“15 Junk foods In Nigeria To Avoid” – Junk food is a term used to describe food that is high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These foods are typically low in nutrients and can have a negative impact on your health if consumed regularly. Nigeria, like many other countries, has its fair share of Junk foods. In this article, we will explore 15 Junk foods In Nigeria to avoid for good health.
The dangers of consuming Junk food
Before we delve into the Nigerian Junk foods that you should beware of, it is essential to understand the dangers of consuming Junk food. Regular consumption of Junk food has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These diseases are on the rise in Nigeria and can be attributed to the consumption of Junk food.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant health concern in Nigeria, and Junk food is a leading cause of obesity. Junk food is high in calories and low in nutrients, making it easy to overeat and consume excess calories. The excess calories are stored in the body as fat, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The consumption of Junk food can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Junk food is high in sugar, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease
Heart disease is another significant health concern in Nigeria. The consumption of Junk food can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Junk food is high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These are risk factors for heart disease.
15 Junk foods In Nigerian
Now that we have an understanding of the dangers of consuming Junk food let’s explore seven Nigerian Junk foods that you should beware of. Here are seven junk foods commonly found in Nigeria that you should be aware of:
1. Puff-puff
Puff-Puff is considered a Nigerian junk food. It is a deep-fried doughnut-like snack that is popular across Nigeria, but it is high in calories and lacks any significant nutritional value. While it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, consuming it regularly and in large amounts can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
2. Suya
Suya is considered a junk food in Nigeria because it is often high in salt, fat, and calories. Suya is a popular Nigerian street food made from skewered meat, typically beef, that is marinated in spices and grilled over an open flame. While it is a delicious and convenient snack, it can be unhealthy when consumed in excess due to the high levels of salt and fat that are often used in the seasoning and cooking process. Eating too much suya can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
3. Gala or Sausage Roll
Gala is a Nigerian junk food. It is highly processed and contains additives and preservatives. It is a popular meat pie snack that is convenient and widely available across the country. However, it is often made with low-quality meat and dough that is high in calories and lacks nutritional value. In addition, the preservatives and additives used in the production of gala can be harmful when consumed in excess. Eating too much gala can contribute to weight gain and other health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
4. Chin Chin
Chin chin is one of the most popular junk foods in Nigeria. It is high in calories, fat, and sugar, and lacks any significant nutritional value. It is a deep-fried snack made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter or oil, and often flavored with spices or vanilla. While it is a popular snack and dessert across the country, consuming too much chin chin can contribute to weight gain and other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
5. Akara
Akara, also known as bean cakes, is often deep-fried and high in calories, and lacks significant nutritional value. It is a popular street food in Nigeria made from ground beans that is deep-fried in oil and served as a snack or breakfast food. While it is a good source of protein and fiber, the deep-frying process can make it high in fat and calories, and consuming too much of it can contribute to weight gain and other health problems
6. Indomie Noodles
The reason indomie noodles are categorized to be junk foods is that they are highly processed and contain a lot of additives and preservatives, which can be harmful to health if consumed in excess.
Indomie noodles are also high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems if consumed regularly. Additionally, they are often fried in oil, which adds to their calorie content and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. While Indomie noodles can be a convenient and tasty snack or meal option, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet.
7. Fried Buns
Buns can be considered a type of junk food depending on how they are prepared and the ingredients that are used.
Buns that are sold in fast food restaurants or convenience stores are often highly processed and contain a lot of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health problems if consumed in excess.
Additionally, buns that are used for hamburgers or sandwiches may be made with refined flour, which has been stripped of its natural fiber and nutrients. This can cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to cravings and overeating.
However, not all buns are considered junk food. Buns that are made with whole grains, such as whole wheat or rye, can be a healthier option as they are higher in fiber and nutrients. Buns that are baked at home with natural ingredients and without added sugars or unhealthy fats can also be a healthier option.
8. Plantain Chips
Plantains are a type of fruit that are often used to make chips, which can be a convenient and tasty snack option. However, many plantain chips that are sold in stores are fried in oil and contain a lot of added salt, which can be harmful to health if consumed in excess.
Fried plantain chips are high in calories and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems if consumed regularly. Additionally, the high salt content can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
However, there are healthier options for plantain chips, such as those that are baked instead of fried and made with minimal added salt or healthy seasoning options. Additionally, plantains themselves are a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals when consumed in their whole, unprocessed form.
9. Fried Egg Roll
Fried egg rolls are junk food due to their high calorie and fat content. The deep-frying process adds calories and fat to their nutritional profile, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess. However, unlike most junk food, egg rolls also contain vegetables and sometimes meat, which provide some nutritional value.
