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Is your Teen a junkie? Oops a junk food freak?

What is junk food?

Junk food comprises anything that is quick, tasty, convenient and fashionable. Wafers, colas, pizzas and burgers, fries, chips, chats and the bhelwala`s farethe list is endless.

Children suddenly seem to have stepped into a world of fast foods and vending machines, totally unaware of the damage that they are creating for themselves. And parents watch on, also unaware of the dangers. Why? To many a parent, "junk food" reads " fast food" or " convenient".

Television commercials promote a wide variety of enticing junk foods, attractively packaged.

Studies reveal that as early as the age of 30, arteries could begin clogging and lay the groundwork for future heart attacks. What your teens eat now increases the risks of developing prostate and breast cancer.

Osteoporosis and hypertension are other diseases that appear to have their earliest roots in childhood when lifelong eating habits are being formed.

Most junk foods contain colours that are often inedible, carcinogenic and harmful to the body. These foods and their colours can affect digestive systems, the effects of it emerging after many years.

Studies have found that food colouring can cause hyperactivity and lapses of concentration in children.

Children suffering from learning disabilities are often advised against eating food with artificial colouring.

There`s more. Just ask your family doctor. Or grandma.

With so much going against it, why make junk food a way of life?