Semi-finished products and fast food have long been part of the modern rhythm of life. They are convenient, affordable and allow you to save time on food preparation. However, the apparent simplicity hides serious health risks. In the composition of such products can be found preservatives, flavor enhancers, harmful fats and even chemical compounds that are not intended for consumption. Regular consumption of convenience foods and fast food can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems and other dangerous consequences. In this article, we will look at the dangers of these products, what substances they contain and how their influence affects the body.
What are the dangers of convenience foods?
Semi-finished products have a rich chemical composition, and for the most part – these are harmful elements for the body. For example, in them you can find ammonium sulfate, which is widely known as a fertilizer for plants. Some manufacturers add it to bread and other flour products to control the level of acidity. Silica or polypropylene glycol, used to remove oil contaminants and as an antifreeze, is often found in convenience foods. You’ve probably bought processed meats many times. Just know that there’s a good chance it’s been treated with caustic ammonia to kill pathogens. Nutritionists recommend bypassing sour milk products that have an attractive pink color. It is often obtained as a result of the addition of a special dye – carmine.
Health hazards of convenience foods
- Semi-finished products have a high energy value and are not dietary products. They are very high in carbohydrates and fats, which are the cause of excess weight.
- These products multiply the level of “bad” cholesterol. To produce, for example, cutlets are taken far from the best meat, offal, and skin. They have so much fat and cholesterol that it has the most negative impact on the quality and composition of the blood.
- There is also a lot of salt and spices in semi-finished products. They hide the flavor deficiencies of products, and in excess in the body can cause swelling. Spices create a load on the heart muscle, liver and kidneys. Salt irritates the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, and if this happens constantly, colitis or gastritis can develop.
- Semi-finished products “sin” the presence of GMOs in the composition. Remember this if you see on the package mention of vegetable proteins. These products always contain soy, including genetically modified soy.
In addition, semi-finished products contain all sorts of E-additives. Their main function is to ensure a long shelf life of the product, enhance its aroma and taste. These additives stimulate the appetite, cause salivation, so that the same cutlets, bought in the store, seemed to you much tastier than homemade. High concentrations of E-additives can overexcite the nervous system, cause serious liver and kidney disease, and reduce the tone of blood vessels. It is almost impossible to find out exactly how many of them are contained in a particular product: labels do not always provide truthful information.
Refrigerated semi-finished products can be contaminated with dangerous microorganisms, such as toxoplasma or listeria. They cause illnesses with symptoms that look like a cold, but in fact can end very badly.
How harmful is fast food?
About the harm of fast food is written and said a lot, nevertheless, fans of this food are not reduced. Yes, one hamburger and a glass of Coke once a month will not cause serious consequences, but if you eat such food with an enviable consistency, it is not excluded:
- overweight and obesity;
- gallstones;
- liver and kidney problems;
- atherosclerosis;
- hypertension;
- pancreatic disease;
- tooth decay;
- stomach ulcers.
Fast food has no fiber, which is responsible for the feeling of satiety. Literally a couple or three hours after a quick lunch a person starts to feel hungry again, he/she wants to eat again – this leads to overeating. In fast food there are no proteins, which are the basis for building cells, but a lot of fats and carbohydrates. Such food for the stomach is very heavy. A lot of time and energy is spent on digestion and assimilation, but as a result, cells and tissues do not get the necessary set of useful micro- and macronutrients.
An integral companion of the burger is a carbonated drink. It must be sweet! It is estimated that one small bottle of soda contains as much as 5 spoons of sugar, which is the cause of obesity and diabetes.
The impact of fast food and convenience foods on mental health
Many people think that the harm of fast food and convenience foods is limited only to physical health, but these foods also have an impact on psychological well-being.
- Mood swings. The excess sugar and simple carbohydrates in fast food causes blood glucose levels to spike. After a short-term energy boost, there is a sharp drop in energy, which can lead to fatigue, irritability and apathy.
- Risk of developing depression. Studies show that people who abuse fast food have a higher risk of developing depression. This is due to the lack of important micronutrients in their diet – magnesium, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for stable work of the nervous system.
- Dependence on junk food. Fast food contains monosodium glutamate and other flavor enhancers that make food especially attractive. They stimulate the pleasure centers in the brain, causing addiction. