The Disadvantages of Fast Food | 15 Bad Effects on Body

Q: What is the difference between Junk and Fast Food?

Fast food is required less time for cooking. it can be prepared and served quickly whereas Junk food is extremely low in respect of nutritional value, Fast foods are sometimes called rich in 'empty calories

Here are the Disadvantages of Fast Food or the 15 Bad Effects of fast food on our body that we must know before eating. In the limited quantity generally, foods are not harmful to most of the peoples but in excess quality, it starts showing its negative effects on our body. There are so many delicious foods available in the market. Have you think about the advantages and disadvantages of foods that you are eating without any worry.

The Disadvantages of Fast Food | 15 Bad Effects on Body

When we are ill, we focus on our medicines but not maintain our daily eating habits. There are so many peoples who eat low nutrients but delicious food all time. Fast Food and Junk foods are the best examples of this. Junk foods don’t have enough nutritional value but are so delicious. Kids and children always prefer eating Fast Food and Junk foods outside the home.

When we raise a question to somebody, “Which is your favourite food?”. Most of the replies would be a cheeseburger, a veg burger, a pizza, a chicken burger, fried chicken 65, fried rice with chicken, an egg fried rice, noodles of several types, pasta and the list goes on. These delicious but dangerous foods are popularly known as fast foods. In this article, we are going to elaborately deal with fast foods and the damages caused by them.

Why it is called fast food?

The food which can be cooked, prepared and served quickly is known as fast food. Nowadays, majority of the people prefer eating these fast foods because it consumes lesser time for the preparation of fast food.

Many people became addicted to the taste of fast food. The people who consume fast food occasionally do not get affected much.

But the people who are regularly eating these fast foods may experience several health issues like headache, dental distress, depression, acne, heart disease, stroke, weight gain, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, increased sugar levels in the blood, rise in cholesterol level, etc.

The Disadvantages of Fast Food | 15 Bad Effects on Body

When people consume fast foods at least three times per week, it may lead to the following disadvantages of Fast Food

Bloat
Constipation
Deficiency of nutrients
Risk of obesity
Effects on respiratory system
Teeth decay
Problems related to kidney
Diabetes mellitus
Cardiovascular diseases due to spikes in blood cholesterol level
Reduction in the bone strength
Problems related to Mental health
Effect on memory and cognitive functions
Cancer risks
Reproductive system ailments
Skin deterioration
Increased Inflammatory reactions

1. Bloat

In general, a higher amount of sodium is naturally present in these fast foods. In addition to this, sodium is added to many fast foods as additives. Monosodium glutamate(MSG), sodium saccharin, sodium nitrite, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium benzoate are some examples of sodium-containing additives. These additives are added as flavouring agents and sometimes for preservation.

The permitted level of dietary sodium in adults is under 1500 milligrams per day and it should not exceed 2300 milligrams per day. But the majority of fast foods contain more than 2300 mg of sodium. The higher amount of sodium may cause water retention in the body which makes us feel puffy, swollen or bloated after consumption of fast foods.

2. Constipation

Constipation is the very worst disadvantage of fast food. Dietary fibres are very important to keep our digestive system work properly. Dietary fibres are commonly found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. These dietary fibres are helpful in the proper excretion of wastes out of the body.

It also keeps the blood cholesterol level and blood glucose level normal. But fast foods do not contain high dietary fibre contents. Hence it may affect the proper functioning of the digestive system and may lead to constipation.

3. Deficiency of Nutrients

Fast foods contain high calories but they do not contain more essential nutrients. So too much fast food consumption may lead to a lack of several essential nutrients, which are needed for the proper functioning of the body. Even though fast foods provide a lot of calories, it fills our body temporarily as empty food(due to low nutritive value).

4. Risk of Obesity

The risk of obesity is another Disadvantages of Fast Food. If we add a single fast-food item in our balanced diet plan containing whole foods, it will increase the calorie intake value to an enormous amount. It will finally result in belly fat. Literally, the intake of high calories leads to obesity, which in turn increases the risk of many chronic diseases.

A study shows that a person who eats fast food at least once in two days has a higher body mass index(BMI) when compared to the person who does not eat fast food. The frequent consumption of fast food leads to a gain in body weight.

5. Effects on the Respiratory System

The disadvantages of Fast Food also affects Respiratory System. our Obesity increases the risk of many respiratory disorders like asthma, shortness of breath, etc. Extra weight due to obesity cause pressure on the heart and lungs and symptoms will be shown with a short time.

we may experience dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) while climbing steps or even walking. The risks of these respiratory problems are higher in children. According to one study, Asthma is more likely to occur in children who eat fast foods at least thrice a week.

6. Teeth decay

Oral health will become poor due to the frequent intake of sodium. Intake of higher amounts of soda increases the acid content of the mouth, which corrode the teeth and eventually it causes tooth decay.

7. Problems related to the kidney

The disadvantages of Fast Food are also included Problems related to the kidney. Intake of more amount of sodium also causes a rise in blood pressure and enlargement of cardiac muscle fibres. If People with diseases like liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure or kidney diseases consume fast foods, excess sodium salts may lead to retention of excess fluid. Too much sodium intake may also increase the risk of renal calculi( kidney stones) and other kidney-related ailments.

8. Diabetes Mellitus

Some of the fast foods like burgers are rich in carbohydrates, which may increase the blood sugar level. This high sugar level is controlled by insulin surge from the pancreas. However, repeated spikes in blood glucose level may cause frequent insulin spikes. These insulin spikes may affect insulin metabolism which may lead to problems like insulin resistance and type II diabetes.

9. Cardiovascular Diseases due to spikes in blood cholesterol level

The disadvantages of Fast Food can cause Cardiovascular Diseases due to spikes in blood cholesterol level. Most of the fast foods are derived from animal sources. Many of them are deep-fried and are served with high-fat sauces and cheese. Fat content is higher in fast foods, which can increase the cholesterol level in the blood.

