It's no secret - most types of fast food are bad for you. In the past, fast food was considered a special treat, something to enjoy on a date or a family night out. Nowadays, more and more people around the world are frequently relying on fast foods as a regular source of meals. Most Americans already have diets that are too high in calories, fat and sodium. Eating fast food more than occasionally can cause a decrease in your overall level of health and nutrition.
Low In Nutrients
Most fast foods tend to be low in important vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Unless you're choosing a healthier option such as a salad, eating fast food means that you're simply filling up on empty calories that are not contributing to your overall health and nutritional requirements. However, even if you chose a salad, you may still be choosing an unhealthy option. Certain salads contain more calories, fat and sodium than fast food sandwiches and burgers.
High in Fat
Generally speaking, fast foods tend to be high in fat. Fried foods such as french fries are doubly bad for you because they contain high levels of saturated fats and trans-fats. Trans-fats tend to raise your overall blood cholesterol levels. Some research also suggests that trans-fats raise your LDL, or "bad"levels of cholesterol, while lowering your HDL, or "good" levels of cholesterol. Furthermore, the American Heart Association points out that there are no labeling requirements for fast food, so you can never be sure exactly how much of this dangerous fat you're actually taking in.
High in Sodium
Many types of fast food tend to be high in sodium, because salt is used as a preservative and flavoring agent. The average adult should not consume more than 2,300 mg of sodium daily. This number decreases drastically to 1,500 mg daily if you have a condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Depending on what fast food option you choose, you can easily exceed your daily recommended sodium requirement in just one meal.
Frequency of Fast Food Dining
Despite the reasons that fast food is bad for you, the occasional visit to your favorite fast food chain is not going to make you fat or destroy your overall health. For health conscious diners, many fast food chains offer healthier options such as grilled salads and fruit. But even indulging in the occasional burger isn't such a bad thing. It's the frequency with which you eat those burgers. While the number of fast food chains and the obesity levels have increased over time, it's hard to find a causal link between fast food and obesity. One possible reason for increased obesity is the proximity of fast food restaurants to places of business and schools, making it easier and more accessible for students and workers to grab a quick bite to eat.
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