Fast Food and Health Problems

Fast food has been described as any meal that can be prepared quickly, served and easily available for consumption. Some of the most common fast foods include hamburgers, French fries, pizza and tacos. Fast food is the most accustomed substitute that people choose for when searching for a quick meal to seize while in a hurry. MacDonald’s is one of the largest fast food companies that operate all over the globe. Fast food is the best choice for most of the people since it is relatively inexpensive, convenient and offered with efficient services.

Schlosser provides startling statistics arguing “MacDonald’s feeds more than 48 million daily on fast foods. Furthermore, it is astonishing that out of this, 22 million comprise of teenagers who consume fast foods not knowing that they are shortening their life span” (220). This is exceptionally dumbfounding, given that this number is more than the entire population of some countries in the world. The famous quote by Albert Einstein “the task of humanity is to free themselves” profoundly depicts the aspect that human beings should free themselves from consuming fast foods, instead opt for natural foods.

The recent boom in fast food has been attributed to the fast casual concept, introduction of gourmet pizzas and burgers, as well as the Angus burger popularity. A sizable number of fast food operators are refurbishing their outlets in various cities to ensure that they attract customers and urge them to spend even more cash (Libal 78).  In studying the food industry, it is crucial to comprehend how the cost or price of food impacts on the demand. Besides, most Americans use a third of their budgets to purchase food that is not prepared from their homes. Mostly, the meals comprise fast food or take-away that has high amounts of sugar and saturated fats.

It is quite startling to know that processed foods are mixed with chemicals, and other ingredients that are not natural. This results into adverse effects on the health of humans. As a result of consuming excess fast foods, people end depositing enormous amounts of chemical in their bodies on a daily basis. These preservatives contain chemicals and other components that when taken for a frightfully long time, their consequences on the health consumers are enormous, disastrous and hazardous (Collins 184). Therefore, it is essential to note that, though fast foods provide a quick way to get a meal, the foods are unhealthy and lead to numerous health problems that lead to high mortality rates. This essay will provide an in-depth casual argument on the relationship between fast foods and health problems.

The Effects of Fast Food on Health

Numerous researches on the impact of fast food on health have proved beyond doubt that obesity is the greatest manifestation of consuming junk food. This is attributed to the fact that fast foods contain enormous amounts of fat that accumulate in the body, leading to weight gain. Once an individual becomes obese, the body structure and functioning changes entirely. In so doing, vital organs such as the heart and lungs are exposed to little or no expiratory processes due to lessened physical activity, and this eventually culminates into chronic diseases (Collins 214). As a result of obesity, other complications may arise such as coronary heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and various types of cancers. In addition, obesity as a result of fast foods can lead to mental health conditions, complications in the reproductive health sector such as infertility, sleep apnea, problems in the respiratory systems and lastly diseases that attack the liver and the gall bladder.

Excessive consumption of fast foods has been singled out as the main cause of type 2 diabetes, owing to the low amounts of carbohydrates and high sugar levels in the foods. Medical doctors argue that the consumption of a lot of sugar affects the metabolism levels, thus putting the body under so much stress (Schlosser 235). Besides, it is a fact that most of the fast foods lack the complex carbohydrates required by the body, thus making it difficult to maintain adequate sugar levels. In the long run, the ability of the pancreases to produce insulin becomes is overstretched, hence making it difficult for the body to function. This explains why people crave for sugar and end up consuming fast foods.

The propensity of the heart and liver problems has been linked to too much consumption of fast foods. Research has shown that most fast foods contain high levels of sodium and fats that augment blood cholesterol levels, hence leading to heart diseases. Furthermore, Libal observes “increased intake of cholesterol that is found in fast foods is highly hazardous to the human health since cholesterol molecules attach themselves on the arteries of the body” (156). This leads to clogging of arteries and thickening of blood vessels. As a result, people end up suffering from high blood pressure that is occasioned by obstruction of blood flow. Therefore, excessive consumption of fast foods can lead to blood failure as a result of blockage of arteries.

A study conducted on campus students at the University of Wisconsin, School of Public Health found that 60% of students who consumed fast foods were more likely to suffer from depression as opposed to those who were not regular consumers (Schlosser 215). This is because, fast foods have been found to be lacking in omega 3s, antioxidants and foliate; which are vital components for a stable mental health. Besides, research has supported this assertion, citing that most fast foods contain stabilizers, sweeteners, flavors, emulsifiers and preservatives that affect the mental functioning and well-being of an individual

Conclusion

Most of the nutritionists all over the world commonly agree that avoiding lots of fast foods has numerous positive attributes. Research has evidently showed that an average household in America is likely to save $8,000 annually, just by switching from fast foods to natural or homemade foods. Besides, natural homemade foods are highly nutritious and contain no additives or chemicals. In the world over, doctors and medical experts advance the fact that, eating lots of natural food protects one from weight related disorders such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and hypertension among other diseases.

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