Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 21: With fast pace of modernization and changing food habits with and its detrimental effect on cardiac health, Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr. Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp in association with Shri Dwarika Nath Shastri Services Trust during Gau Gopal Maha Jagya at Village Sohanjana Jammu . The Camp was inaugurated by Gangadhar Maharaj along with Dr Sushil and prominent members of the society. The Camp focused on identifying high risk individuals and imparting primary prevention guidance on cardiovascular disease and wholesome living.
While delivering lecture Dr Sushil Stated that Ultra processed food (UPFs) have emerged as one of the most influential yet underappreciated determinants of modern cardio metabolic illness. Defined by the NOVA classification as industrial formulations made largely from substances extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, these products such as packaged snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages, instant noodles, reconstituted meats, bakery items, and ready to eat meals are engineered for palatability, long shelf life, and aggressive market appeal rather than physiological nourishment. Over the past few decades, the global dietary transition toward ultra-processed foods has paralleled a dramatic rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, suggesting more than a coincidental association,” Dr Sharma said.
He elaborated that unlike minimally processed or whole foods, ultra processed foods are typically energy-dense, rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, while being deficient in dietary fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. “This unfavorable nutrient profile promotes rapid glycemic excursions, insulin resistance, and positive energy balance. Frequent consumption leads to impaired satiety signaling, partly due to low fiber content and high glycemic load, encouraging overeating and weight gain. Beyond macronutrient imbalance, UPFs exert biological effects through food additives such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colorants, which have been shown to disrupt gut micro biota, increase intestinal permeability, and promote chronic low-grade inflammation a key driver of cardio metabolic disease,” he added
Others who were part of this camp includes Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor, Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Aditya Sharma. Paramedics and Volunteers include Rajkumar, Ranjeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Vaid, Rohit Nayyar, Maninder Singh, Anmol Singh, Gourav Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Varun Sharma, Nirvair Singh Bali and numerous volunteers of the Trust.
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