Fast food definitely has its perks. It's cheap, quick, convenient and is available in everything from tacos to pizzas to burgers and fries. Some restaurants even offer so-called "healthy" fare. Don't be fooled by clever marketing schemes. The grand majority of food offered at fast food restaurants contains more than your daily recommended value of sodium, calories, fat and cholesterol. Eating only fast food may lead to serious health conditions.
Cardiovascular Risks
Fast food is well-known to contain more than the daily recommended value for saturated fat, calories and sodium. Each of these ingredients may increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as lead to cardiovascular illnesses, strokes and heart attacks. Saturated and/or trans fats found in fast food turn into fatty deposits that end up clogging arteries. According to Harvard University "Gazette," more than 1.2 million heart attacks and deaths from cardiovascular diseases occur in the U.S. each year. The major source of heart attacks is our country's love affair with deep fried foods.
Obesity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 34 percent of American adults over the age of 20 are considered overweight; an additional 34 percent are obese. One look at the nutritional value of fast foods and it's easy to why -- the average fast food chicken meal contains 931 calories. Fast food burger joints and pizza stands aren't any better. Eating too much fast food is certainly a factor in the rise in obesity. Other factors include lack of physical activity and a lifestyle that involves too much time in front of the television or computer screen
Chemical Exposure
Fast food companies rely on a plethora of chemicals and preservatives in order to enhance flavor as well as increase the shelf life of their products. McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, for example, contains only 50 percent real chicken meat. The rest of the McNugget is made out of preservatives and chemicals also found in other products such as cosmetics, perfumes and pesticides. One particular chemical is known to cause biochemical and reproductive system changes in lab animals. Nonprofit organizations, such as Sustainable Table, question the health risks Americans may suffer when exposed to chemicals and preservatives found in our food.
Reality Check
Morgan Spurlock showed the dangers of eating fast food every single day in his documentary "Super-Size Me." In one month, Spurlock gained 24.5 lbs., suffered from high cholesterol as well as mood swings and impotence plus majorly damaged his liver. Every time you eat out at a fast food restaurant, you put your health at risk. Just eating out twice a week doubles your risk of certain conditions and illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. For good health, keep away from all types of processed foods, fast food or otherwise.
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