Fast foods raise blood cholesterol levels. The fat in fast foods also causes plaque on the walls of arteries. This is a risk for a heart attack. For men and women in America, heart disease is the No.1 cause of death, reports the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Two-thirds of all American teens have at least one risk factor for cardiac disease due to poor nutrition and obesity, high cholesterol or lack of exercise.
Excess Salt in Fast Foods
High salt levels are common in fast foods. Even one meal of fast food can top the recommended daily limit for salt intake, which is from 1,500 mg to 2,300 mg, notes the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Many fast foods like French fries, tacos and burgers and the bun contain salt and preservatives that have a negative health impact.
High Fat Level in Fast Foods
Many fast foods are deep fried and contain saturated fat, trans fats and cholesterol, notes MayoClinic.com. Fast foods contribute to high cholesterol levels. Trans fats raise low-density lipoprotein levels and lower high-density lipoprotein levels. This change in cholesterol levels from fast foods strongly raises the risk for numerous health problems such as a heart attack or heart failure. Even salads at fast food restaurants can have high fat levels due to the dressing, cheese and pieces of bacon, notes MedlinePlus.
Too Much Sugar in Fast Foods
Fast food items typically contain high levels of sugar. Sugar is added to many kinds of fast food to enhance its taste, notes MedlinePlus. High sugar levels in foods can damage overall health, cause obesity and contribute to the development of disorders such as diabetes and stroke.
High Calorie Levels
Most fast food items have a high calorie level. Fast foods also often have large portion sizes, which adds to the excess calories in each meal, notes MedlinePlus. Some fast food meals contain more calories in one serving than what is allowed in a healthy diet per day.
Healthy Food Choices
Making healthy food choices can add longevity to life. Fast foods are not healthy. They contribute to risk of disease. Home-cooked food is much healthier than fast foods. To work to prevent health problems, limit fast food intake.
References
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Hazards of Fast Food
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Diet and Health Facts
- MayoClinic.com: 5 Medication-Free Strategies to Help Prevent Heart Disease
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Heart Disease Information
- MedlinePlus: Fast Food Tips
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