Ultra-processed foods like chips, biscuits, namkeens, packaged snacks, instant foods, and sugary treats are engineered for taste—not health. They contain refined flour, unhealthy oils, artificial flavours, preservatives, excess salt, sugar, and zero fibre. Regular consumption slowly harms the body, increasing the risk of many diseases.
Below are 12 major health problems linked directly to frequent intake of chips, biscuits, and other processed foods:
1. Obesity
- High in calories, low in fibre → you feel hungry again quickly.
- Excess sugar and refined carbs spike insulin, leading to fat storage.
2. Type-2 Diabetes
- Refined flour and sugar cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
- Over time, this leads to insulin resistance.
3. High Blood Pressure
- Chips contain excessive salt (sodium).
- Sodium retains water and increases pressure on arteries.
4. High Cholesterol
- Made with hydrogenated or reused oils rich in trans fats.
- Trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL).
5. Fatty Liver Disease
- Excess fructose, sugar, and trans fats overload the liver.
- Liver starts storing fat instead of processing it.
6. Heart Disease
- High salt + trans fats + inflammation = blocked arteries.
- The risk of heart attack rises significantly.
7. Digestive Problems
- Low fibre causes constipation and weakens gut health.
- Additives irritate the stomach lining.
8. Hormonal Imbalance
- Trans fats and artificial chemicals disrupt hormones.
- Can affect thyroid, insulin, and reproductive hormones.
9. Inflammation
- Processed oils and additives trigger chronic inflammation.
- This increases the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and metabolic issues.
10. Low Immunity
- Excess sugar weakens immune cells.
- Gut imbalance from junk food reduces overall immunity.
11. Cancer Risk
- Preservatives like nitrates, food colouring, and additives are carcinogenic.
- Regular intake increases long-term cancer risk.
12. Mental Health Issues
- High sugar increases anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
- Gut imbalance affects serotonin, leading to low energy and depression.
Why These Foods Are So Addictive?
- Engineered “bliss point” of salt + sugar + fat
- Crunchy texture stimulates dopamine
- Attractive packaging tricks the brain
- Zero satiety → you keep eating more
How to Reduce the Damage?
✔ Replace chips with nuts, seeds, roasted chana
✔ Replace biscuits with fruits, jaggery chikki, peanut laddoos
✔ Keep processed foods to once a week max
✔ Read labels—avoid trans fats, HFSS (High Fat, Salt, Sugar) items
✔ Eat protein-rich snacks to reduce cravings
