fast food is unhealthy essay

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• v.12(5); Sep-Oct 2018

The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Food *

The fundamental concern as we look to reform health in America is the known reality that most chronic diseases that afflict Americans are predominantly lifestyle induced; and the belief is that the vast majority of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people were willing to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors. In addition, healthy lifestyles would impact a significant number of cancers which are also believed to be related to lifestyle exposures, especially to obesity, cigarettes, and other toxins.

Over the past 50 years, the health of Americans has gotten worse, and now 71% of Americans are overweight or obese—not 66%, which was reported 5 years ago. 1 That means a staggering 100 million people in America are obese. Today, eating processed foods and fast foods may kill more people prematurely than cigarette smoking. 2

Authorities determined the 71% figure by classifying people with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m 2 as overweight or obese. Yet in long-lived societies such as in the “Blue Zones” (Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica; and Loma, Linda California) and wherever we find groups of centenarians, we observe a healthy BMI below 23 kg/m 2 , not 25 kg/m 2 . If we use above 23 kg/m 2 as the demarcation for overweight or obesity, then we find that 88% of Americans are overweight. And out of the approximately 10% that are of normal weight, the majority of those so-called “normal weight individuals” are either cigarette smokers, or suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction or dependency, autoimmune disease, occult cancers, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and other illnesses that lower their body weight. Therefore, perhaps that only about 5% of the American population is at a normal weight as a result of eating healthy and living a healthy life. A recent study documented that only 2.7% of Americans adopt a relatively healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with healthy eating. 3 The Standard American Diet (SAD) is clearly not a healthy diet.

I use the term “Fast Food Genocide” because most don’t understand the depth and breadth of the harm as a large segment of our society eats a diet worse than the dangerous SAD. Many people recognize that junk food, fast food, processed food, white flour, sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, and all the junk people are eating contribute to in obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, dementia and cancer, but many don’t realize the strong causative role an unhealthy diet may have in mental illness. Currently, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from a psychiatric disorder. And many people don’t realize the harm that processed foods have on Americans living in urban areas where they don’t have easy access to whole, fresh foods.

These unfortunate folks live in what we call “food deserts,” with reduced availability to fresh fruits and vegetables. Because of the limited access to supermarkets, they eat more unhealthy fast and processed foods and end up having 7 times the risk of early-life stroke (before age 45), putting people in nursing homes in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. 4 - 7

The vulnerable poor in these areas also have double the risk of heart attack, double the risk of diabetes, and 4 times the risk of renal failure 8 - 10 ; Unfortunately, the decrease in life span due to food inequality is shocking but rarely discussed. A substantial proportion of people in these urban environments are overweight, prediabetic, or fully diabetic. Researchers determined that compared with other areas in America with easy access to supermarket food, that the YPLL (Years of Potential Life Lost) for an overweight diabetic living in a zone classified as a food desert was a shocking 45 years! 11 , 12

A link may even exist between fast food, processed food, commercial baked goods, and sweets and destruction of brain cell and a lowering of intelligence. Candy and sweetened baked goods may even stimulate the brain in an addictive fashion, which can lead to more serious illnesses.

The nutritional fundamentals accepted by the World Health Organization and most nutritional authorities today include vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fruit as healthy foods; and salt, saturated fat, and excess sugar as disease causing. Excessive amounts of animal products may lead to premature aging, increased risk of chronic disease and higher all-cause mortality. Multiple studies have been published on hundreds of thousands of people, followed for decades showing that the objective endpoint of death is increased with higher amounts of animal product consumption. 13 - 17 Furthermore, refined carbohydrates may not just lead to being overweight and diabetic but also contribute to dementia, mental illness, and cancer. 18 - 21 There is considerable evidence today that heart disease is not only promoted by saturated fat and increased animal products but also by refined carbohydrates, including white rice, white bread, sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar. 22 - 25

Research has shown that excess calories shorten lifespan, whereas moderate caloric restriction slows the aging process and protects the body and brain. Americans consume more calories than any other population; and they consume foods, many of which have minimal or no nutritional value (soda and alcohol as examples). So let’s consider the individual who is consuming 50 excess calories per day. What will be the short- and long-term result? Fifty excess calories per day, over and above your basic metabolic needs, over a 10-year period, adds about 50 pounds of extra body weight. The excess weight increases the risk of multiple chronic illnesses, cancers, and also takes many years of life away from the individual simply as a result of consuming only 50 calories a day too many.

Conversely, if an individual consumed 50 calories a day less that their metabolic requirements what would happen then? Would he or she become too thin, anorexic, and unhealthy? Would their bones fall apart? Obviously not! When you moderately caloric-restrict, even a small amount such as 50 to 100 calories a day, weight remains about the same, the person is slim, not too thin, and healthy. He or she will have a lower body fat percentage, and the skeletal mass, bones, and muscle mass are strong. In this scenario, the metabolic rate would slow down accordingly. The respiratory quotient, (the number of calories lost through respiration) would decrease, the body temperature would lower, and thyroid function would decrease slightly, all lowering the metabolic rate, which overall may result in a slowing of the aging process. The secret to a long life and freedom from chronic disease may be simply to moderately reduce calories in order to slow down our metabolic rate. The only behavior proven scientifically to dramatically increase life span in every species of animals, including primates, is to lower caloric intake while maintaining an environment of micronutrient adequacy, assuring that we have exposure to every micronutrient humans need. The American diet is also deficient in antioxidants and phytochemicals that are needed for normal immune function, for maximizing brain health, protecting against dementia, chronic illness, cancer, and premature aging.

A nutritarian diet is designed to establish excellent micronutrient intake without excess calories . A nutritarian diet is designed to help prolong human life span, decrease the risk of cancer, and keep the brain functioning well for many years. This principle is represented by the equation I use: H = N /C, which means your healthy life expectancy (H) is proportional to the micronutrient (N) per calorie intake (C) over your life span. This means that we are encouraged to seek out foods that are rich in nutrients. We should try to limit or exclude empty-calorie foods and drinks. We should also limit or avoid calorically dense foods, and not eat for recreation or when we are not hungry.

A nutritarian diet is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. It is a vegetable-based, utilizing a wide assortment of colorful vegetables, root vegetables, green vegetables, peas, beans, mushrooms, onions, nuts, seeds, and some intact whole grains. While the standard American diet and most traditional diets are grain-based and lack sufficient exposure to the broad spectrum of antioxidants and phytochemicals (with their anticancer effects), it is important to note that not all plant-based diets are equally cancer-protective. As an example, a rice-heavy, macrobiotic diet limits phytochemical diversity, and brown rice produced in this country is contaminated with arsenic, extensively documented by Consumer Reports and white rice is refined, high glycemic food, and therefore not a healthy starch.

In comparison, the SAD is almost the opposite of a nutritarian diet. Over 55% of the SAD’s calories are processed foods, and about 33% of calories come from animal products. If we are looking at the amount of fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) consumed in America, the food consumption data reports about 10%; but in actuality, it is less than 5%, because they include French fries and ketchup in the definition of “produce!” The point here is that processed foods such as bread, pasta, salad oil, mayonnaise, doughnuts, cookies, rice cakes, breakfast bars, chips, soda, candy, and popcorn do not contain a significant micronutrient benefit. A piece of chicken is like a bagel, because they are both rich sources of macronutrients (calories), but neither one contains the necessary amounts of micronutrients, especially the antioxidants and phytochemicals only found in plants.

The high glycemic white flour products with added sweetening agents, flood the bloodstream with glucose without fiber, nutrients, or phytochemicals; and these baked goods are also high in acrylamides and advanced glycation end-products, further increasing the glycoproteins in our tissues. The resulting spike in glucose leads to abnormally high amounts of insulin, which will also promote angiogenesis, which fuels the growth of fat cells, increases cellular replication and tumor growth. The liberal amount of animal protein (including chicken which many incorrectly believe is the more healthy meat) consumed by most Americans promotes excessive insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1), making a synergistic “sandwich” of insulin and IGF-1, which may accelerate aging of the brain, interfere with cellular detoxification and repair, and promote cancer. 26 The SAD has created a nutritional disaster and a significant health crisis that will not be solved by governmental “health care reform.”

Now when we think about “fast food” we’re not just referring to the food in fast food restaurants. Fast foods include chips, soda, cookies, candy, breakfast cereals, bars, French fries, burgers, pizza, white flour baked goods, and all other high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that people often eat multiple times per day. These are processed foods and for many, are the primary source of calories. These fast foods have certain characteristics: They can be accessed easily and quickly; they don’t need to be prepared; they come out of a bag or box ready to go right into your mouth. You can eat them rapidly and they’re absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream. These fast foods typically contain multiple chemicals and synthetic ingredients. They are calorically dense, highly flavored, and nutritionally barren. Fast foods typically contain extra corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, coloring agents, and other potentially disease promoting chemicals.

When calories flood the bloodstream rapidly they have dramatic biological effects. Let’s compare 200 calories of white bread to 200 calories of beans. The white bread would be metabolized into simple sugars (glucose) which enters the bloodstream in 5 to 10 minutes. This requires a rapid increase in insulin; and the rapid insulin response will remain for hours. On the other hand, the carbohydrates from beans will take much more time to be digested and, as a result these calories enter the bloodstream slowly. Essentially, the calories will trickle in over hours. When eating beans, a small amount of glucose enters the blood each minute and therefore you won’t need much of an insulin response to deal with this amount of sugar. As mentioned above, the buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accelerates aging and chronic disease. 27 , 28 When a diabetic suffers from kidney failure, blindness, or a leg amputation, a major causative factor is the buildup of AGEs in the tissues. Interestingly, these same glycated end-products and glycoproteins build up in the tissues of people who are not diabetic but who continually expose themselves to excess sugar and white flour products.

