Indian street food is globally renowned among food enthusiasts. Indians have a penchant for spicy and delicious food, regardless of the time of day, and they always have room for dessert. The most popular junk foods use specific ingredients or food items that enhance their taste, but they can also negatively impact one's health. The following is a list of such commonly used Indian food items.

1. Fried Food

One of the most common types of unhealthy junk food found in the market is fried food, which is readily available and widely consumed. Several studies have investigated the correlation between fried food consumption and the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, heart failure, type II diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and weight gain.

2. Bakery Products

Although bakery products such as cookies, candy, pastries, and cakes are undoubtedly tasty, they also have a negative impact on one's health. These products typically contain refined flour, refined sugar, preservatives, and fat, resulting in a high sugar content and low fiber content. Consumption of these foods can contribute to various health problems including weight gain, reduced cholesterol levels, increased waist circumference, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke.

3. Pizzas

Although pizza is a favorite food for both kids and adults, it can be detrimental to your health due to the use of refined flour and processed meats like pepperoni, bacon, and hot dogs as toppings, which have been associated with an increased risk of cancer.

4. French Fries and Potato Chips

While potatoes are certainly a nutritious food, prolonged baking, frying, or roasting can lead to the formation of compounds such as acrylamides that have been linked to cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that consuming french fries can contribute to the development of hypertension and type II diabetes.

5. Processed Meat

Processed meat refers to meat products such as ham, sausages, and canned meat that have undergone processing to enhance their quality, taste, and longevity. The World Health Organisation classifies processed meat as a Group I carcinogen due to its potential to trigger cancer.

6. Gluten Free Food

A popular trend nowadays is the adoption of a gluten-free diet, but it's not necessary for everyone. Opting for a gluten-free diet instead of nutritious foods may lead to reduced fiber intake and an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies.

7. Ice creams and Frozen Yoghurt

Generally, ice creams and frozen yoghurts contain refined sugar, artificial flavours, and additives, which make them high in calories. The consumption of added sugar is often associated with various health problems such as increased body weight, dental cavities, fatty liver, heart disease, and type II diabetes.

8. Low Fat Yoghurts

Frequently, to maintain the taste of a product, its fat content is substituted with sugar and additives. However, the effectiveness of a low fat diet in reducing chronic inflammation lacks strong and conclusive evidence. As such, further precise research is necessary before it can be regarded as a wholesome dietary choice.

9. Low Carb refined food

A diet low in carbohydrates, which may consist of ultra-processed foods such as cheddar cheese crisps and cookies, has been the subject of mixed research findings. Some studies suggest that a low carb diet can aid in the management of insulin levels, weight, and heart problems, while others have found no evidence linking ultra-processed foods to improved health. As a result, the impact of such foods on chronic disease remains uncertain.

10. Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a beloved dish in India, known for its rich and flavorful sauce. However, it's important to note that the dish is also high in calories, fat, and cholesterol. As the name suggests, it contains a significant amount of butter, cream, and other high-fat ingredients. While it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, those watching their weight or cholesterol levels may want to be cautious about how often they indulge in this decadent delicacy.