ST.

THOMAS CENTRAL SCHOOL

BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

Effect of Junk Food in Daily Life

Submitted By
Name :

Class :

Reg No :
 ST. THOMAS CENTRAL SCHOOL

ST. THOMAS NAGAR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – 695044

Certified bonafide project done in

BIOLOGY

by _____________________, Reg.No: __________________,

AISSCE March ________ during the academic year_________.

Examiners:

1. ………………… Master in Charge

2. ………………… Head of Institution

 Index
1 Acknowledgement 1

2 Introduction 2

 Origin of the Term 3

 Definition 4
 Popularity and Appeal 4
 Health Effects 5

3 Effects of Fast Food on the Body 6

 Digestive and Cardio-Vascular System 6

 Respiratory System 7
 Central Nervous System 7
 Skin and Bones 8

4 Effects On Society 8

5 Behavioral Problems in Children due to Junk Food 9

6 10
Main Health Hazards Caused by Consumption of Junk Food

7 Conclusion 12

8 Bibliography 12
 Acknowledgement

I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to almighty

god. It is my utmost pleasure to express deep sense of gratitude
towards Mrs.Mercykutty, my Biology teacher, who directed
me to complete this project successfully. I am also thankful to
Mr.Mathew, the Biology lab assistant. Their valuable guidance,
support and supervision are considerably responsible for helping
this project attain its present form.
I also wish to acknowledge my heart full thanks to Sir
Sebastian T Joseph, the Principle of our school, my parents and
friends who helped me to complete the project in time.

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 Introduction
Junk food is a term for cheap food containing high levels
of calories from sugar or fat with little fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals. Junk
food can also refer to high protein food like meat prepared with saturated fat -
which some believe may be unhealthy, although some studies have shown no
correlation between saturated fat and cardiovascular diseases; many hamburger
outlets, fried chicken outlets and the like supply food considered as junk food.

The word junk food speaks itself a lot and indicates its harmful nature
to the health. Junk foods are trash food to the health because they are high in
calorie, fat, cholesterol, sugar and salt components. Nowadays kids and teenagers
are more prone to eat junk foods daily in bulk amount. They are leading their lives
towards danger through their unhealthy lifestyle. They generally eat chips, French
fries, cracks, snack, burger, pizza, pasta, and other junk foods whenever they feel
hungry. No junk foods are beneficial and provide no nutritional value.

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 It affects the health in all ways of the people of any age group, weight
and health condition. Junk foods are considered as high in calories however one
who eat end up easily getting exhausted and need more food frequently. Junk food
does not provide appropriate level of energy thus the eater develop tendencies of
craving more food frequently. What we generally acquire from the junk foods are
unhealthy fats and not healthy ingredients thus we feel lack of oxygen which
causes poor brain functioning. We absorb much cholesterol from such type of
foods which causes plaque formation in the arteries and creates problems for the
heart to pump normal amount of blood. That’s why we feel high level fatigue.
High level of bad cholesterol destroys our liver and put more weight at the same
time.

According to the research, kids and children eating more junk food on
daily basis are overweight and obese and highly prone to the heart and liver
disorders. Such kids are more prone to become diabetic and lethargic because of
high sugar collection in their body in the early ages. They get high blood pressure
because of high amount of sodium mineral in the junk foods. Kids and children
should be trained by their parents to follow healthy eating habits from the
childhood.

 Origin of the term

The term junk food dates back at least to the early 1950s, although it
has been reported that it was coined in 1972 by Michael F. Jacobson of the Center
for Science in the Public Interest. In 1952, it appeared in a headline in the Lima,
Ohio, News, "Candy, Cake, 'Junk Foods' Cause Serious Malnutrition," for a reprint
of a 1948 article from the Ogden, Utah, Standard-Examiner, originally headlined,
"Dr. Brady’s Health Column: More Junk Than Food." In it, Dr. Brady writes,
"What Mrs. H calls 'junk' I call cheat food. That is anything made principally of (1)
white flour and or (2) refined white sugar or syrup. For example, white bread,
crackers, cake, candy, ice cream soda, chocolate malted, sundaes, sweetened
carbonated beverages." The term cheat food can be traced back in newspaper
mentions to at least 1916.

