Food delivery apps have become a common convenience for many young people in modern society. While these services save time, there are some long-term health and dietary considerations to keep in mind.
1. Food Delivery: Convenient but Cautionary
As our lives get busier, the demand for food delivery services rises. A 2022 report from China showed that over 521 million people used online food delivery services. In Vietnam, food delivery platforms are also witnessing significant growth, especially among office workers and students.
While convenient, delivered food tends to be high in oil, salt, and sugar, and low in green vegetables. This habit, if continued over a long period, can negatively impact one’s health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues.
2. Could Eating Out Regularly Reduce Your Lifespan?
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics followed 35,084 adults over 17 years and found that those who ate out at least twice a day had a 49% higher risk of death from all causes, an 18% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and a 67% higher risk of death from cancer.
Additionally, an Australian study indicated that ordering takeaway food at least twice a week increased the prevalence of abdominal obesity by 31% in men and 25% in women. This is a key risk factor for chronic diseases.
In Vietnam, Master of Medicine, Dr. Do Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice President of the Vietnam Nutrition Association, warns that many fast foods and takeaways have very high energy content but lack micronutrients and fiber, leading to potential issues with salt and sugar intake. Consuming these meals over an extended period can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and even cancer.
3. Can You Maintain Good Health While Enjoying Takeaway Food?
Ordering takeaway doesn’t have to be unhealthy if done mindfully. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your favorite takeaway dishes while maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
- Choose reputable and hygienic eateries: Prioritize restaurants with food safety certifications. When receiving your order, always check the packaging, temperature, and smell of the food to ensure it hasn’t spoiled.
- Opt for steamed or boiled dishes with less oil: Instead of fried foods, go for soups, traditional meals with vegetables, or rice dishes. You can also request less oil and salt when placing your order.
- Diversify your diet with a “rainbow” of foods: According to the Vietnamese Nutrition Guidelines (2022), aim for at least 12 different types of food per day and 25 types per week. Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants and protects your cardiovascular health.
- Change your menu regularly: Avoid ordering the same dish out of habit. Eating the same thing repeatedly can lead to an imbalanced diet, lacking in essential micronutrients, and may cause boredom with your meals.
- Control your portions: Avoid overeating or choosing high-calorie sides like milk tea and fried foods. A simple trick is to use smaller plates or bowls to help control your portions and avoid overeating.
When ordering food, remember to choose a variety of options to create a balanced meal.
Lastly, whether you cook at home or order takeaway, the key to good health is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and regular health check-ups are crucial. It’s not about avoiding takeaway food but rather about making informed choices and maintaining a varied, nutritious diet.
