If given a choice to choose food, we would definitely pick fried, greasy junk food! The term ‘junk food’ describes everything that is high in calories, sugar and sodium content. However, they lack essential nutrients and are highly processed. But do you know that 21st June is celebrated as National Junk Food Day?
National Junk Food Day And Its Significance
When it comes to junk food, June 21, National Junk Food Day, is the only day everyone looks forward to. And it is not just a normal indulgence day, but junk food is available at every meal! On this day, you usually gorge on food items that you normally won’t eat. In fact, this was popularised in the 1950s in the United States.
Though junk food looks extremely appealing and appetising, it is not nutritious. However, if you consume a balanced diet, there is no harm in enjoying one day of junk food.
The origin of this day is unknown, but it was most probably developed by a diet-conscious person who wished to indulge in junk food without any guilt at least once a year. When packed meals were widely used in the late 1900s, it is when the significance of the day first emerged. After World War II, fast food outlets and the frozen food section gained popularity.
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However, the term “junk food” didn’t start to have a negative connotation until the 1970s. It was around this time that microbiologist Michael Jacobson invented the term. We were eating high-preservative, high-salt, and high-sugar items at an alarming rate, so his goal was to try to curb our appetite for them.
Indian Folks Love These Junk Foods!
In India, food is always cooked and served fresh. However, after the introduction of packaged food, its consumption has increased. And instant noodles are leading the list of junk food consumed in the country. In fact, instant noodles are found commonly in student’s lunch boxes.
Other food items consumed in India:
- Packaged chips
- Soda drinks
- Food from QSRs
- Candies
- Pizzas
- Baked products
- Cookies
- Instant Noodles
These were top junk food items that you will find are consumed by almost every Indian.
Also Read: Junk Food Banned From Being Sold In & Around Of Schools In India By FSSAI
Comment below and tell us which junk food you love the most.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva