Role of Protein in the body
Proteins are also essential for generation of antibodies. The generated antibodies are responsible for fighting illnesses and other infections. Protein sources include shellfish, meat, fish, dairy produce and poultry (Schlosser, 2001).
Professional nutritionists recommend that human beings should eat 2-3 servings of proteins per day. In addition, 15% of calorie should comprise proteins.
Excessive Intake of Protein
Too much protein intake also results into strain on kidneys and liver. This is because foods with protein contain high nitrogen levels, which are dangerous to the body. The function of the kidney in the human body is to filter waste products from the body. Therefore, too much protein in the body will force the kidney to work extra hard in order to eliminate the accumulated nitrogen. The excess stress in the body will finally result into kidney disorders (Sizer & Whitney, 2002).
Consequently, excess protein intake can result into osteoporosis. This is because excess proteins results into calcium loss in the bones which are removed through the bones. Furthermore, some foods that are rich in protein contain high amount nucleic acids. When these nucleic acids are broken down, they are eventually broken down to uric acids. Accordingly, too much uric acid causes gout, which results into inflammation of joints.
Intake of Insufficient Protein
Furthermore, the body experience continues protein loss, which is because of metabolic activities. Due to this, it is important that it is replenished on a daily basis. This is because too little protein results into skin problems which results into tired and unhealthy skin appearance. Proteins are further needed or production of new hormones, muscles, tissues, enzymes and new cells. Therefore, fewer proteins prevent these processes from taking place (Sizer & Whitney, 2002).
Effects of insufficient fats in the body
Fats are important in human diet because they are responsible for generation of heat and keeping the body warm. Fats are also required for production and protection of human hormones. Moreover, fats are responsible for transportation and absorption of vitamins and soluble nutrients around the body.
Recommended amount of fats
Nutritionists recommend that human beings should take 35% of calorie and it should come from fat and only 10% of it coming from saturated ones.
Current nutritional issues and fast-food diet
Thus, it is important to examine the type of diet that children, youths and even adults take. This is because children and adolescents sometimes go to school without taking any breakfast and as a result end up eating fast foods like soda and chips. At lunch break, they eat either corndogs, nachos, hamburgers or corn dogs which are nutritionally deficient. Fast foods such as chips are rich in carbohydrates and fats, which are in excess. On the other hand, sodas and other soft drinks contain a lot of sugar, which negatively affect the immune system by suppressing it. Furthermore, the soft drinks have a lot of sugar that deplete the calcium level in the body leading to weak bones (Scapp & Seitz, 1998).
Three facts on excess or lack of micronutrients in a fast-food diet
Another fact is that fast foods lack vitamins, which are responsible for breaking down minerals. Without individuals taking recommended amount of essential minerals like zinc, magnesium and coppers among others the body will not function properly.
Studies have also indicated that fast foods like ice cream, processed foods, synthetic sweeteners and other fried foods cause gout and arthritis (Schlosser, 2001). Further studies also indicate that because fast foods contain minimal amount of micronutrients lead to acne. This is because fast foods contain high amount of fatty acids and high amount of unsaturated fats, which cause high production of sebum.
Another fact is that fast foods results into memory and cognition impairment. This because fast foods lack macronutrients but contain high level of fats which results into decline in thinking ability. Studies have also showed that intake of fast foods results into other cognitive problems.
Obesity is caused by overeating food that is unhealthy. Due to obesity, individuals are likely to suffer from stroke and other heart related problems due to excess consumption of fast-foods diets, which lack essential micronutrients.
Role of water in human health
Fluid formations in the human joints are because of enough water intakes. Additionally, water assists with regulation of body temperature via distribution of cooling and heating effect through perspiration process. Finally, water is important for human health because it helps in alleviation of constipation by moving food particles via the intestinal tract thus eliminating waste materials; it is the best detox agent.
Long-term outlook for individuals on a fast-food diet in terms of longevity and quality of life
Individuals who consume fast-food diet cannot live for a long period. This is because of the high risks associated with fast-food diet. Fast-food diet causes diseases like cancer, stroke, gout, high blood pressure and diabetes among other heart related problems. Additionally, according to Scapp and Seitz (1998), fast food diet like ice cream and other processed dairy products have high level of proteins that can result into poor physical appearance.
References
Scapp, R. & Seitz, B. eds. (1998). Eating Culture. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Schlosser, E. (2001). Fast Food Nation: The Darker Side of the All-American Meal. NewYork:Houghton Mifflin.
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2002). Nutrition Concepts and Controversies, 9th edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson Learning.