Comfort Foods and their Health Risks

Photo credit: Pinterest 

By Halimat Sunmonu

A random student life is often busy, unpredictable and tiring. Being a student is one and enough, but attending the University of Ibadan makes it even more busy, of course, it's the first and best and to be the best, you need to be better than the rest. To escape and cope with uni life as students, we often resort to convenience food. From early lectures to late night study, living on a tight budget, most students reach for quick-fix meals like noodles,bread, energy drinks and sodas. These meals are sometimes more harmful than helpful to one's health. 

This article will explore different comfort foods consumed by students and why they may be harmful to their health. 

Noodles are very common, and easy to make but contain Sodium, unhealthy fats,additives like MSG. Consumption of noodles regularly can result in high blood pressure, nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems. It is advised that when consuming noodles, the addition of veggies like carrots, green peas and bell peppers makes it healthier. It is also important to reduce the seasoning intake by preparing with minimal seasoning.  

Bread is often consumed because it requires no preparation, and can be taken anywhere and at any time. Students take an unhealthy amount of bread spread with little or no nutrition. Bread offers little nutrients and fiber and when paired with sugary spreads like chocolate, or jam can cause a sugar spike, causing a crash and tiredness. Excess consumption of bread causes weight gain, high sugar and energy instability.  It can also result in constipation. Bread intake should be very minimal and with healthy spreads like avocado, eggs, peanut butter.

Students are very fond of energy drinks and sodas due to the myth of “boosting energy”. Energy drinks are relied on, for all-nighters and to stay focused during the day but these drinks are packed with caffeine, sugar and chemicals which may cause anxiety, heart palpitations, headaches and dehydration. Soft drinks, on the other hand, add “empty calories” without any nutritional value to the body. These energy drinks may result in sleep disruption, and a lot of students become addicted to them to stay awake. Water, herbal teas and natural fruit juices are substitutes and should be taken in moderation. 

Fried snacks and street food are tasty but can be harmful. These snacks are usually deep-fried in reused oil, which increases the intake of trans-fat which raises bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol in the body. Large consumption of these fried snacks can cause obesity, heart burn and digestive problems. Grilling is more healthy, therefore it is advised to eat grilled snacks, and roasted plantain (boli). 

Excess consumption of biscuits, cakes and other packaged snacks can pose health risks like tooth decay and weight gain, though very sweet and convenient. They contain refined sugar, flour and additives. While they satisfy cravings, they don't support energy or focus on the long run. Alternatives are nuts, fruit slices and popcorn(not butter-laden and with minimal sugar.

The body is our greatest asset. Food is very important as it is the body's building block. What you eat affects how you think,appear and look. It affects the memory in the long-run. However, it is okay to indulge sometimes but balance is very important. 

A very useful tip is meal planning and preparation during weekends. Substituting biscuits,cakes and fried snacks with fruits helps. Most times, our hunger is dehydration, so ensure to take adequate water. Eat wisely.