It’s hard to say ‘no’ to a plate of hot, crisp French fries, or those colorful candies on the aisle racks that beseech you to take them home.
Even as you wonder if you can still sneak in a bit of junk in your everyday diet, we urge you to give it a miss. Here are some facts and stats that will hopefully convince you to dump these foods for good.
1. Potato Chips
The reason your potato chips are so crispy and delicious is because of the big amount of trans-fat and salt in them. While trans-fats can choke up your arteries and increase your cholesterol levels, putting you at a higher risk of heart disease, the extra salt can cause hypertension, stroke, and even kidney failure.
Did You Know? Even though Pringles was launched as a potato chip, it contains only 42 percent potato content, while the rest is flour and wheat starch.
2. Candies
The reason why you love popping candies between meals is because they are loaded with sugar, which keeps you feeling satiated even when you are actually not, and does not leave any more room for nutrient-rich foods. Sugar also gives you an instant, feel-good, energy high followed by an energy crash. It’s best avoided.
Did You Know? It takes about 250 licks to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop when you are concentrating from one side!
3. Jell-O
Jell-O uses a type of artificial sweetener known as aspartame that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease fatality and can also increase the risk of leukemia, lymphoma and diseases in the pelvis and bladder.
Did You Know? The person who invented Jell-O also invented Pop Rocks, Tang and Cool Whip.
4. Chocolate Wrapped Candies
Brown, dark or white chocolate put you at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke as well as make your blood cholesterol levels spike. In addition, they can also make you insulin-resistant, increasing your chances of diabetes.
Did You Know? Leo Hirshfield, the creator of Tootsie Rolls, named it after his daughter who was nicknamed Tootsie.
5. Carbonated Candies
Carbonated candies contain a high amount of phosphate which uses up a lot of minerals from your body in order to process it, leading to heart disease.
Did You Know? Pop Rocks were invented by chemist William A Mitchell in the year 1956.
PS: Head to our Food section for healthy recipes and the latest food trends.
Also, find quick and easy Nutrition tips here.
Read More:
Why You Crave Junk Food (& How To Fix It)
Parenting Q&A: How Can I Keep My Toddler From Eating Junk Food
Skip The Junk: Harmful Chemicals In Your Food
