Fast Foods & Their Hazards

Fast food is an inexpensive, convenient way to grab a quick meal, but the health hazards connected to fast food may not be worth the price. With little nutritional value and an excess of unhealthy components, fast food consumed today may lead to problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease later in life. Choosing a nutritionally balanced meal may be more difficult, but it can provide you with the nutrients you need to live a long and healthy life while avoiding the hazards inherent in fast foods.

Calories and Fat

In general, fast food is high in fat and calories. One danger comes in the portion size of fast foods, which frequently feature large and extra-large options for a low additional cost. For example, a 32-oz. cola adds about 425 calories to your meal. Even a basic medium-sized meal at many fast food restaurants provides more than the recommended daily amount of saturated fat and a large portion of the calories you need for a single day. Consuming excess fat and calories contributes to obesity and may raise the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Lack of Nutrients

Fast food typically contains few of the nutrients you need for optimal health and plenty of things that you don't need. Consuming fast food fills you up without contributing vitamins, minerals or phytonutrients. In addition to high levels of saturated fat, fast food often contains dangerous trans-fats. Sodas are high in sugar while containing virtually no nutrients. Consuming fast food on a regular basis may result in vitamin deficiencies.

Sodium

A majority of fast food meals exceed the 1,500 mg of sodium recommended by the American Heart Association as a daily limit for most adults, according to a 2010 study in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." The researchers looked at 6,580 fast food meals purchased from major fast food chains around the New York area and discovered that the average sodium content of a meal was 1,751 mg. High levels of dietary sodium contribute to high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Cancer Link

A diet high in fast food may also predispose you toward certain types of cancer. Compounds called heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, are formed when meat is cooked using high-heat frying and grilling. HCAs are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Diets high in saturated fat and trans-fats have also been linked to cancers, including colorectal cancer.

Alternatives

The obvious alternative to fast food is to cook at home, controlling precisely the calories, nutrients, fat, sodium and sugar content of your meals. If you must consume fast foods, choose smaller portion sizes that are prepared in healthier ways, such as grilled instead of fried. Avoid heavy sauces and condiments, and try to include some vegetables or fruit in the form of a salad or 100 percent juice.