Fast food, ready-prepared food and balanced diet

Scientific studies have shown that burgers and pizzas can lack essential minerals and vitamins which are essential for health and growth. They contain large amounts of fat and carbohydrates which can result in obesity and heart problems. Many children end up suffering from malnutrition since they eat too much of the wrong sort of food. In many areas of the developed world, a lot of children show similar symptoms to those in poorer developing countries.
According to Dieticians, we must eat a balanced diet. We should eat more fibre and fewer foods which are high in cholesterol which can block the walls of arteries and lead to heart problems. Many of the ready-prepared foods we buy from supermarkets are high in calories giving us more energy than we actually need.

Glossary:

• Fast food: food that requires little preparation before being served
  
• Burger: a bread roll served with minced beef/ cheese/ vegetable
  
• Pizza: baked dough covered with cheese, tomatoes, etc.
  
• Obesity: being excessively fat
  
• Arteries: vessels that convey oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body
• Calories: energy value of food