Junk Food

 Introduction – Food is not just a taste, it is a part of identity

Is food just a way to fill your stomach? No… It is a big part of our culture, our heritage, and even our identity. The taste, smell, and color of food remind us of our roots. And when someone leaves their country, one of their most cherished memories becomes… their favorite food. In today's modern lifestyle, have you ever thought about what we are eating? Our mood, attitude, and even daily behavior are affected by food. But now—junk food has emerged on the list of the easiest and most popular foods. Pizza, burgers, chips, cold drinks…But do you know what?This ‘fun’ is slowly becoming a silent poison for our body.

Harmful effects – Junk food is not just food, it is also a danger!

"Junk Food: A Story of a Tempting Journey!" When you want a little fun or something quick to eat… what do you pick up? Maybe a burger… some French fries… or chocolate or a cold can of cola. These are… "junk food!" Attractive, delicious, and always available! But did you know? There is a long, exciting history behind this junk food too!

The beginning of the Industrial Revolution (1800s)

It started in the 19th century — during the Industrial Revolution. People wanted food that could be preserved, transported, and lasted a long time. This is how processed foods came to the market: candy, potato chips, canned food. They were tasty, but poor in nutrients! The beginning of the fast food era (1900s) In 1921, the first fast food chain opened in America: White Castle. Cheap burgers, quick service — won the hearts of the city dwellers.

Then came one after another:

🍟 McDonald's (1940)

🍗 KFC (1952)

🌮 Taco Bell (1962)

🍕 Pizza Hut (1958)

These chains were saying — “Junk food means modernity!”

Television era (1950-1980)

The next weapon of junk food was television. Children were fascinated then – because the advertisements showed cartoon characters, toys, colorful packets! The toy that came with a Happy Meal was like a huge prize!

Wave of globalization (since 1990)

Now, with the help of globalization, junk food reached the whole world. India, Bangladesh, China—McDonald's, KFC stores opened everywhere. It became an easy solution for busy city people. And the young? They see it as a status symbol!

Modern era – mobile apps and social media

Nowadays, you don't even have to go to the kitchen to get a fried chicken or a cheesy pizza. It comes to your door in just one tap! Foodpanda, Uber Eats – these are the new delivery partners of junk food. And food blogging? It makes our eyes and mouths water every day!

Junk food – it’s not just food, it’s a culture, a habit, and sometimes, a little bit of an addiction! But don’t forget… don’t lose your health behind the taste! When we hear the word ‘junk food’, we think of something quick to eat, cheap and delicious. But the reality behind it is much more terrifying. These are—

High in calories (full of sugar, fat, salt), Low in nutrients And highly processed.
These foods contain:
🔸 Excess sugar → Weight gain, diabetes
🔸 Excess salt → High blood pressure, heart disease
🔸 Trans fat → Cholesterol, heart block
🔸 Artificial colors and flavors → Effect on children's behavior
🔸 Preservatives → Cancer in the long term
🔸 Refined carbs → Insulin spike, fat accumulation
🔸 MSG(Mono sodium Glutamate) → Headache, weakness

These foods cause the release of dopamine in our brain, which gives us a feeling of "like". So we want to eat them again and again, creating addictive behavior. Studies have shown that those who eat more processed foods have an 8% increased risk of stroke, and memory loss of up to 16%! Many of today's young generation consider these foods a "status symbol". But they don't know — these foods are slowly destroying our bodies and minds.

Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Diet - Health in the Light of Sunnah

But we have the most beautiful example in front of us. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — whose diet was in harmony with nature, simple and healthy. He said:
“There is nothing worse than a person who eats to his full. Divide it into three parts – one part for food, one part for water, and one part for breathing.”

His diet included:

✅ Dates ✅ Milk ✅ Honey ✅ Olives and their oil ✅ Watermelon, figs, barley, black cumin (Habbatus Sauda) ✅ Occasionally meat – especially lamb He did not eat any luxurious, refined or refined food. “Thin, smooth, refined bread” was the food of the wealthy in that era — the Prophet (PBUH) stayed away from it. His Tawakkul was strong. He was worldly. And his diet was a symbol of health, moderation and spiritual development. Today, when we are drowning in health risks — then returning to the path of Sunnah may be the safest way. If we change our food, our life will change.
"Return to nature, adopt a Sunnah diet, stay healthy." Like, share, and don't forget to subscribe.