?

Any food with high fat, sugar, and salt content and low nutritional value is considered junk food. Fast foods, edibles with preservatives, and food items with long shelf life are common types of junk food.

Conclusion

Give a thought to the harmful effects of junk foods before you get into the habit of consuming them. While there is no substitute for proper eating habits and the intake of nutrient-rich food, it would be prudent to arm yourself with a health insurance policy. Why? Well, a health insurance policy can help provide financial coverage against any medical emergency caused by diseases and maladies. Even if you do maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle, a health insurance policy can be a backup for any unfortunate medical incidents or complications.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical or nutrition professional before making any significant changes in your daily diet. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any impact or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared. 

In case of planned or emergency hospitalisation, you may want to go to a hospital that’s in your vicinity. If the doctor who’s been treating you works at a particular hospital, chances are you would prefer that one over others. Now, it may be possible that your health insurance company's hospital network doesn't cover your preferred hospital. Then, the only option you would you have at hand is to make a reimbursement claim on your health insurance.

You might have too many doubts about a reimbursement claim that range from what is a reimbursement claim to what you can do to ensure a smooth and speedy settlement of your reimbursement claim. Hence, here we are to help you get acquainted with its complete process and further understand its intricacies.

What is a reimbursement claim?

In a reimbursement claim, you pay the hospitalisation expenses from your pocket, and the health insurance company later pays that amount to you provided you submit all the necessary documents. You will have to apply for a reimbursement claim only if you choose to get your treatment done at a hospital which is not a part of your health insurance company’s hospital network or if you miss opting for a cashless claim.

While making a reimbursement claim, you need to be careful about the coverage of your treatment and related expenses under your family health insurance policy. Your health insurance company can turn down your claim if your policy doesn't cover them.

How is a reimbursement claim different than a cashless claim?

A reimbursement claim can take longer to process than a cashless claim. For a reimbursement claim, you need to ensure you collect and submit all the documents and bills related to your hospitalisation. On the other hand, in a cashless claim, the empanelled hospital will do the job of sending your documents and bills to the insurance company, and the claim will be settled with them directly.

In a reimbursement claim, you have to wait till you get your money reimbursed from the insurance company, whereas in a cashless claim, the insurance company will pay it straight to the hospital. You will only have to bear the expenses that are excluded from your policy or are over your sum insured.

Since your insurance company does not have a tie-up with the hospital, your reimbursement claim will be thoroughly investigated. This may further delay your claim settlement. Cashless claims instead tend to get settled faster and in a hassle-free manner.

When do I need to inform you about my reimbursement claim?

In case of planned hospitalisation, you can inform us two days before admission, and in case of emergency hospitalisation, you need to inform us within 24 hours of hospitalisation.

What are the steps involved in a reimbursement claim?

Unlike cashless claim, you have to take the initiative when it comes to making a reimbursement claim. Here are the steps involved in a reimbursement claim process under our health insurance.

1. Step 1: You intimate the claim

You can call our 24x7 toll-free number 1800 2666 or SMS ‘HEALTHCLAIM’ to 575758 (charge – ₹3 per SMS) or email us at ihealthcare@icicilombard.com to inform us about your hospitalisation.

2. Step 2: You get your papers ready

Once you have made the payment at the hospital, arrange all the documents chronologically. Start from the original bills for doctor’s consultation, X-ray and other medical expenses to your discharge summary, medical reports and hospital bill. With us, you can also include the bills of your medical expenses 30 days before hospitalisation and 60 days after.