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  Definition
Andrew F. Smith, in his book, Encyclopedia of Junk Food and Fast
Food defines junk food as "those commercial products, including candy, bakery
goods, ice cream, salty snacks, and soft drinks, which have little or no nutritional
value but do have plenty of calories, salt, and fats. While not all fast foods are junk
foods, most are. Fast foods are ready-to-eat foods served promptly after ordering.
Some fast foods are high in calories and low in nutritional value, while other fast
foods, such as salads, may be low in calories and high in nutritional value."
Foods commonly considered junk foods include salted snack
foods, gum, candy, sweet desserts, fried fast food, and sugary carbonated
beverages. Many foods such as hamburgers, pizza, and tacos can be considered
either healthy or junk food depending on their ingredients and preparation
methods. The more highly processed items usually fall under the junk food
category, including breakfast cereals that are mostly sugar or high-fructose corn
syrup and white flour or milled corn. Junk food in its various forms is extremely
popular, and an integral part of modern popular culture. In the US, annual fast food
sales are in the area of $160 billion, compared to supermarket sales of $620
billion (a figure which also includes junk food in the form of convenience foods,
snack foods, and candy). In 1976, "Junk Food Junkie," the tale of a junk food
addict who pretends to follow a healthy diet by day, while at night he clandestinely
gorges on Hostess Twinkies and Fritos corn chips, McDonalds and KFC, became a
Top 10 pop hit in the US. America also celebrates an annual National Junk Food
Day on July 21.
 Popularity and Appeal
Junk food in its various forms is extremely popular, and an integral
part of modern popular culture. In the US, annual fast food sales are in the area of
$160 billion, compared to supermarket sales of $620 billion (a figure which also
includes junk food in the form of convenience foods, snack foods, and candy). In
1976, "Junk Food Junkie," the tale of a junk food addict who pretends to follow a
healthy diet by day, while at night he clandestinely gorges on Hostess
Twinkies and Fritos corn chips, McDonalds and KFC, became a Top 10 pop hit in
the US. Thirty-six years later, Time placed the Twinkie at #1 in its "Top 10 Iconic
Junk Foods" special feature: "Not only...a mainstay on our supermarket shelves
and in our bellies, they've been a staple in our popular culture and, above all, in our

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hearts. Often criticized for its lack of any nutritional value whatsoever, the Twinkie
has managed to persevere as a cultural and gastronomical icon."
Few studies have focused on variations in food perception according
to socio-economic status (SES); some studies that have differentiated based on
SES suggest that the economically challenged don't perceive healthy food much
differently than any other segment of the population. Recent research into scarcity,
combining behavioral science and economics, suggests that, faced with extreme
economic uncertainty, where even the next meal may not be a sure thing, judgment
is impaired and the drive is to the instant gratification of junk food, rather than to
making the necessary investment in the longer-term benefits of a healthier diet

 Health Effects
When junk food is consumed very often, the excess fat,
carbohydrates, and processed sugar found in junk food contributes to an increased
risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight gain, and many other
chronic health conditions. Also consumers tend to eat too much at one sitting and
consumers who have satisfied their appetite with junk food are less likely to eat
healthy foods like fruit, vegetables or dairy products. Studies reveal that as early as
the age of 30, arteries could begin clogging and lay the groundwork for future heart
attacks. Testing on rats has indicated negative effects of junk food that may
manifest likewise in people. A Scripps Research Institute study in 2008 suggested
that junk food consumption alters brain activity in a manner similar to addictive

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drugs like cocaine and heroin. A 2007 study in the British Journal of
Nutrition found that female rats that eat junk food during pregnancy increased the
likelihood of unhealthy eating habits in their offspring.

Effects of Fast Food on the Body

Food is fuel for your body. It has a direct impact on how you feel as
well as on your overall health. Fast food isn’t necessarily bad, but in many cases
it’s highly processed and contains large amounts of carbohydrates, added sugar,
unhealthy fats, and salt (sodium).These foods are often high in calories yet offer
little or no nutritional value. When fast food frequently replaces nutritious foods in
your diet, it can lead to poor nutrition, poor health, and weight gain. Tests in lab
animals have even shown a negative effect in short duration diets. Being
overweight is a risk factor for a variety of chronic health problems including heart
disease, diabetes, and stroke. A 2013 study published in JAMA Pediatrics showed
that children and adolescents take in more calories in fast food and other
restaurants than at home. Eating at a restaurant added between 160 and 310
calories a day.

Digestive and Cardiovascular Systems

Many fast foods and drinks are loaded with carbohydrates and,
consequently, a lot of calories. Your digestive system breaks carbs down into sugar
(glucose), which it then releases into your bloodstream. Your pancreas responds by
releasing insulin, which is needed to transport sugar to cells throughout your body.
As the sugar is absorbed, your blood sugar levels drop. When blood sugar gets low,
your pancreas releases another hormone called glucagon. Glucagon tells the liver
to start making use of stored sugars. When everything is working in sync, blood
sugar levels stay within a normal range. When you take in high amounts of carbs, it
causes a spike in your blood sugar. That can alter the normal insulin response

1. Sugar and Fat

Added sugars have no nutritional value but are high in calories.

