Fast Food Problems

Modern society heavily relies on fast food.

Fast food is a concept that originated in 19th century, as a response to the growing food demands. The concept of fast food is well defined by the term itself. Food, that can be cooked 'fast' is fast food. Fast food cooking basically involves the usage of cooking techniques that enable the chef or cook to finish the cooking process in the shortest possible time. The advancements in food process industry, lower costs, and delicious food, makes fast food a favorite choice of a large number of people worldwide.





Fast Foods and Nutrients
The major ingredients that are used in fast food, basically have a large quantity of what is known as trans fats in them. In addition to that, all the foods have a huge proportion of meat and less fibers. For example: bread, which is made up of large amounts of pure flour. All these food items have a high concentration of fats, LDL cholesterol and unhealthy proteins. Thus, the nutrients that are derived from fast food cause health problems.

Low nutritional value is not the only cause of fast food problems. The frequency with which the food is consumed is also a prominent cause. Excessive consumption of fast food leads to health problems, as the body does not get the required nutrients. The human body, especially the digestive system and respiratory system, require carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and fibers in order to keep all the bodily function running smoothly. Unfortunately, the nutrients that are derived from fast food are not balanced and have large concentration of fats and proteins.

Fast Food and Eating Habits
Human eating habits is another factor that leads to problems caused by consumption of fast food. Health problems caused by fast food include obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Many of us tend to frequently eat this kind of food that has a high fat and calorie content. As most of the food lacks a good amount of fiber, it not easy to digest fast food. The food matter that remains undigested gets deposited on the abdominal tissues. In addition to that, human beings have developed a weird style of eating. The human body needs four meals, namely breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner, all at equal time intervals, so that the body is able to digest the food and assimilate its nutrients. The abnormal consumption timings and unequal intervals result into indigestion. The body is not able to digest the calorie heavy food, which results into fat deposition on the tissues.

Fast Food Reformation
As a result of the recent health revolution, fast food chains and restaurants have started the integration of all possible food nutrients in their menus. Hamburgers and French fries, which are probably the most famous fast foods, are nowadays made with the help of healthy low cholesterol fats, lesser oil, and whole wheat breads. Many burgers nowadays, have a high content of salads and vegetables in them, and are made with sauces and pickles that are rich in vitamins. The fries nowadays are not deep fried and have a low content of oil in them. Many fast food chains also resort to grilling instead of frying. Other famous fast food items such as tacos and nachos are being converted into healthy foods with the induction of more vegetables, and methods such as grilling and baking. With many people worldwide turning to vegan-ism and vegetarianism, fast food chains have started serving vegetarian products as well.