6 foods and the organs they can damage

Diet plays a pivotal role in shaping our body’s overall health and well-being.

Every morsel we consume influences various physiological processes, from energy production to cellular repair.

A balanced diet rich in nutrients provides the essential building blocks for optimal bodily functions, supporting growth, development, and immune function.

Conversely, poor dietary choices, such as excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.

We love to consume several foods daily that impact our health badly and can even cause certain damage to our organs.

Here is a list of some popular foods that can impact organs in our body.

Chips are often said to be high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can negatively impact brain health. Consuming such snacks regularly can lead to inflammation in the brain, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Additionally, the high glycaemic index of chips can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and impaired focus. Furthermore, the artificial additives and preservatives commonly found in chips may contribute to oxidative stress and damage to brain cells. There has been a study published in the journal Neurology, “When highly processed foods like chips, cookies, namkeens, are consumed regularly; they can have a bad impact on cognitive health. People are said to have memory loss, and there is a higher risk of dementia as well.”

There’s no direct evidence suggesting noodles are inherently bad for the eyes. However, instant noodles and similar processed varieties often lack essential nutrients crucial for eye health, like vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Prolonged consumption of nutrient-deficient foods may contribute to poor overall health, including eye health. Additionally, excessive intake of sodium and unhealthy fats found in some noodle products can negatively impact cardiovascular health, which indirectly affects eye health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is key to supporting optimal eye health.

As per a study mentioned in the journal, Indian Dermatol Online Journal, “The high sugar and milk products alter the calorific content of many chocolates, thus making it a nightmare for many diet-conscious individuals.” Milk chocolates are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and can potentially exacerbate skin issues. The consumption of sugary foods like milk chocolate may contribute to increased insulin levels, leading to inflammation and worsening of acne. Additionally, milk chocolates often contain dairy, which can trigger skin reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities. Moreover, the high glycaemic index of milk chocolate can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which may contribute to skin problems like acne and premature ageing. Opting for dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and less sugar can be a better choice for skin health.

Palm oil is said to be high in saturated fats, which can negatively impact heart health when consumed in excess. Saturated fats raise levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Additionally, palm oil contains palmitic acid, which may promote inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to arterial plaque buildup. It also contains 50 per cent triglycerides, which can boost the risk of stroke, and heart attack as well.

Soda is detrimental to bone health due to several reasons. Firstly, sodas are typically high in phosphoric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption in the body. Overconsumption of phosphoric acid can lead to decreased calcium levels in the bones, weakening them over time. Additionally, sodas often contain caffeine, which can increase calcium excretion through urine. The high sugar content in sodas also contributes to inflammation and oxidative stress, further compromising bone density.

Sugary cereals can disrupt digestion due to several factors. Firstly, they are typically low in fibre, a nutrient crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and promoting healthy digestion. Additionally, the high sugar content in these cereals can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by crashes, which may cause digestive discomfort, bloating, and constipation. Moreover, sugary cereals often lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which are necessary for optimal digestive function. Overconsumption of sugary cereals can also negatively impact gut bacteria balance, leading to digestive issues and potential long-term health consequences. Opting for whole-grain cereals with low sugar content is preferable for supporting digestive health.