Next, it is important to understand that oils are also processed foods. When consumed, oil enters the bloodstream rapidly similar to high glycemic carbohydrates. Anything cooked in oil should be considered a fast food. Beans, nuts, and seeds are whole foods whose calories are absorbed gradually over hours. In contrast, the calories from oil are absorbed rapidly, and are largely empty calories (with insignificant micronutrients and no fiber)—a combination that leads to obesity, disease, and premature aging.

If I set up a buffet dinner and I asked all the guests to form 2 lines and then gave everyone on the right side a tablespoon of olive oil, and each of those on the left side an apple to consume while they were waiting in line, those who ate the 65-calorie apple will generally eat 65 less calories from the buffet. But those who had the 120-calorie tablespoon of oil will not usually consume 120 calories less. The oil contains neither fiber, nor micronutrients and contains nothing to decrease the appestat. A matter of fact, if you put oil on food, it may actually increase one’s appetite. Not only will these individuals not eat fewer calories—they will eat even more than the 120 calories from the oil. 29 When added or mixed into food, oil drives overeating behavior.

Nutrients and fiber are needed to control the appestat, so you consume a healthy amount of calories. My experience has demonstrated with thousands of patients, the more nutrient and fiber dense your diet becomes the lower your drive to overeat. 30 This is extremely important, because even a moderate amount of extra fat on the body induces more rapid aging and increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A mild degree of caloric restriction becomes comfortable and achievable when the diet is high in micronutrients and fiber. When you have enough micronutrients and fiber in your diet, you don’t feel driven to overeat. But when you don’t have enough micronutrients and fiber in your diet, you become a food-craving, overeating machine.

Even worse is what happens when you eat food fried in oil because fried food may create carcinogenic and mutagenic aldehydes. 31 Food that is fried such as in a fast food restaurant is usually cooked in oil that has been heated and used multiple times. One serving of French fries or fried chicken that is cooked in a fast food restaurant has 100 times the level of aldehydes designated as safe by the World Health Organization. Even the fumes are so toxic they increase the risk of cancer. People working in restaurants that fry the food, or those working in a movie theater making popcorn, have a heighted risk of lung and other cancers, even if they don’t eat any of the fried foods. 32

The explosion of fast food restaurants has significantly increased the intake of fried foods, and people are now eating 1000 times the amount of soybean oil compared with the early 1900s. 33 Humans never ate 400 calories of oil a day the way people do in America, especially in the Southern states—which are known for the highest stroke and heart attack rates in the world. 34 When you use nuts and seeds as your source of fat as opposed to oil, we see the opposite effect.

The Physician’s Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study, Iowa Women’s Health Study, the Adventist Health Study—any study with large numbers of people followed for decades—demonstrates the relationship between nut and seed consumption and longer life span. We always have to give more credence to clinical research studies that involve large numbers of people followed over decades using objective endpoints such as mortality. When you do that, you find that people who consume nuts and seeds regularly have lower cancer rates, lower cardiovascular death rates, lower sudden cardiac death, less irregular heartbeats, and an increase in life span.

A 2015 meta-analysis that included over 44 000 deaths demonstrated an almost 40% decrease in cardiovascular mortality for people eating nuts and seeds regularly (one serving a day). The European PreviMed study, which randomized 7216 individuals to nuts or olive oil as part of a Mediterranean diet showed a 39% decrease in all-cause mortality in the nut eaters. 35

When we look at the health implications of animal protein we should compare this type of nutrition with plant-based proteins, especially when an individual has cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, or even cancer. When your protein comes from beans, nuts, seeds, and greens, the body more gradually assimilates a complete array of amino acids to make functional proteins and hormones, keeping IGF-1 production much lower. Adequate amounts of plant protein keep IGF-1 in that moderate range, between 100 and 175, which is where it should be. The average American’s IGF-1 level is around 225, which is a level which has been linked to cancer promotion. When we eat a variety of plants, we get a full balance of amino acids, which slowly enter the blood—and we also digest some of the bacteria in the digestive track and some of the cells that slough off of the villi endothelium, enabling the utilization of partially incomplete plant proteins, now made complete. Conversely, when you eat large portions of meat, eggs, or cheese, the amino acid mix enters the bloodstream faster and because it is already biologically complete, it stimulates excessive amounts of IGF-1, again increasing the risk of cancer. 36 - 43

The average American consumes 10 to 20 ounces a day of animal products, whereas the safe level of consumption is likely less than 10 ounces per week . My estimate of 10% of calories as an upper limit of safe consumption is for a person with favorable genetics and is still likely more animal products than ideal for the nonelderly adults. It may be the case that under 5% of calories from animal products would be more ideal for life span and for facilitating disease reversal. Of course, any diet designed to optimize health should include a broad array of colorful plants with phytochemicals and antioxidants, which have been shown to increase life span and prevent cancer.

The animal products served at fast food restaurants are making the health of the population much worse, creating dangerous carcinogens from the food being grilled, barbecued, and fried at high temperatures. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats (hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and lunch meats) a class 1 carcinogen. AGEs are also highest in barbecued and fried animal products which also contain cancer-causing chemicals such as heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and lipid peroxidases, which are mutagenic.

There are 2 phases of the digestive cycle: the anabolic phase, when you are eating and digesting, and the catabolic phase, when digestion has ceased. When you are eating and digesting food, the body turns those calories into stored glycogen, increasing fat storage and the storage of waste. During this phase of the digestive cycle, growth hormones and fat storage hormones are activated.

When your body is finished digesting, you enter the catabolic phase, where the stored glycogen and fat are utilized for energy. This is the phase when your body can most effectively detoxify and enhance cellular repair. It is the time when the liver and kidneys work together to remove aldehydes, AGEs, and other toxic metabolites. Repair and healing is enhanced during the catabolic phase when you are not eating food.

Most Americans have made their bodies so toxic, that when they enter the catabolic phase of the digestive cycle, they feel uncomfortable. That means they feel fatigue, headache, stomach cramping or fluttering, anxiety, or other uncomfortable symptoms when they stop digesting food and the body starts to mobilize waste and repair the damage. They typically interpret these symptoms as hunger or low blood sugar, because they feel better if they eat again—even though there is no biological need for calories at this time; and so they just get fatter and sicker. Every addiction has a “high” during the caloric rush and a “low” during withdrawal and repair from the disease-causing diet and resultant metabolic wastes and toxins that accrue from it. The American diet results in withdrawal symptoms and discomfort which promotes overeating and too-frequent eating. The lower the quality of the food consumed, the more discomfort felt when not eating and digesting, which makes it very difficult to maintain a healthy body weight.

If you’re healthy and eating nutritious food, you feel nothing when you enter the catabolic phase, with no desire to eat again until glycogen stores are nearly exhausted. True hunger is a mild sensation felt in the throat and base of the neck. True hunger heightens taste sensitivity too, making eating more pleasurable. True hunger directs when you should eat and therefore it’s more difficult to become overweight if you pay attention to the signs your body sends to your brain. Being overweight requires eating outside of the demands of true hunger, either recreationally or because of withdrawal symptoms from improper eating, stimulating the overconsumption of calories.

Enhanced detoxification—reduction of metabolic waste, aldehydes, and AGEs—occurs most effectively in the catabolic phase. That means the longer you live in the catabolic phase of the digestive cycle, the longer you live. If you finish dinner earlier or have a lighter dinner, and you have a 13-hour window between the end of dinner and the start of breakfast, you are going to live longer. A recent study had women with breast cancer followed for 10 years and found that those who finished dinner earlier and had a 13-hour window before the start of breakfast had a 26% reduction in the risk of death or recurrence from breast cancer. 44 , 45 The increased nighttime window was also linked to improved glycemic control and a lower HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin). They had no better diet, no different number of calories, no better food; they just finished dinner earlier.

The goal for excellent health is to eat as infrequently as possible. Many people believe just the opposite and eat frequent small meals that increase endothelial dysfunction leading to an increased risk for arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In addition, all the fad diets encourage people to make the wrong choices about what and when to eat. Many suggest the use of frequent high-protein meals so as not to feel the effects of normal detoxification. When the digestive track is continually busy, it results in accelerated aging.

Processed and fast foods are also high in salt. The fast and processed food manufacturers don’t just put salt on the French fries and on the meat, they also put salt in the French fry batter and inside the chopped meat. They also include high fructose corn syrup in most foods. The added fat, sugar, and salt create a taste that makes people crave these foods, a sensation that many describe as an addiction. Both sugar and salt intake increase stroke risk, especially when consumed daily for years. Additionally, what is generally not appreciated is that the regular consumption of artificially sweetened soda creates more of a stroke risk. 46 High salt does not merely raise blood pressure; it also causes microvascular hemorrhaging, which damages the interior walls of the blood vessels in the brain and increases permeability and the propensity for hemorrhagic stroke. 47 , 48

Over the past 30 years, we’ve also seen an explosion of diabetes in Japan, Korea, and China, occurring at a lower body weight than we typically see in America, likely because the cumulative effects of eating more fast food, more oil and sugar, along with all of the white rice (a refined, high glycemic food), which they already had in their diet.

We know that people have the power to change when significant effort and attention is directed to the problems at hand. With good information, emotional support, increased food availability and food preparation instruction, we have found people enthused and willing to work together for change. They don’t have to be convinced of the tragic dangers of fast food; they see the obesity, diabetes, leg amputations, strokes, and blindness all around them. But if people don’t have good information, then they don’t have a choice. If they don’t have access to healthy, affordable food, and they don’t know how to make it taste good, then they are not given a chance to change.

