Americans have a reputation for indulging in fatty, greasy and fried foods that are not only bad for the waistline, but bad for the heart, as well. Thanks to the accessibility to fast food, greasy burgers and fatty fries are a staple of many American's daily menus. Five kinds of foods are especially harmful to your health—they also are five of the foods that are the most popular at restaurants and convenience stores. For improved health, avoid these fat-dense and nutrient-empty foods.
French Fries
Just about everyone loves to indulge in a large order of fries when visiting their favorite fast food chain. They taste good, are easy to eat on the go, and are the perfect companion for a juicy hamburger. But those small, salty bites of potato are laden with fat, oil and sodium. Cooked in reused oil, most french fries contain heart-clogging trans fats. Additionally, a 2009 article in the Chicago Tribune (see Reference 1) noted that french fries that are overheated can contain acrylamide, a naturally occurring chemical that has been linked to cancer.
Doughnuts
Many people start the day with a doughnut and coffee, but it's not a healthy beginning. Doughnuts have little nutritional value. They are made with processed sugar and flour, and then fried in oils that are often a source of trans fats, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns is responsible for raising cholesterol and the risk for heart disease.
Grilled Foods
Many Americans pride themselves on their great grilling abilities, especially during the summer months. While grilling a piece of boneless, skinless chicken breast sounds like a healthy alternative to other methods of food preparation, beware of grilling heavy char lines into your food. Those char lines can put harmful carcinogens into your body, according to a report by The Cancer Project (see Reference 3). Grilled foods can be a source of heterocyclic amines, which has been linked to cancer.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are the center of get togethers, parties and barbecues, but before dipping your hand into the chip bowl, take pause. Potato chips are packed with sodium, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns raises blood pressure, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke. The oil that the chips are fried in can also be a source of trans fats.
Soda
Soda is filled with empty calories and sugars that add to a growing American weight problem. Even drinking diet soda is an unhealthy option that can put your health at risk. A recent study published in a 2009 Journal of Diabetes Care (see Resources below) found that those who consumed diet soda on a daily basis were 67 percent more likely to contract type II diabetes than those who did not drink soda. Diet soda is not a health or "diet" drink at all; it simply fosters an unhealthy addiction to sodas that can have serious health repercussions.
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