The effects of fast foods are of particular concern to people careful about what they put into their body. Calories are just one concern. Other issues are fat content, saturated fat and cholesterol. While fast foods can easily satisfy those hunger urges, they present dietary risks to all who eat them regularly.
Fats
According to the federal Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, fast foods represent quite a risk for those who are concerned about fat intake. Based on a daily 2,000-calorie intake, one McDonald's Big Mac represents 49 percent of the daily value of fat intake. There are 29 grams of fat in that sandwich and you should not take in more than 60 grams of fat in one day. Other fast foods also represent significant amounts of fat:
Whopper (Burger King) -- 40 grams
1/2 pound double with cheese, fries and soda (Wendy's) -- 60 grams
Crispy strips, fries and soda (KFC) -- 32 grams
Crunchy taco, Burrito supreme, Chalupa supreme (Taco Bell) -- 10 grams
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are even more of a concern for your body then simple fats because they are more difficult for your digestive system to process. They are usually solid at room temperature. Saturated fats are more likely to be absorbed into your body and increase your risk of heart disease and strokes. Saturated fats in popular fast foods:
Big Mac (McDonald's) -- 10 grams (50 percent of FDA daily value)
Whopper (Burger King) -- 11 grams
1/2 pound double with cheese, fries and soda (Wendy's) -- 20 grams
Crispy strips, fries and soda (KFC) -- 6 grams
Crunchy taco, Burrito supreme, Chalupa supreme (Taco Bell) -- 3.5 grams
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft substance found in all fats. While it is a key ingredient in the formation of cell membranes, it is also a major factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Too much cholesterol intake will put you at risk to this problem. Here are cholesterol levels for several popular fast foods.
Big Mac (McDonald's) -- 75 mg (25 percent of FDA daily value)
Whopper (Burger King) -- 75 mg
1/2 pound double with cheese, fries and soda (Wendy's) -- 75 mg
Crispy strips, fries and soda (KFC) -- 75 mg
Crunchy taco, Burrito supreme, Chalupa supreme (Taco Bell) -- 25 mg