The goal for physicians and other health care professionals is to work to transform America’s inner cities into zones of nutritional excellence. Our nation’s pride and heritage are based on the equal opportunity to achieve the American dream of prosperity and happiness. This critical information needs to be spread and put into action by community activists, teachers, educators, celebrities, health professionals, athletes, and politicians. The more people who know the critical importance of eating healthfully, and the more they take a stand, the greater the effect will be on transforming the health of all in America. By working together, we can save millions of lives.

Acknowledgments

This work was presented at Lifestyle Medicine 2017, October 22-25; Tucson, AZ.

Authors’ Note: The opinions presented in this article are those of the author and may not represent those of the Guest Editor, Editor, or the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding: The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Ethical Approval: Not applicable, because this article does not contain anystudies with human or animal subjects.

Informed Consent: Not applicable, because this article does not contain anystudies with human or animal subjects.

Trial Registration: Not applicable, because this article does not contain anyclinical trials.

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Cause and Effect of Fast Food: the Impact on Health and Society

Table of contents, causes of fast food consumption, effects on physical well-being, cultural and societal impact, economic considerations, promoting healthier lifestyles, conclusion: balancing convenience and health.

• Ludwig, D. S., Peterson, K. E., & Gortmaker, S. L. (2001). Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: a prospective, observational analysis. The Lancet, 357(9255), 505-508.
• Malik, V. S., Pan, A., Willett, W. C., & Hu, F. B. (2013). Sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98(4), 1084-1102.
• Story, M., Kaphingst, K. M., Robinson-O'Brien, R., & Glanz, K. (2008). Creating healthy food and eating environments: policy and environmental approaches. Annual Review of Public Health, 29, 253-272.
• Stuckler, D., McKee, M., Ebrahim, S., & Basu, S. (2012). Manufacturing epidemics: the role of global producers in increased consumption of unhealthy commodities including processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco. PLOS Medicine, 9(6), e1001235.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity. WHO Press.

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Causes and Effects of Fast Food: Essay Example

Essay about fast food: introduction, causes of fast food: essay body paragraph, effects of fast food: essay body paragraph, fast food causes and effects: conclusion, reference list.

Food is an integral part of any culture and society around the globe. Until the last century, most people used to eat fresh, home-cooked food. Eating was a process that required specific preparations. However, now, we see that they prefer to eat fast food such as pizza, hamburgers, or fried chicken.

These fast-food restaurants have become common on our streets, and people of all ages visit them. The popularity of these restaurants has increased internationally. There are many reasons why fast food has become popular, and fast food also has some serious effects on humans and society.

The basic question is, what made fast food so popular this last century? One answer would be that the change in lifestyle compared to before is a cause for this. It pushes workers or people to eat fast food than cook food themselves.

For instance, two working parents are a good example of this. Due to their jobs, they do not have time to cook for their children or even themselves. As a consequence, they find it easier to order from these fast food restaurants rather than cook. That is why they favor fast food over their own cooked food.

Another cause of fast food usage is long working hours, which may also lead people to eat outside the home. There are many fast-food businesses in our cities. Some are McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc. We can make a long list with hundreds of names from these restaurants.

During the last couple of years, we saw a lot of advertisements and promotions for those restaurants. Nevertheless, there still remains a question of why they spend to promote ineffective food. What are the reasons for this? The answer is that fast food is easy to cook. It does not take long to cook, and it is readily available. The shareholders of these businesses have their own goals, that of the profits they get from these restaurants.

Above, we have seen the causes that may have led to the flourishing of the fast-food industry. However, what is more important, is its effects on society and human beings. The primary effect that fast food has on human beings is that it can get your health in danger status. First, fast food can cause vitamin deficiencies that may, in turn, help to cause diseases.

Obesity is one of the consequences of fast food on the human body. Obesity comes because fast food is the factor that enriches the body with fats. So people will become less healthy, less effective, and less productive, and this is the conclusion of obesity (Adams, 2007, pp. 155).

Another serious effect of the popularity of fast food presences is the loss of the family tradition of eating together. The family used to eat together, and thus they had the opportunity to talk with each other about daily problems.

Fast food also affects the income of the family. The conclusion is that fast food is more expensive than the food you cook for yourself.

In conclusion, it can be said that fast food has been born out of the modern way of living in our societies. Unfortunately, its effects on the human body and health are unfavorable. It also has other adverse effects on the income of a family. It would be best to avoid eating fast foods as much as possible.

Adams, C., 2007. Reframing the obesity debate: McDonald’s role may surprise you. Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, no. 35: pp. 154-157.

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Essay on Effects of Fast Food on Health

Students are often asked to write an essay on Effects of Fast Food on Health in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Effects of Fast Food on Health

Introduction.

Fast food is popular because it’s convenient and tasty. But, it’s often unhealthy.

Nutritional Content

Fast food is high in calories, salt, and unhealthy fats. It lacks important nutrients like vitamins and fiber.

Obesity Risk

Eating too much fast food can lead to weight gain. This increases the risk of obesity, a serious health problem.

Heart Problems

Fast food’s high fat and salt content can contribute to heart problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease.

250 Words Essay on Effects of Fast Food on Health

Fast food, a staple in today’s hurried society, is often blamed for a variety of health issues. Its impact on health is multifaceted, affecting not only physical well-being but also mental health.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Fast foods are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium while being low in essential nutrients. These nutritional imbalances can lead to deficiencies, which manifest as fatigue, poor concentration, and weakened immune system.

Obesity and Related Diseases

The high calorie content of fast food contributes to obesity, a global health crisis. Obesity, in turn, increases the risk of serious diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Mental Health Implications

Recent research suggests a link between fast food consumption and mental health issues. High sugar and fat content may contribute to depression, while the lack of essential nutrients can exacerbate anxiety and mood disorders.

While fast food offers convenience, its health effects are far-reaching. As consumers, we must make informed choices about our dietary habits, balancing convenience with health. As a society, we must advocate for healthier fast food options and improved nutritional education.

500 Words Essay on Effects of Fast Food on Health

The nutritional profile of fast food.

Fast food is notorious for its high caloric content, saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar, while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This skewed nutritional profile contributes to the onset of various health issues.

Obesity and Fast Food

One of the most visible effects of fast food consumption is the rise in obesity rates. The high energy density of fast food, combined with its palatability, promotes overeating. This chronic energy surplus leads to weight gain and obesity. Obesity, in turn, is a risk factor for numerous health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Fast Food and Cardiovascular Health

Impact on digestive and metabolic health.

Fast food’s low fiber content affects digestive health, leading to conditions like constipation and diverticular disease. Also, the high sugar content can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown a direct correlation between the frequency of fast food consumption and the risk of developing these metabolic disorders.

Effects on Mental Health

Emerging research suggests that fast food may also affect mental health. Diets high in fat and sugar can cause alterations in brain chemistry that lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, the blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with high-sugar fast foods can cause mood swings and impair cognitive function.

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Fast Food Industry: Arguments for and Against Essay

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Executive Summary

Introduction, managing expectations, managing perceptions, evaluations, list of references.

The fast food industry has experienced massive growth over the last one decade. Health experts have linked foods offered in this industry to the increasing lifestyle diseases. They argue that the industry subjects people to junk foods, causing serious health concerns in the society. Some members of the society have also associated fast food industry with a lot of social evils that make them believe that the industry should be strictly regulated through government policies. However, it is unfair to associate all the lifestyle diseases such as coronary complications and diabetes to the industry. Every type of food has its negative effects when it is consumed in large quantities. What needs to be done is to increase awareness campaigns about dangers of overconsumption of some types of food.

The role played by this industry is so vital that it would be unreasonable to propose punitive regulatory policies against it. There are those who depend a lot on this industry. Some people believe that they get maximum variety of foods they need from the fast food stores. A standard McDonald’s store will have a variety of meals to choose from, making them very popular with the youth. This industry is also known for its innovative nature. We need to promote healthy eating among members of the society. When we visit fast food stores, we should ask for healthy foods that do not pose any health risks to us. It would be okay to take some of the delicacies such as fried chicken once in a while, but it should not form the basic dish in the daily menu.

Fast food industry has experienced a massive growth over the last two decades in various countries across the world. McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Burger King, and Domino’s Pizza are some of the leading fast food restaurants that have managed to expand their operations beyond their local market. However, there has been a raging debate about the benefits and negative consequences of this industry. The controversy has been on the health consequences of the industry against some of the benefits it offers. While a section of the society believes that this industry is very beneficial, especially to those who have limited time to prepare their own meals, another section has been complaining about some of the negative health consequences and financial impact this industry has on people.

The arguments against fast food industry are just as strong as the argument for it. It is important to analyze specific facts that are put forth by the group opposed to it, and those who are in support in order to determine the relevance of the industry (Carney 1995, p. 66). Basing our arguments on business ethics, this research will analyze benefits of this industry against the negative consequences it has on people.

In a piece of research, it is always important to be able to manage expectations of the audience in order to improve chances that they will accept the findings of the research. According to Schlosser (2012, p. 25), the society is highly diversified, and when approaching specific issues, people are likely to take sides based on their feelings about the issues. Their feelings will define their expectations. For instance, those who believe that fast food industry is beneficial to them and other members of the society will expect the findings of this research to be in support of their beliefs. On the other hand, those who are opposed to the industry will expect this report to give strong points that will be against the industry.

