Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Food Essay

Food that we eat today has changed more in the past 30 years, than in the past 3,000 years. What is even more astonishing is that these changes have occurred without the public even knowing it or having the chance to debate it. How has this happened? We are now a culture that is very distant from where our food comes from. We are alienated from our food industry. We don’t see how the food is made or what chemicals, food coloring or fillers are added to them and this can be very dangerous for us. Fast food companies are especially guilty of wanting to hide information of how their food was made. Many would be in disbelief if they knew where their burgers and chicken nuggets really came from. With the popularity of the fast food chains and trying to make meals faster and cheaper, animals are now raised different. Birds now live in one building for their entire life until slaughter. Chickens are fed grains with antibiotics and arsenic to help them to grow faster and bigger. Chickens have become so obese from the feed and not having any space to walk in, they are having heart attacks and dying among the other chickens. In the hog facility, you will see thousands of hogs in one building their entire life. They will never breathe the fresh air outside nor spend time in the outdoor sun and eat off the land. In addition, the cattle are given growth hormones in their ears to help them grow faster. Fast food is convenient and a popular part of American culture. Although fast food is sometimes criticized for being unhealthy, fast food does have its advantages. What is Fast Food? Fast food refers to food that is prepared quickly. It is normally served at a counter or drive-thru window within minutes of placing an order. Fast food establishments typically do not employ wait staff. Customers simply seat themselves after ordering. Fast Food Saves Time Fast food saves time in today’s fast-paced society. People can order fast food on their way to or from work, without ever leaving their car. Fast food is also designed to come in small packaging so that people can consume it while traveling. Light on the Wallet Eating fast food can save a lot of money for large families, students and anyone else looking to eat out without breaking the bank. Many fast food chains offer discount menus with foods costing a dollar or less. Customers also avoid having to leave a tip when they choose a fast food establishment over a typical restaurant. Getting Healthier Many fast food places now offer healthier options to keep up with popular demand. In addition to typical fast food favorites such as burgers and fries, most fast food places now offer healthy alternatives such as salads, grilled chicken, yogurt, fruit and wraps. Popular Places to Find Fast Food Some of the most popular fast food chains include McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Burger King, Sonic, In-N-Out Burger, Subway, Arby’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Facts About the Dangers of Eating Fast Food The convenience, price and predictability of fast food makes it a frequent meal choice for many people. However, as consumption of fast food has risen over the last three decades, so too have occurrences of several health issues and diseases related to fast food and unhealthy eating habits. Eaten regularly, fast food can put you at an increased risk for developing diabetes, heart disease or obesity. Fast Food Contributes to Obesity Fast food is a major contributor to rising occurrences of obesity. Calorie-laden fast food meals can contain nearly a full day’s worth of calories and fat and, eaten regularly, can increase your chances of obesity. According to CBS News Health Watch, almost one-third of U.S children between the ages of 4 and 19 consume fast food which, depending on the regularity which with fast food is eaten, can cause a 6-pound weight increase per year. Fast Food increases Diabetes Along with obesity, consumption of fast food has been linked to an increased chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes. In Type 2 Diabetes, either your body is unable to regulate blood sugar with insulin, or is unable to produce insulin. Increased body fat, along with a high-sugar and high-carbohydrate diet, can increase your body’s resistance to insulin, which monitors your blood sugar levels. An article published by the US Department of Health and Human Services states that people who ate fast food two or more times per week were twice as likely to experience insulin resistance. Fast Food is High in Sodium Fast food is typically very high in sodium. A large order of fast food french fries can contain as much as 30% of your daily value of sodium. While important to consume in small amounts, a diet high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a potential precursor to heart disease. As excess sodium builds up in your bloodstream, your heart must work harder to pump blood successfully, which can cause hypertension and high blood pressure. Regularly consuming foods high in sodium can greatly increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. Fast Food is Low in Nutrients Many fast food are low in nutrients. Hamburgers served on white bread, french fries and other high-carbohydrate sides and fried or high-fat meats are common fast food menu items, and all lack important nutrients such as vitamins found in fresh produce, fiber found in whole grains and protein served without added fat. Foods which are high in sugar and carbohydrates but low in nutrients are also often less filling than healthier options, and can lead to overeating. Furthermore, non-nutritious fast food several times per week can impact your energy levels and mood, and may put you at risk for vitamin deficiency The Dangers of Fast Food The fast food industry has added every chemical possible that they can legally get away with to addict people to their food. In fact, if you eat fast food and you stop eating it, you actually go through withdrawal symptoms. It’s like a drug. Not only that, the preservatives are so high in these fast food burgers these days that the product does not even break down. Fast food has been linked in the increase in obesity in both adults and children. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in our country, particularly in children.