JUNK FOOD CONSUMPTION AND CVDS (CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES): AN EXPLORATION OF DYSLIPIDEMIA'S CAUSAL LINK IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The increase in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally has been linked to alterations in eating habits especially the consumption of energy-rich and nutrient-poor junk food. This review evaluates the causational relationship between junk food consumption and the occurrence of CVDs via secondary mechanism of dyslipidemia. Massive consumption of junk foods, which are usually high in saturated fats, trans fats, man-made sugars, and sodium, have been found to have a negative impact on endorsing lipids by increasing the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol, along with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. All these lipid abnormalities have a major role to play in atherosclerosis, hypertension and other cardiovascular risks. Based on the epidemiological evidence provided by studies around the world, in conjunction with nutritional data, the review summarizes the decaying rates of dyslipidemia that have been linked to junk foods in both developed and developing countries. The results indicate the necessity of public health measures, nutritional policies, and educational programs to curtail the cardiovascular burden occasioned by poor dietary behaviors. This association is important to understand in order to come up with effective prevention strategies against the increasing epidemic of CVD globally