Each of the two sides has its own reasons why it takes a specific stand on the issue, and this must be respected. However, both sides must appreciate that in research work such as this one, there will be a need to take a stand based on the findings that will be made. The findings will form the basis of evidence that will advice whether the report will support or reject specific point of reasoning.

Different people have different perceptions towards fast food industry. There are those who believe a mention of fast food industry means such delicacies as fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, and those other fancy foods that they enjoy taking along the city streets (Cate 2011, p. 69). This group therefore, associates this industry with fun, and it may be difficult to change their perception from this. It may be difficult to convince them that the fun they generate from such food may pose some threats to their health. On the other hand, there are those who believe that this industry is the main reason why countries like Qatar, the United States, and the United Kingdom is spending a lot in the health sector.

These extreme perceptions must be managed so that they can appreciate that in one way or the other, they may be wrong. Before getting into the evaluation of different scholarly opinions, it is strongly suggested that those who have strong beliefs over the issue should take a break and appreciate that they could be wrong. This way, it becomes easy to open a fair ground of debates over the issue.

Fast food industry has been in existence for some time now, and the recent statistics shows that it is expanding at an unprecedented rate. According to Jakle and Sculle (2002, p. 45), fast food stores have outmuscled conventional hotels that was popular before, both in the developing and developed countries. Hotels are currently considered a preserve for the rich, or those on tours. Despite massive campaigns by the medical fraternity and other members of society against fast foods, there have been no indications that people are willing to withdraw from eating such foods. They continue to ignore for reasons they believe are justifiable enough. It would be important to analyze specific reasons that make them support or denounce this industry.

Arguments for the Fast Food Industry

According to Smith (2006, p. 55), fast food industry is one of the fastest developing industries not only in the developed nations but also in the developing world. This scholar argues that for the last one decade, there has been over 70% growth of this industry worldwide. Travelers find it easy to pope into fast food stores, and so do those at work or in a picnic within the city or city suburbs. This research sought to identify specific benefits that people get from this industry, making it one of the most robust industries in many countries around the world. One of the reasons that have been cited as the reason for the growth of this industry is its convenience. In the current economy, most people find themselves working in town settings. As a result of the pressure that employers have on their employees, it becomes difficult for people to find time to rush home for lunch.

In some cases, some of these employees only have one hour or less to get their lunch. Scherer (2010, p. 53) says that ,it is during such breaks that these employees get some little time to address some personal issues, or complete some assignments that they were not able to do, just to ensure that they can beat their deadlines. For this group, what they need most is a convenient location that is near their offices, and can offer foods they need within the shortest time possible.

Such locations are definitely not hotels where they will have to wait for over 45 minutes for their meals to be ready. Fast foods offer a perfect solution to this group. With a list of foods that are always ready such as fried chicken and hamburgers, customers get to be served in less than five minutes. It would take them another five to ten munities to take such meals, and less than two minutes to pay the bill. This means that in less than twenty minutes, one would have taken lunch and would be ready to go back to their work stations (Emerson1979, p. 88). This is one of the main reasons why this industry has experienced tremendous growth.

According to Johansen (2012, p. 87), the friendly prices that fast foods offer must have been the main source of attraction, especially among the middle class people. With the ever increasing cost of living, people are looking for alternatives that would cost them less as compared to other alternatives. Smith (2012, p. 78) says that a meal that costs $ 180 in a standard hotel may probably cost $ 60 or $ 70 in some of the fast food outlets. The middle class is very sensitive about the cost they have to pay for various products. Such a massive difference in price would easily make them be drawn to fast food stores. Given the fact that they have to eat in such outlets for at least five times a week, they easily find it economical to eat at the fast food stores.

A section of the society believes that they get maximum variety of foods they need from the fast food stores. For instance, a standard McDonald’s store will have a variety of meals to choose from, making them very popular with the youth. This industry is also known for its innovative nature. While hotels tend to be conservative by preparing only those meals that are known to their customers, fast food outlets always try to bring something new into their menu. This way, they get to present a variety of meals to their customers. Some of these customers like the experience of having new types of food every time they visit these stores. This makes them anticipate for more new products on every visit they make. This has seen many people, especially the youth, flock in fast food stores.

The societal structure is changing, and some of the roles that were associated with a specific gender, have to be redefined in an environment where both parents are bread winners. The notion that women were supposed to take care of children and home, while men look for family bread is no longer in existence. Women are currently as active in the corporate world just as their male counterparts. They leave their houses in the morning, and come back in the evening as tired as their husbands. It becomes difficult for them to go to the kitchen and prepare meals for the family. Such families have found their solace in the fast food industry (Rosoman 2008, p. 97).

On their way home from work, they can easily walk into a fast food outlet and buy a complete meal for the entire family. This way, they do not have to subject themselves to a tedious task of preparing meals once they get home. Given the friendly pricing of most of the fast food stores, they find it easy to manage their budget easily, while still ensuring that every family member is pleased with the meals they get. Fast food stores have been viewed as a symbol of diversity that we currently have in our society.

The world has been turned into a global village, and it is easy to find people from various corners of the world staying within a small part of town within this country. Qatar, just like the United States, has been attracting many visitors from all parts of the world. With such diversity comes the need to have food outlets that will offer a variety of food products that would meet the diversified needs. Most of the hotels prefer sticking to specific types of food that are popular within a given region. However, giant fast food stores such McDonald’s will find it easy to prepare a variety of meals as long as there is a ready market for these foods.

This not only make such stores convenient for people, but they also act as forums where members of the society get to appreciate the diversity they have in the country. Such social forums encourage integrations among people of different cultural settings. This makes the industry an integral part of the society whose role goes beyond offering meals, but also fostering peace and unity among people from different cultural backgrounds.

Arguments against the Fast Food Industry

Fast food industry has been viewed as one of the leading health concerns in the current society. Some members of the society have also associated fast food industry with a lot of social evils that make them believe that the industry should be eliminated through government policies. It would be necessary to analyze some of the specific claims that have been made against this industry to determine if they are relevant.

According to Dalgleish (2006, p. 67), most of the foods offered in the fast food industry are associated with a series of health problem. The fast food industry offer junk food that many people prefer simply because of their tastes or the belief that they are cheap. The deep-fried chicken or meat, the hamburgers, and such other related foods are rich in calories. When taken regularly, such calories may accumulate in the body leading to serious health consequences.

Currently, the leading causes of death in the United States are the coronary related problems. Other lifestyle diseases such as diabetes are also on the rise. These diseases are directly related to the kind of meals we take, and that is why many health experts have associated them with the fast food outlets. Foods offered in these stores also pose other health problems to the innocent population (Duram 2010, p. 47). As the name suggest, most of the meals at such stores take very a short period of time to be prepared. For example, meat would be fried within the shortest period possible because of the large number of customers that have to be served.

This means that if that particular meat had some infections, then it would be easily consumed by people, a fact that puts their lives into a great danger. The main problem is that the victims do not appreciate that they are subject to some serious health problems that may affect their lifestyle. They know that these risks exist, but prefer to live in denial. This may require some interventions from the government to make the players in this industry comply with some of the standards that should be set by relevant governmental agencies on health.

Fast food industry is one of the strongest forces that lead to distortion of the traditional family structure. According to Hargreave and Hill (2001, p. 95), one of the most important moments in a family is during the meal time. It brings together all members of the family at a table, and this helps strengthen family ties. Members of the family may get to discuss other important matters after meals, and this helps in developing strong foundations for children. This way, children develop as responsible members of the society who appreciates social structures. Parents also get to understand their children, and the specific issues that may be affecting them in one way or the other.

Fast food stores are changing this attractive family structure. Parents now know that they can work till late hours, pass by a fast food outlet and buy food for the entire family. When they reach home late at night, children are always too sleepy to engage in any healthy discussion with their parents. They are forced at eat in a hurry so that they can go to bed. The parents also fail to get quality time for each other. They slowly get withdrawn from each other, and the feeling that they do not need each other starts developing in their minds. The man develops the feeling that he can do without the wife because some of the duties he expected her to address can be taken care of by these outlets. This explains why there is a consistent rise in the rates of divorce (Hayes & Laudan 2009, p. 83).

Most of the fast food stores have been associated with human rights abuse and total disregard to some of the labor laws. According to Torelli (2011, p. 77), the law defines that every American is entitled to work for 7-8 hours in a day. Any other extra hours must be treated as overtime, and such overtime must have higher remunerations. However, a recent study by Aaseng (2001, p. 68) shows that some of these fast food stores are not following this regulation. They subject their employees to poor working environment, and some are forced to be on duty for over 12 hours in a day. While some pretend to pay a little higher for the extra hours worked, most of these stores pay a flat rate even for the overtime that employees are subjected to work. In New York, there have been demonstrations by workers in this industry claiming that their rights are being violated.

In Qatar, things are not any different. Most of the fast food stores prefer employing people as casuals. They would lay them off when they realize that they have worked for them long enough to qualify for permanent employment, only to higher them latter as new employees. According to the report by Pendrys (2011, p. 96), this tactic is very common among the leading firms in this industry. In order to perfect this impunity, they have developed a strategy where their employees are paid per day. This is to confirm that they are treating these employees as casuals whose services are only needed at that moment they are within the firm. As Sacco and Schott (2011, p. 86) observe, poor pay that employees receive from their work is one of the reasons why there is social strife in parts of the society. Such cases as industrial actions have negative impact on the economy.

Some of these employees may even consider engaging in criminal acts to help them increase their income to supplement with what they get from these stores. The increasing numbers of people who visit hospital with lifestyle related diseases have overstretched capacities on most hospitals. This has lowered the quality of service delivered at such institutions.

It is clear from the discussion above that there are people who strongly believe that fast food industry is important in the normal developmental processes in our society. On the other hand, another section believes that fast food industry is associated with health problems and other social evils that make it an undesirable industry. These two factions have very strong reasons that make them believe in their stand. However, a review of both sides’ views reveals that there is some truth in what both sides say. It is a fact that some of the foods offered in the fast food outlets are junk, and therefore, pose serious health problems to the users.

These health problems not only affect the victims but also the government and public in general. When many people fall ill with some complex diseases such as heart problems, the government will be forced to spend a lot to take care of this population. Government expenditure on health sector has been increasing over the last one decade. This is closely related to the foods offered by this industry. As mentioned above, some of these foods pose serious health problems to those who consume them.

The government has the responsibility of ensuring that its citizens get access to quality medical care. Given the increasing number of those who visit hospitals with diseases related to their eating disorders, government facilities are overstretched. This makes it difficult to offer them quality healthcare. In the meantime, the number of people who will be working in the government or private institutions will be decreased. This in turn lowers the output level of the society. Ethically, this may be an unacceptable trend that this society may not tolerate.

On the other hand, it is also true that fast food stores have offered a cheap alternative to the middle class who are struggling to make ends meet. These food outlets are conveniently located along the streets, making it easy for the working class to have access to meals during lunch hours without much struggle. This industry has been very supportive to women who have gotten into the corporate world. They can now get ready meals for their families, lessening the burden of having to prepare meals on their own. In order to find a middle ground between these two contradicting arguments, there is need for a rational reasoning.

Everything when taken in excess has its negative consequences. The society needs awareness campaign to let them know the specific foods to eat in moderation to avoid any negative health consequences. This way, the society will know how to eat responsibly. When the demand for food classified as junk by medical experts reduces, these fast food stores will be forced to stock healthy foods.

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Carney, G 1995, Fast food, stock cars, and rock ‘n’ roll: Place and space in American pop culture , Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Lanham. Web.

Cate, A 2011, The fast food detox: The 14-day plan to help you eat clean and get lean , Cengage, New York. Web.

Dalgleish, S 2006, Fast food, Smart Apple Media, North Mankato. Web.

Duram, L 2010, Encyclopedia of organic, sustainable, and local food , Greenwood, Santa Barbara. Web.

Emerson, R 1979, Fast food: The endless shakeout , Lebhar-Friedman Books, New York. Web.

Hargreave, J & Hill, T 2001, Fast food Felicity , Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham. Web.

Hayes, D & Laudan, R 2009, Food and nutrition / editorial advisers, Dayle Hayes, Rachel Laudan , Marshall Cavendish Reference, New York. Web.

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Pendrys, E 2011, Memoirs of a fast food man , Authorhouse, New York. Web.

Rosoman, C 2008, Therapy To Go: Gourmet Fast Food Handouts for Working with Adult Clients , Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London. Web.

Sacco, P & Schott, J 2011, Fast food dating: Your 2 cents: over one thousand served! . DoctorZed Publishing, Adelaide. Web.

Scherer, L 2010, Fast food , Greenhaven Press, Detroit. Web.

Schlosser, E 2012, Fast food nation: The dark side of the all-American meal , Mariner, Boston. Web.

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Smith, A 2012, Fast food and junk food: An encyclopedia of what we love to eat , Greenwood, Santa Barbara. Web.

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• The Fast Food Industry
• The Fast Food Danger Awareness Among the Young People
• Fast Food Restaurants and Buyers' Responsibility
• Regulation of the Fast Food Industry: Review
• The Environment of Fast Food Chains
• Fast Food's Main Detrimental Effects
• Schlosser's Articles
• Food and Its Influence on America
• Fast Food, Quick Problem Emergence, Rapid Addiction and Slow Recovery Process
• The Consequences of Fast Food
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Essay About Fast Food | Bad Effects of Junk Food and Disadvantages of Fast food

October 14, 2021 by Prasanna

Essay About Fast Food: Food is a significant piece of any culture and society all throughout the planet. Until the last century, a great many people used to eat new, home-prepared food. Eating was a cycle that necessary certain arrangements. However, presently, we see that they like to eat Fast food like pizza, burgers or seared chicken.

A sort of mass-delivered food, intended for business resale is known as Fast food. In this kind of food thing, a solid need is given to ‘speed of administration’ over some other pertinent variables engaged with culinary science.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Fast food is a kind of food that is intended to convey the request in the speediest manner conceivable accessible at any eating joint. Fast food varieties were created to make the course of food filling in as smooth as could be expected, and it to be sure has had the option to fulfil its needs in the most ideal ways conceivable.

Short Essay on Fast Food 400 Words in English

Life today has become quick and way of life changes have made individuals dependent on food and eatables that can be promptly made. Fast food is the name authored for such food things which are either pre-cooked or can be cooked in lesser time than ordinary food.

Individuals think that it is advantageous to eat such food things which please the taste buds more than standard food. They contain more salts, sugar and no or extremely less dietary fibre except for having flavours that make them more agreeable. Fast food things have no health benefit and are incredibly unfortunate. Yet at the same time, Fast food things are famous as individuals discover it bothers allowed to get ready and burn-through.

Fast food sources have a few incidental effects. The most prompt influence is on the energy levels that arrive at its top on eating Fast food. The compulsion to have more as one eats a fast tidbit is an aftereffect of this spike in energy levels. The energy levels some of the time stay high and cause rest problems. Tiredness sets in and the capacity to focus lessen after the utilization of Fast food. This is on the grounds that it has an overabundance of oil and calories and isn’t difficult to process.

Causes of Fast Food or Junk Food Essay

The term ‘Fast food’ itself says a great deal regarding this food. It shows how it is unsafe for our well-being. Besides, Fast foods are essentially junk which hurts our bodies in various ways. They have undeniable degrees of cholesterol, sugar, calories and the sky is the limit from there. We perceive how these days, the more youthful age is getting enjoying increasingly more Fast food. This is placing their lives at serious risk and giving them an unfortunate way of life.

Why is fast food famous?

Individuals are utilizing manipulative approaches to allure individuals to purchase their Fast food. Fast food is arranged without any problem. It requires some investment to plan it as it doesn’t have any nutritious ingredients. junk food is truly sensible. As it doesn’t need any solid material, it isn’t so expensive. Above all, Fast food has become entirely open now, like never before. With the beginning of various food conveyance applications, you would now be able to get Fast food with a solitary snap.

One issue is the developing number of drive-through joints and their commercials. We discover them all over; out and about, on taxicabs and transports, on bulletins, on structures and different spots. Additionally, we don’t need to go to their eateries to get their food since they currently have their conveyance hotlines. It builds the number of individuals eating Fast food on the grounds that a great many people like it better when their food comes to them rather than the harder, conventional method of sitting and eating at a café.

Terrible Effects of Junk food

The significant attribute of Fast food is that it spikes the energy levels immediately. It doesn’t actually help your body, simply fulfils your taste buds. On the off chance that we consume Fast food consistently, we get cranky all the more regularly.

In addition, customary utilization of Fast food causes a drop in the fixation levels of an individual. This is the reason we perceive how kids these days are quickly flustered. Additionally, you may likewise see how heftiness becoming normal nowadays. It is an extremely ongoing illness which is just improved by eating Fast food.

Further, you may likewise see how Fast food builds circulatory strain and sugar. An individual gets more inclined to heart sicknesses because of the swelling items utilized in it. Likewise, Fast food isn’t difficult to process. This may progressively harm your cerebrum work since it makes an absence of oxygen levels.

Fast food doesn’t just harm the heart yet the liver also. It causes diabetes among individuals since the beginning. Also, the absence of strands in Fast food equivalents to a harmed stomach related framework. This might cause obstruction also.

Thusly, we perceive how Fast food organizations are tricking individuals. They are misdirecting them into devouring their Fast food to expand their deals. Accordingly, we should try to understand this reality at the earliest opportunity. Attempt to supplant Fast food with good food. Set up your dinners at home as opposed to requesting outside.

Ultimately, drive-through eateries furnish our food with food content that gives us very little nutritious substance. They utilize exceptionally modest fixings which make Fast food contain high measures of sodium, cholesterol, fat and calories which can cause certain sicknesses like weight, hypertension, and other heart illnesses.

FAQ’s on Essay About Fast Food

Question 1. What is fast food?

Answer: Fast food is the name authored for food things that are either accessible pre-cooked or can be cooked in a lesser time than normal food. Individuals think that it is alluring and helpful to eat such food things however they see fit taste buds more than normal food.

Question 2. Is fast food good for health?

Answer: Having fast food regularly can be very harmful to your health especially for your heart. Fast food is the most effortless approach to put on unfortunate weight. The measure of fats and sugar in the food makes you put on weight quickly. Notwithstanding, this is certainly not a sound weight.

Question 3. Why is fast food so popular?

Answer: It is ready and served rapidly. Individuals don’t have to sit tight for the creation of food. Individuals can have their dinner in a brief timeframe and save time to do another thing. It is advantageous, so individuals decide to eat Fast food.

Question 4. What are the causes of fast food?

• Fast food high in sodium can prompt expanded cerebral pains and headache
• Fast food high in carbs can trigger episodes of skin inflammation
• Eating extreme measures of Fast food might expand your danger of melancholy
• The carbs and sugar in Fast food varieties can prompt dental pits
• Singed food sources are loaded up with trans fats which raise LDL cholesterol levels
• Fast food is loaded up with void carbs, which can prompt expanded glucose and insulin opposition
• Expanded sodium levels can prompt your body to hold inordinate water, prompting bulging
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How Fast Food Affects Children's Health

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Fast food or junk food is a generic term for all kinds of foods which are rich in energy, because they contain a lot of fat and sugar, as well as salt, but are relatively low in other important nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

However, fast food is extremely attractive to most children because of the taste, comparatively lower price, and convenience (doesn’t require any cooking or preparation). Since children typically do not understand how this kind of food negatively impacts their health, it can be quite addictive.

