Fast food consumption today has reached an all time high. There are several reasons for it popularity. North Americans live a fast paced lifestyle and are often looking for a satisfying meal that is quick and convenient. Fast food is usually served immediately or within a few minutes and restaurants are only moments away.
There is another reason that these restaurants are so popular. Foods offered are high in unhealthy fats, carbohydrates and sugars which are very addictive with unpleasant side effects when consumed regularly. Regular consumers find that after a meal they experience unpleasant symptoms such as depression and foul moods that won't subside until they go back for more.
Most fast food addicts would love to discover that fast food helps shed pounds, increases energy and promotes long life. The truth is that it is so toxic that it cannot be considered a source of nutrition. Most people today consider fast food to be unhealthy but what most people do not realize is how dangerous it really is. It is the leading cause of obesity in North America which is closely linked to heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Thirty percent of North American children are obese today, which is a rise of fifty percent in the last twenty years. With the high availability of these foods and super sizes, kids are eating mostly unhealthy foods and eating too much of it. Eating a diet that primarily consists of empty nutrient, calorie dense food also effects behavior and intelligence.
One North American school concerned with the behavior problems and lack of academic achievement among student decided to remove fast food from the cafeteria and vending machines and provide only nutritious foods to see what impact it might have on the students. The change was remarkable. Those students that regularly ate in the cafeteria experienced a significant decrease in behavioral problems and increase in academic performance.
Fast food is loaded with carcinogens, contains toxins created from reused and reheated oils, it is calorie dense, low in nutrients and is the principle source of trans fatty acids. Trans fatty acids are man made fats which are more toxic to human health than saturated fats. An intake as low as one percent of total daily calories is considered to be a high risk for heart disease.
Many restaurants are working hard to satisfy public demand for healthier food choices. If fast food is a necessary part of your life, exploring these menu options may be the easiest and most effective method of breaking the habit.
Autor: Steve Pywell
All articles on health and fitness by Steve Pywell may be found at http://hubpages.com/profile/stevemark122000
Added: October 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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