Junk food refers to foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar and salt but low in vitamins and fiber. Food additives (BTP) such as sweeteners, flavors and preservatives are commonly found in these types of food.¹

It's natural to crave delicious food after fasting for more than 12 hours. One of the first food options that comes to mind is probably junk food. However, these foods should be avoided, especially if they are part of an iftar menu. Because there are some negative consequences to consuming it when breaking the fast.

Some of the negative consequences of eating junk food when breaking the fast include:^2,3,4

Increase Stomach Acid

Consuming too many foods high in unsaturated fat can disrupt your stomach acid regulation. In addition, the body takes longer to digest fast food, so it will increase the production of acid in the stomach which can go up to the esophagus area.²

Increment of Body Weight and Blood Pressure

Reporting from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, if you eat fast food regularly, then the sensitivity of a special sensory system will decrease and cause addiction and the desire to eat more. In addition, fast food contains very high levels of sodium and can retain fluids in the body, causing weight gain and increased blood pressure. Based on recommendations from the American Heart Association, the maximum amount of salt consumption is 2300 milligrams of sodium per day, equivalent to 1 teaspoon of table salt. In one serving of fast food, generally contains high sodium, a total of 1,292 milligrams.³

Digestive Disorders

A study shows that fast food ingredients contain less fiber so that it can increase the likelihood of constipation.

Heart Health Disorder

The content of saturated fat and trans-fat from junk food is harmful to heart health. Apart from causing weight gain, in the long run, consumption of this type of fat can increase the risk of heart disease

Get Tired Easily

Junk food with low nutrition, contains calories and sugar which is quite high and can inhibit a chemical compound that keeps the body awake. It is recommended to break your fast with highly nutritious food to maintain your body's health.

Insufficient Nutrition Intake

Junk food is generally high in calories but low in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. A low amount of these nutrients lowers the immune system, making your body more susceptible to disease and infection.

Increase Diabetes Risk

Junk food contains lots of sugar, which will further increase the level of fat in the body. This condition causes insulin resistance, in the long term type two diabetes occurs.

Reference:

SehatQ Tim. Junk food dan Bahayanya yang Mungkin Mengintai Penikmatnya. Last reviewed : August 13, Avaliable at : https://www.sehatq.com/artikel/apa-itu-junk-food-dan-bahayanya-jika-dikonsumsi-berlebihan

Konsumsi Junkfood Untuk Buka Puasa, Ini 6 Dampaknya Bagi tubuh. Last reviewed : April 28, 2022. Avaliable at : https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/konsumsi-junk-food-untuk-buka-puasa-ini-6-dampaknya-bagi-tubuh

Buka Puasa Pakai Junkfood, Ini Dampaknya Bagi Tubuh. Last reviewed : March 28, 2022. Avaliable at : https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/buka-puasa-pakai-junk-food-ini-dampaknya-bagi-tubuh

SehatQ Tim. 7 Dampak Buruk Buka Puasa Pakai FastFood. Last reviewed : March 27, 2023. Avaliable at : https://www.sehatq.com/artikel/buka-puasa-dengan-makanan-cepat-saji

 

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