This article describes some important ways in which junk food harms children’s health.

Negative Aspects of Junk Food

Regular junk food intake leads to long-term health problems such as obesity, accompanying emotional and self-esteem problems, and chronic illnesses in later life. A single fast food meal could add 160 and 310 extra kilocalories to the daily caloric intake for teenagers and younger children, respectively.

Lack of vitamins such as A and C, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium, encourage the development of deficiency diseases and osteoporosis, as well as dental caries due to higher sugar intake.

The presence of hazardous food coloring agents and/or unhealthy trans fats in many fast food items, and issues with food preparation safety, often complicate the issue further.

Fast food intake more than three times a week is associated with greater odds of atopic disorders such as asthma, eczema or rhinitis, while asthma severity is almost 40% higher in teenagers and more than 25% in younger children.

Eating junk food 4-6 times a week leads to lower math and reading skills compared with the children who did not eat so much junk food.

Constipation

An overdose of calories, fats, sugars, and other carbohydrates in repeated meals changes the food desires of the child, and makes it less likely that the child will eat fibers, fruits, milk, and vegetables. This can result in greater chances of constipation.

Eating a lot of fast food in childhood makes it hard to eat healthy in later life, even if related medical problems are already evident, because childhood food habits solidify by adulthood. The addictive taste of fast food makes it quite unlikely that the palate will later savor the less complicated and less spicy flavors of ordinary food.

Poor Academics

Fast food can lead to impaired academic performance because high sugar levels followed by sugar crashes and poor concentration levels make it difficult to accomplish tasks which need extended periods of focused attention. Blood sugar fluctuations can also result in mood swings and lack of alertness, lowering classroom participation.

Less Energy

Fast food can inhibit participation in extracurricular activities because it doesn’t provide adequate nutrients for physical activity. Lack of physical activity not only keeps children out of peer groups but also impairs physical and mental health.

Obesity can result in lowered self-esteem, and perhaps depression. Some children who eat junk food are at risk of developing depression even without obesity. Depression in turn affects growth and development parameters, academic performance, and social relationships. It also results in a higher risk of suicide.

Sleep Disturbances

Pop and cola drinks often contain caffeine which can make bedtime an ordeal by postponing normal sleep-wake cycles.

Hyperactivity

Essential fatty acids are typically missing or lacking in fast foods. These include omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids which cannot be produced within the body, but are essential for the manufacture of cell membranes, and are also required in high concentrations within the brain and retina. The lack of such nutrients is thought to be associated with increased antisocial behavior, and perhaps with hyperactivity, though more research is needed to prove this.

Fast food intake definitely needs to be strictly controlled in children as it does no good and may do much harm. The antidote? Surprisingly, a simple increase in fruit intake can improve the mood and reduce the severity of atopic diseases. Stopping the marketing of junk foods directed at children with attractive characters and gifts may be one way to help children eat better. Another method is to make healthy food more easily available at affordable prices and in a more appealing format.

• www.mayoclinic.org/.../faq-20058241
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14702458
• www.healthychildren.org/.../...Develop-Unhealthy-Food-Preferences.aspx
• http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2013/01/03/thoraxjnl-2012-202285
• medical-clinical-reviews.imedpub.com/...ption-in-children-a-review.php
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664919/

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Last Updated: Aug 23, 2018

Dr. Liji Thomas

Dr. Liji Thomas is an OB-GYN, who graduated from the Government Medical College, University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2001. Liji practiced as a full-time consultant in obstetrics/gynecology in a private hospital for a few years following her graduation. She has counseled hundreds of patients facing issues from pregnancy-related problems and infertility, and has been in charge of over 2,000 deliveries, striving always to achieve a normal delivery rather than operative.

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

Thomas, Liji. (2018, August 23). How Fast Food Affects Children's Health. News-Medical. Retrieved on August 17, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-Fast-Food-Affects-Childrens-Health.aspx.

Thomas, Liji. "How Fast Food Affects Children's Health". News-Medical . 17 August 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-Fast-Food-Affects-Childrens-Health.aspx>.

Thomas, Liji. "How Fast Food Affects Children's Health". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-Fast-Food-Affects-Childrens-Health.aspx. (accessed August 17, 2024).

Thomas, Liji. 2018. How Fast Food Affects Children's Health . News-Medical, viewed 17 August 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-Fast-Food-Affects-Childrens-Health.aspx.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Fast Food — Thesis Statement For Fast Food

Thesis Statement for Fast Food

• Categories: Fast Food

About this sample

Words: 642 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 642 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

I. introduction, ii. health risks of fast food, iii. environmental degradation, iv. economic impact, v. social implications, vi. solutions and recommendations, vii. conclusion.

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Fast Food (Argumentative Essay Sample)

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Fast food is viewed in different ways by different consumers. Some are stuck on fast foods, unable to prepare proper foods in their houses. Others dread such foods, citing health consequences linked with the high salt and calorie content of such foods. While proponents and opponents on each side of the debate point to key reasons for their positions, fast foods are generally unhealthy and unfit for humans.

On the positive side, most fast food restaurants serve large quantities of foods, and this guarantees them of return customers. This enables them to offer more employment opportunities, an example being McDonald outlets which have offered employment chances to thousands of employees across the world, thus improving their standards of living. Fast foods come in handy for individuals whose tight work schedule does not allow them adequate time to prepare traditional food in their houses. Such individuals regularly consume fast foods from restaurants.

Fast foods significantly save on time. There is no waiting time as time is served and consumed instantly. Food is prepared within a few minutes and is ready for consumption. Some restaurants have drive-through services which allow customers to place orders quickly, which saves hours on working consumers’ busy schedules.  In the current world where consumers are health-conscious, some restaurants have turned to offering healthy alternatives. Such alternatives are, however, more expensive.

The health consequences associated with fast foods, however, render such foods harmful and worthless as they reduce human lifespan. Due to high-calorie content, consumers risk suffering from such diseases as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes. Given that a significant number of consumers make poor choices regarding their diet, most of them end up consuming hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers, chips, ice cream, chicken nuggets, fried chicken, sandwiches, among other tasty but high-salt, high-calorie fast foods. Fast foods are made from high saturated fats, increasing the likelihood that such fats end up clogging arteries in consumers’ bodies thus increasing the risk of obesity and heart disease.

At times, the demand for fast foods is so high that hygienic standards are often compromised in some restaurants. In some cases, cows and pigs are hung upsides down, while chicken is cramped in stuffy, enclosed spaces, slaughtered and quickly prepared for consumption. Food-borne illnesses sometimes occur in such cases, resulting in inflated health care costs to individual families and at national levels.

Having evaluated the arguments above, it is clear that the health consequences of fast foods supersede the benefits. A wide range of research literature has proved that fast foods contribute significantly to adverse health conditions as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Such conditions cost the healthcare sector millions of dollars annually, and adversely affect the global economy. For instance, obesity is one of the most devastating health conditions that drain the healthcare sector of the United States. It is surprising that the greatest number of obesity cases is not genetic- it is linked to consumption of high-calorie foods.

In conclusion, fast foods present more problems than benefits to users. Consumers need to either avoid such foods or choose healthier alternatives, such as less salted foods although such options may cost more. Traditionally prepared food is relatively expensive and more time-consuming to prepare but it is certainly healthy. In the long run, good health is more important.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Unhealthy Foods (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 2 Comments

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay on the topic of unhealthy foods from the real exam on the topic of unhealthy foods and whether or not governments should tax them.

It’s a very common topic – health and government regulations.

Read it below in case something similar comes up on your test!

Be sure to check out my Patreon exclusive essays as well.

Be sure to listen to the audio first to test your listening skills before reading my sample answer:

Some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams

Some think that heavy-handed governmental taxation is the only way to compel healthier eating. In my opinion, while this makes rational sense, its actual effectiveness is questionable.

Those that argue in favour of these taxes can point to a logical chain of suppositions. Though taxes on unhealthy foods are rare, there is the occasional mandated price hike for sugary drinks and fast food, smoking is an instructive corollary. Several decades after research showed that smoking causes cancer, governments were able to push through legislation to tax cigarettes heavily. The result was that those already addicted to smoking continued to smoke but many people did not pick up the habit to begin with. Proponents argue this would also be the case when it comes to foods known to cause cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Many would eat them despite higher prices but the next generation would become more health conscious and that would further trickle down to their children.

Though the above argument is well reasoned, people will still buy luxuries. There is strong evidence for this dating back centuries. After the war of independence from Britain, the newly formed United States instituted direly needed taxes on luxuries including whiskey and chocolate. The purpose of the taxes was to raise money, not to lower consumption of those products. The unpopular acts were internally vindicated when people continued to buy luxuries along the same growth trend, enabling them to increase the national budget. Even though cutting down on purely pleasurable products makes disinterested sense, people are more swayed by instant gratification than cold calculation.

In conclusion, taxes on unhealthy foods would not be an effective measure against their consumption. Instead, governments should invest more in healthy school lunches and making healthy products more widely available to attack the problem at its root source.

Word Count: 295

1. Some think that heavy-handed governmental taxation is the only way to compel healthier eating. 2. In my opinion, while this makes rational sense, its actual effectiveness is questionable.

• Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
• Write your opinion clearly.

