The increasing availability and consumption of packed, processed, bottled, and readymade foods in the urban, semi-urban even in the rural India posing significant health risks. It also raising significant health corner for all age groups. That health risk is including nutritional deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
While these readymade and ultra-processed foods are becoming more accessible due to market expansion, they often lack essential nutrients and contain high levels of harmful substances. Heavily processed foods often include unhealthy levels of added sugar, sodium and fat. These ingredients make the food we eat taste better, but too much of them leads to serious health issues like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
There is a growing need for nutrition education and awareness campaigns in rural areas to encourage the consumption of fresh, local, and nutrient-rich foods, as well as regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and quality of processed products. On the occasion of National Nutritionist Day, which is being held between September 1st and 7th, it is a special story on the health problems caused by the changed eating habits and lifestyle in our country.
Consumption of ‘Packed’ food threat to health
1. Nutritional Deficiency
Low Nutritional Value: Processed and ready-to-eat foods are often high in calories but low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In rural India, where traditional diets have been nutrient-dense (based on grains, pulses, and vegetables), the shift to processed foods can exacerbate nutritional deficiencies.
Micronutrient Deficiency: These foods lack essential micronutrients like iron, calcium, zinc, and Vitamin A. As rural diets shift away from home-cooked meals, children and adults are at higher risk of developing conditions such as anemia, bone issues, and weakened immunity.
2. Obesity and Overweight
High in Sugar and Fats: Many processed foods contain added sugars, unhealthy fats (trans fats), and high salt content, which contribute to obesity. While rural India has traditionally battled under-nutrition, the consumption of such energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods is contributing to an increase in overweight and obesity, even in rural areas.
Rising Cases of Lifestyle Diseases: With increasing obesity, rural populations are now facing health problems that were previously more common in urban areas, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
3. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Issues
High Glycemic Index: Processed and ready-to-eat foods often have a high glycemic index, causing blood sugar spikes. This increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition that has seen a marked rise in rural areas as dietary patterns change.
Threat to rural folks: The prevalence of diabetes is particularly concerning because rural populations have less access to healthcare and are less aware of early signs and management of diabetes.
4. Cardiovascular Diseases
High Salt and Trans Fats: Processed foods, especially snacks like chips, instant noodles, and packaged meals, are often loaded with salt and trans-fats. High salt intake is linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), while trans-fats are associated with high cholesterol, both of which contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Rural Cardiac Health: As a result of increased consumption of such foods, rural India is seeing a rise in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions, which were less common before the advent of packaged foods.
5. Digestive Issues
Low Fiber Content: Traditional diets in rural India are usually rich in fiber due to the consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, processed foods often lack fiber, leading to digestive problems such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other gastrointestinal issues.
Gut Health: The preservatives, artificial flavours, and chemicals used in processed foods may also negatively impact gut bacteria, further affecting digestion and overall health.
6. Increased Risk of Cancer
Additives and Preservatives: Many processed foods contain chemical additives, preservatives, and artificial coloring agents, some of which have been linked to increased risks of cancer over long-term consumption.
Processed Meats: Though less prevalent in rural India, the rising consumption of processed meats (such as sausages and canned meat products) has been classified as a cancer risk by the World Health Organization (WHO).
7. Food Contamination and Safety Concerns
Poor Quality Control: In rural areas, there is often less regulation and oversight on the quality of processed and bottled foods. This increases the risk of consuming contaminated or adulterated products that could contain harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, or unsafe levels of preservatives.
Unsafe Packaging: Low-quality packaging materials may leach chemicals into food products, particularly in hot and humid environments, potentially leading to toxic exposure.
8. Dental Issues
High Sugar Content: Ready-to-eat snacks, soft drinks, and bottled juices are often high in sugars, contributing to dental cavities and tooth decay. Rural populations, with less access to dental care, are especially vulnerable to such dental problems.
Poor Oral Hygiene: As processed foods are consumed more, and with limited awareness about dental hygiene, rural areas are witnessing a rise in dental issues among children and adults.
9. Dehydration and Kidney Problems
High Sodium Content: Many processed foods contain excessive amounts of sodium (salt), which can contribute to dehydration, high blood pressure, and kidney diseases. In rural areas, where access to clean drinking water may already be limited, the consumption of salty processed foods can worsen dehydration and increase strain on the kidneys.
Kidney Stones: Increased salt and low water intake, coupled with a higher intake of processed foods, can raise the risk of developing kidney stones in rural populations.
10. Behavioural and Mental Health Concerns
Impact on Mental Health: Diets rich in processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that poor nutrition, especially a diet lacking in essential nutrients and rich in refined sugars and fats, can negatively impact brain health and cognitive function.
Behavioural Issues in Children: Children in rural areas who consume more sugary and processed snacks may face behavioural issues such as hyperactivity and difficulty in concentrating, especially in school settings.
11. Loss of Traditional Food Systems
Dietary Shifts: As rural communities adopt more packaged and processed foods, there is a gradual erosion of traditional food habits, which were based on seasonal, local, and home-cooked meals. This loss not only affects health but also undermines food security and sustainable agricultural practices in rural India.
12. Food Addiction and Overconsumption
Cravings for Processed Foods: The high levels of salt, sugar, and fat in processed foods can lead to food addiction, where individuals crave these foods, leading to overeating and contributing to obesity and related health issues.
Unhealthy Eating Patterns: Rural consumers, especially children, may develop preferences for unhealthy snacks and junk foods, which over time can crowd out more nutritious, home-cooked meals.
