The fast food industry has become so closely associated with our lifestyle that its benefits in terms of low costs, easy availability and fast production seem to blur out the extreme harm that it causes us. A study published by the United States Department of Agriculture shows that almost one-thirds of the U.S. dollar is spent on eating-out services. Even though we have heard countless times how fast food is pure evil for our bodies, we seem to overlook these details and consume it anyway. Here are 9 effects of fast food that will remind you to part ways with your beloved burgers and fries.
1.Weight Gain
Fast food coupled with a sedentary lifestyle will lead us towards definite weight gain and obesity. Fast food contains large amounts of carbohydrates and low amounts of fiber. These carbs are converted into glucose which increases the blood sugar level in our bodies. This in turn leads to the production of insulin. When the body has to constantly keep the blood sugar levels in check, it may tend to become ineffective in the long run leading to weight gain and other problems like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
2. Lack Of Nutrients
It is also well known that fast food lacks enormously in nutritive value. Most fast foods have excessive added sugar, sodium and trans fat. These components may make your food taste superb but they are highly detrimental for your health. Your body can afford to ingest these components on occasion but by subjecting your body to a constant supply, you might just end up digging your own grave.
3. Constipation
What goes in, must come out. But what happens when it doesn’t? Very few things feel as bad as being constipated. Irregular bowel movements might end up upsetting your entire day. The lack of fiber content in fast foods is the biggest causative agent of constipation and also results in a slow metabolism. Consumption of alcohol and caffeine makes constipation worse when you’re already on a fast food diet.
4. Decline Of Mental Health And Depression
People usually do not associate mental health with their food intake but the two are not mutually exclusive. Felice Jacka, President of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research says: “A very large body of evidence exists that suggests diet is as important to mental health as it is to physical health. A healthy diet is protective and an unhealthy diet is a risk factor for depression and anxiety.”
5. Skin Conditions
As a result of high amounts of carbohydrates in fast foods, the skin is affected too. Acne breakouts in teens, eczema, skin patches and itchiness or irritation are some of the effects of excessive fast food consumption on skin.
6. High Blood Pressure And High Cholesterol
The high sodium content in fast foods are very dangerous for people with high blood pressure. If the blood pressure levels are not controlled, it could almost be fatal. It also puts extreme stress on the heart and cardiovascular system. Apart from this, eating fast food can increase the level of bad cholesterol in the body.
7. Effects On Dental Health
We all love carbonated drinks with our fast food but studies have shown that sweetened soda can increase the acid content in your body drastically. It can go as far as destroying the enamel in your teeth. Enamel is the protective first layer of our teeth and if that defense is compromised, it could result in the formation of cavities and bacterial infection.
8. Shortness Of Breath And Bloating
The impact of fast food directly on your heart can cause shortness of breath and may even lead to other respiratory conditions like asthma. High sodium content in foods can lead to retention of water in our systems which is one of the reasons we may feel puffy and bloated after consuming fast food.
9. Addictive Nature Of Fast Food
The most fearful effect of fast food is its addictive nature. There is limited evidence showing that a high content of salt and sugar may be addictive but there are studies that show obese people can develop a psychological dependence towards fast food. Stress eating is another factor that if habituated could pose a great threat to the body. Studies have also shown that fast food advertisements, menus and pictorial representations can trigger overeating.
