Vijayawada: The youngsters in Vijayawada are getting addicted to eating dinner at midnight at Food Courts, which are doing roaring business at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, serving spicy biryani and other succulent non-veg dishes. The youth may relish this fare, but they need to be reminded that what they are doing can be harmful to their health and lead to gastro-intestinal problems. The colourful hot biryani in attractive pots with a spicy flavor is a hot favourite with the youngsters.
P. Akshay, an engineering student said, “Late at night, looking at the peaceful road, devoid of traffic, savouring biryani and closing it with a delicious ice cream is a delightful experience.” K. Sarayu, an SSC student, echoes the same feelings. She added, “A variety of dosas are also available here like Butter dosa, Kaju dosa. I would love to relish them regularly. I come here frequently with my friends.”
The youth may be happy but the doctors caution that eating heavily at midnight would pose a threat to the health. They suggest that early dinner is best for health --- preferably around 7 pm or 8 pm, for good digestion. “How can the food get digested if it is eaten at midnight?” they ask. Also, some of the vendors keep reusing the oil and they use black salt, which is dangerous to the intestines.
Dr. D. Prasad, a gastroenterologist, said, “The harmful effects of consuming such food are not immediate. Especially youth will not be able to find any difference in their health due to eating such food late in the night. Food taken at midnight and cooked in bad oils will start harming the intestines and the entire digestive system gradually. The negative impact can be felt only after several years. These patients will have to take medicines for their entire life. The youth will realise their folly after they develop health problems.”
Food Inspector N. Poorna Chandra Rao told DC that they inspected the night food courts two months ago and counselled them on the issue of hygiene. He added, “We have to check again, whether they have implemented the procedures suggested by us”.