10. Boli or Roasted Plantain
While plantains are a nutritious food, the preparation method used to make Boli is what makes it junk food. Boli is typically roasted over an open flame until it is charred on the outside, which adds a smoky flavor to the plantains but also contributes to the formation of harmful compounds such as acrylamide. Additionally, Boli is often served with oily or spicy sauces, which can add extra calories and unhealthy fats to the dish. Therefore, due to the high calorie and unhealthy fat content, and the cooking method used to prepare it, Boli is generally considered as a type of junk food in Nigeria.
11. Shawarma
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern food that has become popular worldwide, including as a street food in many countries. While it may contain some nutritious ingredients such as vegetables and lean meats, the preparation and cooking method used to make Shawarma are what make it a junk food.
One of the reasons why Shawarma is considered as a junk food is that it is typically made with fatty meats such as lamb, beef, or chicken that are roasted on a spit and often marinated in high-calorie sauces. The meats are usually served in a large pita bread or wrap, which can add extra calories and carbohydrates to the dish. Additionally, Shawarma is often topped with high-fat condiments such as mayonnaise, cheese, or creamy sauces.
Another reason why Shawarma is considered as a junk food is the cooking method used to prepare it. The meat is roasted on a spit, which often results in the formation of carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These compounds are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Finally, Shawarma is often consumed as a quick and convenient snack or meal, which can lead to overconsumption and weight gain if eaten in excess. Therefore, while Shawarma can be a tasty and satisfying food, its high calorie and fat content, along with the cooking method used to prepare it, make it a type of junk food that should be consumed in moderation.
12. Plain Biscuits
Plain biscuits are typically made with refined flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils. These ingredients are often considered unhealthy and are commonly found in junk foods.
Refined flour has been stripped of its natural fiber and nutrients, leaving behind only simple carbohydrates that can spike blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain over time.
Sugar is also a source of empty calories that can contribute to obesity and various health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Hydrogenated oils are often used in the production of biscuits to extend their shelf life and improve texture, but they contain trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Therefore, although plain biscuits may seem harmless, they are still considered junk food because they are high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
13. Soft Drinks
One of the main reasons why soft drinks are considered junk food is because they contain large amounts of added sugars. These sugars provide empty calories with no nutritional value, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Soft drinks are also high in calories, but low in nutrients. They do not provide any significant vitamins, minerals, or fiber that the body needs to function properly. Instead, they are often consumed as a source of energy or as a treat, which can lead to overconsumption and negative health effects.
Finally, soft drinks have been linked to a range of negative health effects, including tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of some cancers. Consuming too many soft drinks can also lead to dehydration and other health issues.
14. Meat Pie
Meat pie may or may not be junk food, depending on its ingredients and how it is prepared.
If the meat pie is made with highly processed, high-fat, and high-calorie ingredients such as fatty meats, refined flour, and added sugars, then it can be considered a form of junk food. Similarly, if the pie is deep-fried or baked with a lot of butter or oil, it can be unhealthy and should be consumed in moderation.
However, if the pie is made with healthier ingredients such as lean meats, whole grains, and vegetables, and is baked rather than fried, it can be a more nutritious and satisfying option.
15. Chocolates
Chocolates can be classified as junk food in some cases. This is because many commercially available chocolates contain high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories. Eating excessive amounts of these chocolates can contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, and other health problems.
However, not all chocolates are considered junk food. Dark chocolate, for example, is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health, cognitive function, and mood.
FAQs
Q: What is Gala made of?
A: Gala is a baked snack made of flour and sausage that is packaged in clear nylon. Another way to describe it is as a snack made of dough-wrapped sausage fillings. The most typical shapes for wrapping are cylindrical.
Q: Why is junk food unhealthy?
A: Regular consumption of junk food can increase the risk of obesity and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and some cancers.
Q: What are junk food in Nigeria?
A: Foods considered junk foods in Nigeria include fast food options, such as gala, boli, buns, meat pie, egg rolls, chin chin, plantain chips, biscuits, shawarma, soft drinks, akara, suya, puff puff, indomie noodles, etc. Also, salty, bakery foods and fatty foods, can be categorized as junk food.
Q: Are snacks junk food?
A: Not all snacks are considered junk food, but many popular snack options fall under this category. Junk food typically refers to foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and low in nutritional value. Examples of common junk food snacks include chips, candy, cookies, and soda or soft drinks.
Q: What is Junk food
A: Junk food refers to food that is high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, but low in nutrients. Junk food is often processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat, making it convenient and easily accessible.
Q: Is bread a junk food
A: No, bread is not generally considered a junk food. Bread is a staple food in many cultures and is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and some essential nutrients. However, some types of bread, such as white bread, may be less nutritious than whole grain bread due to the refining process that removes some of the nutrients. Additionally, some types of bread, such as sweet bread or heavily processed bread with added sugars and preservatives, may be considered more like junk food.
