As the school bell rang, Akash and his friends rushed out of the classroom, their stomachs growling. Within minutes, they reached the fast-food joint just outside their school and ordered their favourites—burgers, fries, and large milkshakes. As their orders arrived just moments later, they devoured the food quickly. This was Akash’s third visit to the fast-food joint this week. But as good as the food tasted, little did the 14-year-old know that it was quietly affecting his health, setting the stage for various health issues in adulthood.
The sedentary epidemic
The above scenario is a sad reality in many teenagers’ lives today. With some of the most advanced gadgets, video games, and food delivery apps at their disposal, today’s teenagers lead alarmingly sedentary lifestyles. As they binge-watch their favourite TV shows/movies, scroll social media, or play video games for hours on end, they often consume mindless junk food.
Teens spend countless hours glued to screens, rarely engaging in physical activities. This sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poor nutrition, is a recipe for disaster. Even when teens consume balanced meals, they often lack essential nutrients like iron, zinc, amino acids, vitamins D, B12, and K. How can we expect our teenagers to grow into healthy and fit adults when their diets are void of the nutrition they require?
The long-term impact of junk food
The adage “You are what you eat” holds true, especially for adolescents who are constantly growing. Consuming excessive junk food during these crucial years can have far-reaching consequences. Numerous studies have shown that a diet high in ultra-processed foods increases the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Moreover, it can damage mental health and even shorten lifespan.
To put things in perspective, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 in 8 people in the world were found to be obese in 2022. Additionally, while adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, adolescent obesity has quadrupled, with a staggering 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years were found to be overweight.
What’s at stake?
One of the most alarming side effects of consuming junk food is that it can impair cognitive function in teenagers. Nutrition and brain specialists warn that a diet high in processed/ultra-processed foods high in sugar, fat, cholesterol, etc., can hinder a teen’s ability to think, learn, and remember. Further, it may make it harder to control impulsive behaviours and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. A recent study from the University of Southern California suggests that a high-fat, high-sugar diet could lead to long-lasting brain damage, particularly affecting memory.
The digital world’s influence
The pervasive influence of junk food advertisements further exacerbates the problem. A study from the University of Liverpool found that exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertisements on video game live-streaming platforms promoted increased purchase and consumption of such foods among adolescents aged 12-18 years. This highlights the need for parents to be vigilant about their children’s media consumption.
Bridging the nutritional gap
Given the numerous challenges, parents must take an active role in influencing their teen’s nutrition. While it may be tempting to avoid interference to maintain a friendly bond with their children, parents must prioritize their teen’s health.
Besides providing their teen with a balanced, wholesome diet that contains fruits, vegetables, proteins, good fats, and carbohydrates, parents can supplement their teen’s diet through nutritional drinks formulated with natural ingredients. For instance, nutritional drinks containing herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Brahmi, Amla, Turmeric, and Cranberries can provide a wealth of nutrients that may be missing from their regular diet. These power-packed ingredients are known for their various health benefits, including improved cognitive function, stress reduction, and immune support.
Parents must educate their children about the importance of balanced nutrition and an active lifestyle, and the younger they start, the better. By making small, consistent changes and incorporating nutrient-rich supplements when necessary, we can help our teenagers build a foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
Remember, the habits formed during their childhood and adolescence can have a lasting impact on their health in the future. So, by teaching them to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle, we can guide our teens to the path of a healthy adulthood.
The aforementioned is precisely what Bione offers. What sets Bione’s supplements apart is their authenticity and quality. They contain no additives or added sugar, ensuring that teens receive pure, natural nutrition without unnecessary fillers or sweeteners. Additionally, Bione’s products are enriched with multiple nutrients, offering a comprehensive approach to supporting teen health and development.
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