PACKAGED/JUNK FOOD AND CHILD HEALTH: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW ACCORDING TO MODERN SCIENCE AND AYURVEDA

*Dr. Vinay Kumar Saxena, Dr.Akanksha Vardhan

ABSTRACT

The consumption of packaged and junk foods among children has increased remarkably over the last two decades due to urbanization, lifestyle modifications, media influence, and changing dietary behaviours. These foods are generally rich in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, sodium, preservatives, artificial flavouring agents, and additives while being deficient in essential nutrients. Excessive intake of junk food is strongly associated with obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, micronutrient deficiencies, behavioural problems, metabolic syndrome, and impaired cognitive development in children. Modern scientific evidence demonstrates that ultra-processed foods adversely affect physical and psychological health, whereas Ayurveda describes such foods under the concepts of Viruddha Ahara (incompatible food), Abhishyandi Ahara (channel-clogging diet), and Agnidushti (digestive impairment). This review article discusses the composition of packaged foods, patterns of consumption, health consequences, behavioural effects, and preventive strategies according to both modern medicine and Ayurveda.

Keywords: Junk food, packaged food, child health, obesity, Ayurveda, ultra-processed food, Paediatrics.