1. Those that argue in favour of these taxes can point to a logical chain of suppositions. 2. Though taxes on unhealthy foods are rare, there is the occasional mandated price hike for sugary drinks and fast food, smoking is an instructive corollary. 3. Several decades after research showed that smoking causes cancer, governments were able to push through legislation to tax cigarettes heavily. 4. The result was that those already addicted to smoking continued to smoke but many people did not pick up the habit to begin with. 5. Proponents argue this would also be the case when it comes to foods known to cause cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. 6. Many would eat them despite higher prices but the next generation would become more health conscious and that would further trickle down to their children.

• Write a clear topic sentence with a singly main idea.
• Explain your main idea if you need to.
• Begin to develop it with research/examples/supporting ideas.
• Write about the result if possible.
• Continue developing – notice the specific ailments I mention.
• Your last sentence can relate back to the question and be more general.

1. Though the above argument is well reasoned, people will still buy luxuries. 2. There is strong evidence for this dating back centuries. 3. After the war of independence from Britain, the newly formed United States instituted direly needed taxes on luxuries including whiskey and chocolate. 4. The purpose of the taxes was to raise money, not to lower consumption of those products. 5. The unpopular acts were internally vindicated when people continued to buy luxuries along the same growth trend, enabling them to increase the national budget. 6. Even though cutting down on purely pleasurable products makes disinterested sense, people are more swayed by instant gratification than cold calculation.

• Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea.
• Begin to develop it. Vary long/short sentences in your writing.
• Your examples should be specific so write about the country/example that you know best.
• Continue developing the same example.
• Keep developing it – don’t switch to a new example or write generally.
• Your last sentence can be more general and relate to the overall question.

1. In conclusion, taxes on unhealthy foods would not be an effective measure against their consumption. 2. Instead, governments should invest more in healthy school lunches and making healthy products more widely available to attack the problem at its root source.

• Conclude by repeating your opinion.
• Add in a final thought/extra detail at the end.

What do the words in bold below mean? Try to figure them out based on the sentences:

Some think that heavy-handed governmental taxation is the only way to compel healthier eating. In my opinion, while this makes rational sense , its actual effectiveness is questionable .

Those that argue in favour of these taxes can point to a logical chain of suppositions . Though taxes on unhealthy foods are rare, there is the occasional mandated price hike for sugary drinks and fast food, smoking is an instructive corollary . Several decades after research showed that smoking causes cancer, governments were able to push through legislation to tax cigarettes heavily . The result was that those already addicted to smoking continued to smoke but many people did not pick up the habit to begin with . Proponents argue this would also be the case when it comes to foods known to cause cardiovascular disease , diabetes and cancer . Many would eat them despite higher prices but the next generation would become more health conscious and that would further trickle down to their children.

Though the above argument is well reasoned , people will still buy luxuries. There is strong evidence for this dating back centuries . After the war of independence from Britain, the newly formed United States instituted direly needed taxes on luxuries including whiskey and chocolate. The purpose of the taxes was to raise money, not to lower consumption of those products. The unpopular acts were internally vindicated when people continued to buy luxuries along the same growth trend , enabling them to increase the national budget . Even though cutting down on purely pleasurable products makes disinterested sense , people are more swayed by instant gratification than cold calculation .

In conclusion, taxes on unhealthy foods would not be an effective measure against their consumption . Instead, governments should invest more in healthy school lunches and making healthy products more widely available to attack the problem at its root source .

heavy-handed strong/over-the-top

compel force

rational sense logical

actual effectiveness whether or not it works

questionable doubtful

argue in favour of support the idea of

point to argue about

logical chain sensible series

suppositions reasons

occasional mandated price hike regulation/tax

instructive corollary useful analogy

push through force

heavily strongly/a lot

addicted can’t stop using

pick up begin

to begin with start

proponents advocates

cardiovascular disease heart attacks

diabetes a disease related to eating too much sugar

cancer a common disease

next generation young people

health conscious caring about what you eat/exercise

further trickle down also contribute to

well reasoned rational

strong evidence good support for

dating back centuries hundreds of years ago

war of independence revolutionary war

newly formed just created

direly urgently

luxuries items you want but don’t need

lower consumption less eating/use

unpopular acts controversial

internally vindicated turned out to be true

growth trend increasing pattern

national budget money for the government to spend

cutting down on reducing

makes disinterested sense logical

swayed influenced

instant gratification pleasure right away

cold calculation rational

effective measure good method

consumption use

more widely available ubiquitous

attack the problem deal with

root source origin/cause

Pronunciation

ˈhɛvɪˈhændɪd   kəmˈpɛl   ˈræʃənl sɛns ˈækʧʊəl ɪˈfɛktɪvnəs   ˈkwɛsʧənəbl ˈɑːgjuː ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv   pɔɪnt tuː   ˈlɒʤɪkəl ʧeɪn   ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃənz əˈkeɪʒənl ˈmændeɪtɪd praɪs haɪk ɪnˈstrʌktɪv kəˈrɒləri pʊʃ θruː   ˈhɛvɪli əˈdɪktɪd   pɪk ʌp   tuː bɪˈgɪn wɪð prəˈpəʊnənts   ˌkɑːdɪəʊˈvæskjʊlə dɪˈziːz ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz   ˈkænsə nɛkst ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃən   hɛlθ ˈkɒnʃəs   ˈfɜːðə ˈtrɪkl daʊn   wɛl ˈriːznd strɒŋ ˈɛvɪdəns   ˈdeɪtɪŋ bæk ˈsɛnʧʊriz wɔːr ɒv ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns   ˈnjuːli fɔːmd   ˈdaɪəli   ˈlʌkʃəriz ˈləʊə kənˈsʌm(p)ʃən   ʌnˈpɒpjʊlər ækts   ɪnˈtɜːnəli ˈvɪndɪkeɪtɪd   grəʊθ trɛnd ˈnæʃənl ˈbʌʤɪt ˈkʌtɪŋ daʊn ɒn   meɪks dɪsˈɪntrɪstɪd sɛns sweɪd   ˈɪnstənt ˌgrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən   kəʊld ˌkælkjʊˈleɪʃən ɪˈfɛktɪv ˈmɛʒə   kənˈsʌm(p)ʃən mɔː ˈwaɪdli əˈveɪləbl   əˈtæk ðə ˈprɒbləm   ruːt sɔːs

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Some think that h_____________ governmental taxation is the only way to c_____________ healthier eating. In my opinion, while this makes r_____________ , its a_____________ is q_____________ .

Those that a_____________ these taxes can p_____________ a l_____________ of s_____________ . Though taxes on unhealthy foods are rare, there is the o_____________ for sugary drinks and fast food, smoking is an i_____________ . Several decades after research showed that smoking causes cancer, governments were able to p_____________ legislation to tax cigarettes h_____________ . The result was that those already a_____________ to smoking continued to smoke but many people did not p_____________ the habit t_____________ . P_____________ argue this would also be the case when it comes to foods known to cause c_____________ , d_____________ and c_____________ . Many would eat them despite higher prices but the n_____________ would become more h_____________ and that would f _____________ to their children.

Though the above argument is w_____________ , people will still buy luxuries. There is s_____________ for this d_____________ . After the w_____________ from Britain, the _____________ United States instituted d_____________ needed taxes on l_____________ including whiskey and chocolate. The purpose of the taxes was to raise money, not to l_____________ of those products. The u_____________ were i_____________ when people continued to buy luxuries along the same g_____________ , enabling them to increase the n_____________ . Even though c_____________ purely pleasurable products m_____________ , people are more s_____________ by i_____________ than c_____________ .

In conclusion, taxes on unhealthy foods would not be an e_____________ against their c _____________ . Instead, governments should invest more in healthy school lunches and making healthy products m_____________ to a _____________ at its r _____________ .

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Listen to the video below to practice your listening and get some ideas about the topic:

Reading Practice

Read here about the success of junk food taxes in Mexico and Hungary:

https://www.vox.com/2018/1/17/16870014/junk-food-tax

Speaking Practice

Answer the questions below from the real IELTS speaking test related to food:

• Do you like drinking coffee or tea?
• How do you like to drink your coffee?
• Is coffee a popular drink in your country at the moment?
• When was the last time you had some coffee or tea?

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Taxing unhealthy food is considered solution in order to improve people s diet. Although taxing policy could help to plunge consumption of fast food, I partially disagree that I can impact competition between restaurants companies.                Undoubtedly, taxing of poor dietary foods can  reduce sales at fast food restaurants which are famous widespread across the world, furthermore setback at rivalry with other companies    Moreover,the last experiences at other consumption spheres demonstrated taxing was not the best solution, for instance taxing of alcoholic drinks didn't plummet utilization of these products. There could be political costs of introducing a new tax so it can be cause probably people s outrage. For example at the last survey from CNN  turned out that American people wouldn`t like any restriction or taxing at their diet style 68% rate.                On the other hand taxing policy could help to reduce consumption of fast food moderately and a fat tax would make people pay the social cost of unhealthy food. Consumption of fatty foods have external costs on society. For example, eating unhealthy foods contributes to the problem of obesity. Obesity is estimated to cost the UK economy around £6.6–7.4 billion a year. The other benefit is about collected taxes can spend for other problems by government. For instance the money raised from ‘fat tax’ could be used to spend treating health costs of obesity                In conclusion, even though taxing policy could help to plunge consumption of fast food, I partially disagree that It can impact competition between restaurants companies and  it may not work as thought. Time:50 minutes                                                                                                                          Fərid Məmmədov Words:257                                                                                                                                       25.12.2020  

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Sodium and Your CKD Diet: How to Spice Up Your Cooking

What is sodium.

Sodium is a mineral found naturally in foods and is a major part of table salt.