According to the American Heart Association, most Americans take in twice as
much sugar as is recommended for optimal health. All those extra calories add up
to extra weight, which is a contributing factor for getting heart disease.Trans fats

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are a manufactured fat with no extra nutritional value. They’re considered so
unhealthy that some countries have banned their use. Often found in fast food,
Tran’s fats are known to raise LDL cholesterol levels. That’s the undesirable kind
of cholesterol.

2. Sodium

Too much sodium causes your body to retain water, making you feel
bloated and puffy. But that’s the least of the damage overly salted foods can do.
Sodium also can contribute to existing high blood pressure or enlarged heart
muscle. If you have congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease, too much
salt can contribute to a dangerous buildup of fluid. Excess sodium may also
increase your risk for kidney stones, kidney disease, and stomach cancer. High
cholesterol and high blood pressure are among the top risk factors for heart disease
and stroke.

Respiratory System
Obesity is associated with an increase in respiratory problems. Even
without diagnosed medical conditions, obesity may cause episodes of shortness of
breath or wheezing with little exertion. Obesity also can play a role in the
development of sleep apnea, a condition in which sleep is continually disrupted by
shallow breathing and asthma. A recent study published in the
journal Thorax suggests that children who eat fast food at least three times a week
are at increased risk of asthma and rhinitis, which involves having a congested,
drippy nose.

 Central Nervous System

A study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition showed that
eating commercial baked goods (doughnuts, croissants, and, yes, even bran
muffins) and fast food (pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs) may be linked to
depression. The study determined that people who eat fast food are 51 percent
more likely to develop depression than those who eat little to no fast food. It was
also found that the more fast food study participants consumed, the more likely
they were to develop depression.
A junk food diet could also affect your brain’s synapses and the
molecules related to memory and learning, according to a study published in the

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journal Nature. Animal tests have shown a similar effect. Rats fed a steady diet
with over half the calories from fat (similar to a junk food diet) for just a few days
had trouble completing a maze they had previously mastered in a 2009 study.

 Skin and Bones

Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed for acne, but they’re not
the real culprits. It’s carbs that are to blame. According to the Mayo Clinic,
because foods that are high in carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels, they may
also trigger acne.\The study in Thorax showed a higher risk of eczema (inflamed,
irritated patches of skin) among children with a diet high in fast food. When you
consume foods high in carbs and sugar, bacteria residing in your mouth produce
acids. These acids can destroy tooth enamel, a contributing factor in dental
cavities. When the enamel of your tooth is lost, it can’t be replaced. Poor oral
health has also been linked to other health problems. Excess sodium may also
increase your risk of developing osteoporosis (thin, fragile bones).

 Effects on Society
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
the definition of obesity is when your body mass index (BMI) is 30.0 or higher.
BMI is a calculation of your height and weight. There’s also a category referred to
as “extreme obesity,” which is defined as a BMI of 40. Across all race groups, one
in three Americans is considered obese while one in 20 is considered extremely
obese. Those statistics are higher in the black and Latino
communities. Approximately 75 percent of people in these groups who are over
age 20 are considered obese.

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) reports that the number of fast
food outlets has doubled since 1970, a period during which the number of obese
Americans also doubled. It’s likely that many factors have contributed to the
obesity epidemic, but the correlation between the availability of cheap and
fattening fast food and national weight increase is stark.

Obesity increases the likelihood of heart disease, high blood pressure,

kidney disease, diabetes, joint problems, and more. In 2008, obesity-related
medical costs were estimated at $147 billion. Diabetes alone was estimated to be
responsible for $69 billion just in lost productivity. Numbers like these suggest that
the costs of cheap fast food are surprisingly high.

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Behavioral Problems in Children due to Junk Food
New research from Dakin University in Victoria has found links
between the consumption of highly processed junk food while pregnant to
behavioral problems in children. The findings demonstrate that young children
who consume a diet high in salt, sugar and fat are more likely to experience
anxiety, depression and mood swings than children who eat healthy foods.
The study, which was part of the ongoing Norwegian Mother and
Child Cohort Study, gathered dietary information from 23,000 mothers during
pregnancy, followed by detailed information on their children’s diets at 18 months
and three years.
The results revealed that diet during pregnancy played a role in a
child’s mental health development and also those young children who ate
unhealthy foods, or did not consume enough nutrient rich foods, displayed
concerning behaviors.
Lead researcher, Professor Felicia Jacka said that the study is the first
of its kind show a clear link between diet during pregnancy, early childhood and
mental health."We've known for quite some time that very early life nutrition,
including the nutrition received while the child is in utero, is related to physical
health outcomes in children – their risk for later heart disease or diabetes for
example," said Jacka “But this is the first study indicating that diet is also
important to mental health outcomes in children."
Jacka also said that additional factors such as socioeconomic
circumstances and the metal health of parents – which remained independent of the
study – could also explain the link between consumption of junk food and
behavioral issues.“It is becoming even clearer that diet matters to mental health
right across the age spectrum,” she said. “These new findings suggest that
unhealthy and ‘junk’ foods may have an impact on the risk for mental health
problems in children and they add to the growing body of evidence on the impact
of unhealthy diets on the risk for depression, anxiety and even dementia.

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 "There is an urgent need for governments everywhere to take note of
the evidence and amend food policy to restrict the marketing and availability of
unhealthy food products to the community.” she said.

Main Health Hazards Caused by Consumption of

Junk Food
1. Obesity:
This can be the worst health hazard that junk food can cause to a human
being. As a result of the disease, the body adds excessive amount of fat which can
make the body extremely fat and weighty. Usually, this disease victimizes children
in the age group of 5-15 years.
2. Depression:
Due to excessive consumption of junk food, the body starts losing its
balance and mental texture. As a result, the person starts suffering from depression
which is usually termed as ‘slow poison’. Treatment of depression is possible but it
takes a lot of time to recover fully.
3. Headache:
As junk food stuff does not have the right amount of nutritive elements in
them, so the body does not get nutrition which leads to common health troubles
including headache and nausea.
4. Increase in cholesterol:
Cholesterol can cause terrible heart-related diseases. This is mainly caused
by regular consumption of junk food. The heart ailments can be fatal at times &
can cause sudden heart seizures, which can even lead to death.

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5. Accumulation of Trans fat:
As junk food is not processed in the right manner so it is usually loaded with
Trans fat which leads to growth of cholesterol in the body which is also known as
low density lipoprotein. This can be harmful for the body as it may lead to heart-
related ailments.
6. Addiction:
Certain fast foods or junk foods contain ingredients that are extremely
harmful for the body. These ingredients are tasty to the tongue so the people,
especially children, get addicted to these kinds of foods. The parents, who suffer
most, agree that getting rid of this addiction is quite difficult for children and at
times, assistance of the psychiatrist is sought.
7. Food poisoning:
As most of the junk food sellers do not maintain health and hygiene, so the
people may get food poisoning easily. A disorder of the stomach is a common
symptom of food poisoning. In worst cases, the infected people are required to be
admitted to hospitals or nursing homes for proper care. It is true that many people
have even lost their lives due to infectious poisoning.
8. Type 2 diabetes:
This can be a grave health problem for regular consumers of junk foods. The
body develops insulin resistance which can be ideal for the growth of type 2
diabetes. This disease is highly dangerous as recovery rate is considerably low in
the world.

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9. Cardiovascular diseases:
As junk foods lack nutrition and are rich in adulterated materials, so
cardiovascular diseases are very much on the cards. Cardiovascular diseases are
directly related to heart problems and at times it can be fatal.
10. Chemical contamination:
Most of the junk food items are packed in plastic wrappers which contain harmful
coating of perfluoroalkyls. This often leaves a harmful effect on the stuff packed
inside it.

CONCLUSION
You may not notice it right away but your friends and family will see that you are
not doing as well as you used to and that is because of the junk food that you are
eating all the time. If you have been told that you are looking real ragged then you
are going to want to stop and look at what you are eating and doing in your life that
would make you look ragged. Once you have accomplished and narrowed down a
list of what may be making you look ragged then you are going to want to change
some or all of your habits. When you make an effort of changing your habits then
you are going to see that you are going to end up in better general health than what
you were in before When you are in good general health you will notice that you
are going to have more energy and be more alert to what you are doing and what is
going on around you in the end. Your family and friend will also notice that you
are doing better and even looking better in the end as well. That is because when
you are in good general health you are going to end up showing it with everything
that you do so that everyone will notice what you have accomplished in the end.In
conclusion, you should not be eating too much junk food. It does nothing but
causing some negative health issues for you.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 www.wikipedia.com

 www.encyclopedia.com

 Britannica Encyclopedia

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