We all know that fast food is bad for our health. Fast food became an easy option for a busy family. Every day, 1 in 4 Americans visits a fast food restaurant. Even if you love fast food, you probably still don’t know all about it. Check out these 10 fast food facts that you probably didn’t know.
1. Fast food can cause depression
According to recent research, fast food consumption ignites depression. Another study has shown that those people who consumed fast food on a daily basis were 51 % more likely to be depressed than people who consumed very little or none of the health-damaging food. Also, depression risk was found to increase with the more fast food consumed.
2. It contains ingredients that aren’t real food
Fast food nearly always contains additives, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and colors. Artificial flavors and colors are added to foods to enhance their taste. Some studies show that it can even cause cancer.
3. Fast food increases the risk of dementia
Many fast foods are high in trans fats.Trans fats have been shown to shrink the brain and increase the risk of dementia.Also, avoiding trans fats and saturated fats can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
4. It can cause memory and learning problems
A recent study has shown that healthy people who consumed fast food for only 5 days performed worse on cognitive tests that measured attention, speed, and mood. This means that eating fast food for only 5 days regularly can deteriorate your memory.
5. Fast food isn’t cheap
Contrary to popular wisdom, eating dinner at a fast food chain isn’t cheap! The average American spends an estimated $1,200 on fast food every year.
6. It can cause bloating
Fast food is loaded with sodium. Too much sodium causes bloating and water retention. Also, high sodium levels can increase blood pressure.
7. It can cause indigestion
High-fat foods take longer to digest than foods lower in fat, so give yourself enough time to eat and digest a meal properly.
8. It is low in fiber and nutrients
Food processing can increase the shelf life of a food. But, when a food is processed, many essential nutrients and fibers are lost. Fast food is also very low in fiber, which has many health benefits. Fiber plays a major role in digestive health and helps keep the heart healthy.It also helps you lose weight, stay full longer, and improve your health.
9. Fast food can cause asthma
According to a recent study, people who ate fast food on a regular basis were almost twice as likely to have asthma, compared to people who didn’t consume fast food.
10. It can cause bone loss
We all know that fast food is loaded with sodium. Salty foods cause the body to lose a lot of calcium, which may lead to bone loss. A study has shown that cutting sodium intake by half allows you to retain about 18% more calcium.
