Nowadays its' hard to walk around the block without seeing one fast food restaurant–salty, fatty, often cheap foods, quickly served, in a colorful and bright environment. It's no wonder why so many young teenagers visit these eateries so frequently. However, McDonalds and Burger King are not the only typed of food that are bad for your health, sweet snacks such as soda and candy are equally harmful to your body. These types of foods with high concentrations of saturated fats, fructose sugar, hydrogenated fats, and low amounts of vital micronutrients such as vitamins should be limited.
The saturated and hydrogenated fats that many fast foods consist of are detrimental your health. For example; Saturated fats are the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol, which can lead to heart diseases later in life. In fact, the higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in the United States. During food processing, many fats undergo a chemical process called hydrogenation. In clinical studies, hydrogenated fats tended to raise total blood cholesterol levels.
Not only do these types of foods have lots of unhealthy heart-stopping fats, they are also known for containing come nasty chemicals. Luncheon Meat and Hot Dogs contain an ingredient known as sodium nitrate. "Sodium nitrite is a dangerous, cancer-causing ingredient that has no place in the human food supply," says nutritionist Mike Adams, author of the Grocery Warning Manual. According to a University of Hawaii study that included around 200,000 people for seven years, people who consumed the most processed meats showed a 67 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those who ate little of no meat.
It is a rumor that if you were to drop a penny in a can coke, within a week it will dissolve. Though this is a myth, it does show just how dangerous sodas can be. The average can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar, 30-55 mg of caffeine, and artificial food colors. This sounds nasty and unhealthy, however the "diet" soda contains an even unhealthier artificial sweetener. The even scarier fact is that 56%-85% of children drink ATLEAST ONE SOFT DRINK A DAY.
Sodas and processed meat a scary combination that is incorporated into our daily lives. They are high in fats, contain harmful chemicals, and lack nutrients. I can't see any positives in them except "tasting good". So the next time you walk by a McDonalds and acquire the craving for a number one, at least try to think twice about your decision.
Sources:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fats.html
http://www.msgtruth.org/avoid.htm
http://www.wemakestuffgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/no-mcdonalds-image2.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment