Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. Fast food can also be defined as any food that contributes little or no nutrient value to the diet, but instead provides excess calories and fat. Fast food can be a good way to save time ,but it is not the proper way for nutrition. Fast food may include chips, hot pies ,pasties, sandwiches, burgers, croissants, kebabs, pizzas, chicken, etc.
Why Fast Food is Dangerous To Your Health
Fast food success has drawn much attention to the industry and the food itself. Animal rights advocates and health buffs alike criticize fast food on its effect on the health of its customers and the health of the globe. In comparison to 40 years ago, the average American family now spends half their food budget on restaurant food. In 1977, just under 38 percent of family food budgets were spent eating outside the home.
Digestive and cardiovascular systems:
Most fast food, including drinks and sides, are loaded with carbohydrates with little to no fiber. When your digestive system breaks down these foods, the carbs are released as glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream. As a result, your blood sugar increases. Your pancreas responds to the surge in glucose by releasing insulin. Insulin transports sugar throughout your body to cells that need it for energy. As your body uses or stores the sugar, your blood sugarreturns to normal.
Sugar and fat:
Many fast-food meals have added sugar. Not only does that mean extra calories, but also little nutrition.The American Heart Association suggestsonly eating 100 to 150 calories of added sugar per day. That’s about six to nine teaspoons. Many fast-food drinks alone hold well over 12 ounces. A 12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons of sugar. That equals 130 calories, 39 grams of sugar, and nothing else.
Trans fat is manufactured fat created during food processing. It is commonly found in the following mentioned food items:
fried pies
pastries
pizza dough
crackers
cookies
doughnuts
microwave popcorn
Trans fat is not at all healthy as it increases your bad cholesterol(LDL) and decreases your good cholesterol(HDL), also it increases chance of diabetes and heart diseases.
Obesity:
This can be the worst health hazard that junk food can cause to a human being. As a result of the disease, the body adds excessive amount of fat which can make the body extremely fat and weighty. Usually, this disease victimizes children in the age group of 5-15 years.
Respiratory system:
Excess calories from fast-food meals can cause weight gain. This may lead toward obesity.Obesity increases your risk for respiratory problems, including asthma and shortness of breath. You may notice difficulty breathing when you’re walking, climbing stairs, or exercising.
Addiction:
Certain fast foods or junk foods contain ingredients that are extremely harmful for the body. These ingredients are tasty to the tongue so the people, especially children, get addicted to these kinds of foods. The parents, who suffer most, agree that getting rid of this addiction is quite difficult for children and at times, assistance of the psychiatrist is sought.
Food poisoning:
As most of the junk food sellers do not maintain health and hygiene, so the people may get food poisoning easily. A disorder of the stomach is a common symptom of food poisoning. In worst cases, the infected people are required to be admitted to hospitals or nursing homes for proper care. It is true that many people have even lost their lives due to infectious poisoning.
Chemical contamination:
Most of the junk food items are packed in plastic wrappers which contain harmful coating of perfluoroalkyls. This often leaves a harmful effect on the stuff packed inside it. This when consumed can lead to serious complications in our body and result in diseases.
Effects on society:
Today, more than 2 in 3 adults are considered overweight or obese. More than one-third of children ages 6 to 19 are also considered overweight or obese. The growth of fast food in America seems to coincide with the growth of obesity in the United States. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) reports that the number of fast food restaurants in America has doubled since 1970. The number of obese Americans has also doubled.
In reality, fast food=fast death. Once or twice in a month if we have a fast food snack then it won't cause problems, but regular consumption of it or making fast food your daily habit, your daily lifestyle is not at all healthy and will lead to serious health problems. In my next post i will personally narrow down a list of great fast food alternatives for you guys on this wonderful platform. Till then stay healthy stay natural.