Bhopal, Nov 25: Youngsters should steer clear of junk food, packaged food and soft drinks, a Padmabhushan-recipient biotechnologist opined.

''Biotechnology is on the verge of playing a crucial role in the country's development,'' Dr Manju Sharma said yesterday while answering students' queries on the second day of the Indian Science Conference 2007 here.

Pointing out that deep-frying of junk food destroyed proteins, she added that inclusion of green vegetables and eggs in the diet developed internal resistance. ''Soft drinks are harmful for bones and muscles,'' the expert said.

Biotechnology plays a key role in determining the quality of ayurvedic products, she pointed out while expressing concern over destruction of medicinal herbs.


UNI