This leads to the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels and it may cause obstruction to the blood flow. This condition is known as atherosclerosis, which forms the basis for many serious heart diseases. The rise in bad cholesterol levels (LDL) increases the risk of many cardiovascular diseases.

10. Reduction in the bone strength

Intake of a higher amount of sodium in fast foods may lead to the weakening of bones. The risk of osteoporosis is increased. This is a very common Negative effect of Fast Food seen in the new generation.

11. Problems related to Mental health

The disadvantages of Fast Food can cause Problems related to Mental health. The omega 3 fatty acids are not present in fast foods. The deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids leads to anxiety. High fast food intake may lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

If the blood glucose level becomes very low due to refined carbohydrates (hypoglycemia), symptoms like anxiety, confusion, trembling and fatigue are manifested. According to some studies, 51 per cent of people who frequently consume fast foods have depression.

12. Effect on memory and cognitive functions

The disadvantages of Fast Food can also affect memory and cognitive functions. Saturated fats are high in fast foods like some fried foods and milkshakes. High saturated fats have a negative impact on the heart and they also have a negative impact on the functioning of the brain and memory.

Impairment of flexibility and speed of prospective memory may occur due to a higher intake of saturated fats. People may feel lethargic after the fast-food intake due to high calories.

13. Cancer risks

The disadvantages of Fast Food can also increase cancer risks. A chemical substance called 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl imidazole(4,5-b) pyridine is found in fast foods like grilled chicken. This chemical may increase the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer. Sodium nitrite and nitrates present in fast-food meats add colour to meat and these additives also inhibit the growth of bacteria. But these chemicals, when cooked, are broken down into nitrosamines which are potent carcinogenic agents. Cancers are also caused by Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are also released when meats are cooked at high temperatures.

14. Reproductive system ailments

The ingredients of fast foods may lead to fertility issues. Phthalates are chemicals found in processed foods. These chemicals may interrupt the hormone activity in the body. Several reproductive problems are caused due to exposure to higher amounts of phthalates.

14. Skin Deterioration

Excess fast food intake has a negative impact on the skin. Carbohydrate-rich fast foods increase the blood glucose level, which may hasten acne formation. Eczema( patchy inflamed itchy skin) may be caused in children and adults who consume fast food at least three times a week.

15. Increased Inflammatory reactions

Phthalates are potent chemical toxins, present in foods and beverages packed with plastics, cause disturbances to the endocrine system. Frequent fast-food consumers have 35 per cent more levels of Phthalate metabolites than the people who do not consume fast food.

According to some studies, Phthalates are linked with inflammation. Metabolic syndrome, a disease associated with increased inflammation levels, is caused by higher exposure to Phthalates. Inflammation is related to numerous health problems ranging from obesity to deficiency diseases.

Types of Fast Food in India

Types of Fast Food in the different parts of India	Name of the Indian Fast Food
Types of Fast Food in Western Indian	Vada pav Misal pav Khaman Samosa Bhaji Pav Sev Usal Khandvi Gathiya Jalebi Poha Puff Shahi tukda Bread Tikki
Types of Fast Food in South Indian	Idli Vada Dosa Upma, Kesaribhath Puliyogare Pongal Vangibath Bonda Chaat
Types of Fast Food in Northern Indian Fast food	Bonda Soup Pohay Pakora Pasta Burger Wraps & rolls Chaat Grilled chicken Samosa, Patties Dabeli Doner kebab Fruit beer Pao bhaji Stuffed paratha Fruit salad Idli sambar Vada sambar Dahi Wada Bhajiya Mini Meals koalcha Momos

Types of Fast Food in India

Types of Fast Food in Western Countries

Types of Fast Food	Types of Fast Food
Soft drink	Baguette
Donuts	Fried chicken
Burrito	Hot dog
Taco	Bacon
Hamburger	Cheeseburger
Sandwich	Pretzel
Sausage	Pizza
Onion ring	Noodle
Pancake	Muffin

Types of Fast Food in Western Countries

FAQs Related to the Disadvantages of Fast Food | 15 Bad Effects on Body

How fast food affects the body?

Fast food is rich in calories this Excess calories can cause weight gain. This may lead to obesity.
which ultimately can cause asthma and shortness of breath. In some cases, fast food is also responsible for depression skin’s appearance etc. In this article, we already have discussed the 15 Disadvantages of Fast Food.

How fast-food restaurants attract customers?

Fast foods are very delicious in tasted and required less time for cooking.

Why fast food is bad?

Fast food is rich in calories this Excess calories can cause weight gain. This may lead to obesity.
which ultimately can cause asthma and shortness of breath. In some cases, fast food is also responsible for depression skin’s appearance etc. Besides these, there are many other negative effects of fast foods on our body.

Why fast food is popular?

Fast foods are very delicious in tasted and required less time for cooking. that’s why people like fast foods much more as compared to other foods.

Why fast food is called fast food?

Fast foods mean foods that can be prepared and served quickly so it is popularly known as “Fast food”

What is the difference between Junk and Fast Food?

Fast food is required less time for cooking. it can be prepared and served quickly whereas Junk food is extremely low in respect of nutritional value, Fast foods are sometimes called rich in ’empty calories

Conclusion:

Fast foods are undoubtedly more delicious. But their ill effects are more. Fast foods mean foods that can be prepared and served quickly. But the real fact is fast food will reduce your lifespan and make your death happen faster. There is no way to reduce the dangers of fast foods. We should try to avoid fast foods at least we should avoid frequent consumption of fast foods.

The Disadvantages of Fast Food | 15 Bad Effects on Body

Why it is called fast food?