The Use of Technology to Make Junk Food Less Harmful for Health

In today's American society, junk food has been a significant issue. The controversial topic has risen many questions pertaining to health matters. A few perspectives argue that junk food may or may not end obesity epidemics. In the reading, "How Junk Food Can End Obesity", David H. Freedman, elaborates on his thoughts of demonetizing processed foods can reduce obesity rates. He believes the use of technology can help resolve this concern. Freedman is undoubtedly right about possibly making processed foods healthier. It can empower people to eat better without having to spend an abundance of money.

In America, there are many debates about junk foods. There are ways to revise these products with fewer calories. In today's world, technology has opened many opportunities to conduct research on methods to create foods without plenty of preservatives. This will decrease obesity rates and hazards of having other health issues. Individuals are responsible for what they consume. However, people eat what is most affordable and convenient for their families. Having busy lives can force people to purchase simple foods to prepare. In Freedman’s reading, he mentions "White Delight McMuffin ($2. 65) a lower-calorie, less fatty version of Egg McMuffin, with some of the refined flour in the original recipe replaced by whole-grain flour. " This is an example of how simply modifying ingredients can decrease the chance of health issues. The White Delight McMuffin is better to eat rather than the Egg McMuffin. Choosing healthier ingredients to formulate a product will benefit their customers.

In the reading “The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Foods” Michael Moss, stated, “In the process of product optimization, food engineers alter a litany of variables with the sole intent of findings the most perfect version of a product. ” Engineers spend several hours testing products before it is released to companies. Technology impacts the product's outcome during this process. It allows engineers to make sure the food is safe to consume and edible for customers. If these engineers took the same amount of efforts to modify products to be healthier it would change the features of junk foods. The slightest adjustments such as the preservatives will be more acceptable to the human body. Moss mentioned a great point pertaining to young children in public schools. There are vending machines in a cafeteria that contain junk food items. Majority of children eat products that are provided in schools. An ordinary hamburger or pizza served carries a lot of calories and sugar. If these foods were altered and made with less fat and more protein can result in a healthier product.

On television, there are several advertisements and promotions about junk foods to children. The continuous problem has caused obesity rates to increase and other health-related issues. By monitoring junk foods consumed and the proper amount of exercise will reduce these rates as well. Eating junk food consistently is never a good habit. However, it’s acceptable to eat it occasionally. A man named Jeffrey Dunn purchased one of the largest farm producers. He believed that using the industry’s marketing would change the aspect of the food markets. He stated one of the most significant rules for processed foods is “the selling of the foods matters as much as the food itself. ” It is important for companies to sell foods that are appealing and tastes efficient enough to make sales. If companies take the same initiative to improve the quality and benefit their customers' health, the businesses would be enhancing tremendously. The Frito-Lays executives conducted an experiment to see if lowering the sodium in chips would result in better sales. The company reduced the sodium amount by forty percent. Once the product was released, there was a significant difference. It was used in a public-school system to provide snacks for students. There were concerns that it would make children feel the need to eat a greater amount of the product. However, it is still the better eating choice. Michael Pollan, a professor at the University of California, argues that “The food they’re cooking is making people sick. ” I agree with his position of view to a certain extent. Fast food restaurants use ingredients that may affect our health. However, it is important to monitor the amount of food we consume daily. If an individual eats junk food every day, it can result in serious health issues. Critiquing the formulas and ingredients to produce more health-effective food would lower the chance of having these health issues. Diabetes is one of the most common health issues that are caused by eating habits.

Overall, junk food can be modified with the use of technology to produce products with fewer health risks. By making these alterations individuals can purchase satisfactory food items with spending a large amount of money on healthy foods. There are many perspectives on how junk foods may or may not contribute to health issues such as diabetes and obesity.