What are the effects of eating too much sodium?

When your kidneys are not healthy, extra sodium and fluid buildup in your body. This can cause swollen ankles, puffiness, a rise in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and/or fluid around your heart and lungs.

How much sodium should I eat as part of a healthy diet?

Most Americans have too much sodium in their diet. A healthy diet should include no more than 2300mg of sodium per day.

Looking for nutrition guidance? Contact a kidney dietitian in your area .

How can I reduce sodium in my diet?

There are many herbs and spices that you can use to add flavor to your food instead of salt. Also, certain foods have more sodium than others. See the following table for some suggestions on how to reduce sodium in your diet:

Are you a dietitian?

Sign up to discover more resources for dietitians

Why do I need to limit my sodium intake?

Some salt or sodium is needed for body water balance. But when your kidneys lose the ability to control sodium and water balance, you may experience the following:

• high blood pressure
• discomfort during dialysis

By using less sodium in your diet, you can control these problems.

Hints to keep your sodium intake down

Cook with herbs and spices instead of salt. (Refer to “Spice Up Your Cooking” section for further suggestions.)

Read food labels and choose those foods low in sodium.

If you need to limit potassium avoid salt substitutes (such as potassium chloride) and specialty low-sodium foods made with salt substitutes because they are high in potassium.

When eating out, ask for foods prepared without salt. Ask for gravy or sauce on the side; these may contain large amounts of salt and should be used in small amounts.

Limit use of canned, processed, and frozen foods.

Some information about reading labels

Understanding the terms:

Sodium Free - Only a trivial amount of sodium per serving.

Very Low Sodium - 35 mg or less per serving.

Low Sodium - 140 mg or less per serving.

Reduced Sodium - Foods in which the level of sodium is reduced by 25%.

Light or Lite in Sodium - Foods in which the sodium is reduced by at least 50%.

Simple rule of thumb: If salt is listed in the first five ingredients, the item is probably too high in sodium to use.

All food Nutrition Facts labels have milligrams (mg) of sodium listed. Follow these steps when reading the sodium information on the label:

Know how much sodium you are allowed each day. Remember that there are 1000 milligrams (mg) in 1 gram. For example, if your diet prescription is 2.3 grams of sodium, your limit is 2300 milligrams per day. Consider the sodium value of other foods you plan to eat during the day.

Look at the package label. Check the serving size. Nutrition values are expressed per serving. How does this compare to your total daily allowance? In general, the item is not a good choice if:

The sodium level is 240 mg or more per serving, the item is not a good choice.

The milligrams of sodium are greater than the calories per serving

Compare labels of similar products. Select the lowest sodium level for the same serving size.

How to Spice Up Your Cooking

Giving up salt does not mean giving up flavor. Learn to season your food with herbs and spices. Be creative and experiment for a new and exciting flavor.

What kinds of spices and herbs should I use instead of salt to add flavor?

Try the following spices with the foods listed.

Use with beef, fish, beets, cabbage, carrots, peas, fruit.

Use with beef, pork, most vegetables, whole grain pasta.

Use with beef, pork, most vegetables, soups, and stews.

Use with chicken and seafood.

Use with beef, pork, green beans, cauliflower, cabbage, beets, asparagus, and in dips and marinades.

Use with fruit and in baked goods.

Use with beef, chicken, pork, fish, chickpeas, green beans, carrots and in marinades.

Use with beef, chicken, green beans, cabbage, carrots, peas and in dips.

Use with beef, chicken, pork, green beans, cauliflower, and eggplant.

Use with chicken, pork, cauliflower, peas, rice, and in marinades.

Use with beef, chicken, pork, fish, green beans, beets, and carrots.

Use with chicken, pork, eggplant and in dressing.

Use with fish, chicken, asparagus, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, salads, and in marinades.

Tips for cooking with herbs and spices

Purchase spices and herbs in small amounts. When they sit on the shelf for years, they lose their flavor.

Use no more than ¼ teaspoon of dried spice (¾ of fresh) per pound of meat.

Add ground spices to food about 15 minutes before the end of the cooking period.

Add whole spices to food at least one hour before the end of the cooking period.

Combine herbs with oil or butter, set for 30 minutes to bring out their flavor, then brush on foods while they cook, or brush meat with oil and sprinkle herbs one hour  before cooking.

Crush dried herbs before adding to foods.

Can I use salt substitutes?

Caution! If you are told to limit potassium in your diet, be very cautious about using salt substitutes because most of them contain some form of potassium, such as potassium chloride. Check with your doctor or kidney dietitian before using salt substitute.

Here are some seasoning recipes:

When using the following seasoning recipes, make sure to blend well. Place in a shaker.

American Favorite Blend

5 tsp. onion powder (not onion salt) 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. thyme ½ tsp. white pepper ½ tsp. celery seeds Yield: about ¼ cup (Health Education Assc. Inc., Glenside, PA)

Savory Seasoning

1 ¼ tsp. celery seed 2 Tbsp. crushed marjoram 2 Tbsp. crushed savory 2 Tbsp. crushed thyme 1 Tbsp. crushed basil Yield: about ½ cup (Nutrition: The Art of Good Eating, Seattle, WA)

Spicy Seasoning

3 Tbsp. celery seed 1 Tbsp. onion powder 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 Tbsp. crushed oregano 1 Tbsp. crushed thyme 1 ½ tsp. ground bay leaf 1 ½ tsp. black pepper 1 ½ tsp. ground cloves Yield: about ½ cup (Nutrition: The Art of Good Eating, Seattle, WA)

Savory Seasoning Savory Blend

1 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. ground oregano 2 tsp. black pepper 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 6 Tbsp. onion powder 2 Tbsp. dry mustard 3 Tbsp. paprika 3 Tbsp. poultry seasoning Yield: about ¾ cup (South Carolina Dept. of Health and Environmental Services)

Experiment and create your own seasoning containing those spices that you like.

If you would like more information, please  contact us .

Acknowledgment: Reviewed by the Council on Renal Nutrition

© 2021 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.

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Subway calls ‘emergency’ meeting with franchisees as sales plummet: sources.

Subway has called a hasty meeting with franchisees of its 19,000 North American sandwich shops as they grapple with faltering sales and profits, The Post has learned.

The fast food giant — which sold itself in April for $9 billion to Roark Capital, owner of Dunkin, Arby’s and Baskin Robbins — told franchisees it will reveal plans to improve traffic and win back market share at the Thursday meeting.

“This conference is essential,” Subway said in the invite. “Join us … to discuss the state of the industry and an update on our business.”

The confab — which one franchisee called an “emergency” meeting, noting that the invite was only mailed out last week — will include a recap of promotional offers that are being tested in restaurants.

“There is no emergency virtual conference,” a Subway spokesperson said, disputing the “emergency” characterization of the Thursday meeting.

“We consistently and proactively communicate with our franchisees to share business updates and plans.”

Discounting has become a contentious topic of late.

A Subway franchisee with nearly 20 stores told The Post his same-store sales are down 5% to 10% in recent weeks compared to the prior year.

He blames the chain’s recent price promotions as customer traffic has dropped.

“They are doing crazy coupons,” the franchisee griped.

“Our gross sales are not even at 2012 levels, and profit then was five times what it is today.”

The franchisee added that his stores barely break even with the discounts. In a recent national ad campaign, NBA great Charles Barkley has been urging customers to “Buy any foot-long in the app and get one free.”

“Charging $6.99 for any sub while they are $11 on the menu,” the franchisee lamented.

“Offering three sandwiches for $17.99.”

Subway does not give its franchisees national sales information, but an Eastern US region with about 1,000 Subways saw average weekly same-store sales slip by 8.7% between June 25 and July 16 compared to a year earlier, according to data shared with The Post. 

Subway’s meeting “seems very unusual,” said restaurant consultant John Gordon, who noted that he recently has seen Subway sales numbers in West Coast and East Coast regions that show same-store sales drops of 10% in the last few weeks.

Los Angeles and San Diego same-store sales are down 8% for the week ending Aug. 6, a Subway source said.

In the Southern California suburbs, they are off 2% to 5%, the source added.

That’s versus last year, when Subway boasted that its North American same-store sales were up by 5.9% chainwide.

Subway is discounting its best-selling items so it’s hard for it to compensate for the lost revenue, sources said.

The hope was the new $3 foot-long hot dipper snacks introduced in June would boost sales, but they are not selling enough of them, sources said.  

Subway last year had more success when offering Sidekicks — foot-long cookies, pretzels and churros, which helped fuel positive same-store sales despite a 1.7% traffic drop.

But the buzz surrounding that snack offering has died off, according to Gordon.

Subway, which owns none of its restaurants and makes its money through 8% royalty fees it collects from franchisees, now faces interest payments on debt following its sale to Roark and can’t afford to have declining earnings, sources said.

Other chains increasingly are offering discounts to entice financially strapped customers.

White Castle slashed the price of its famed sliders to the lowest level in more than a decade, as The Post reported this month .

Nevertheless, fast-food restaurants excluding pizza joints in July saw same-store sales down 2.9% compared to negative 1.9% in June, according to Bank of America credit and debit card numbers.

Taco Bell was up 5%, while Wendy’s and Burger King in the second quarter were flat, according to data firm Technomic. McDonald’s is extending its $5 value meal into October.

The Golden Arches reported last month that same-store sales in the second quarter were negative for the first time in four years, dropping 0.7%.

“This shows the discounting wars are not working in total but are improving traffic a bit,” Gordon said.

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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.

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By Lynsey Chutel

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.

Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.

Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.

Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.

In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.

But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.

Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.

Where arrests have been reported

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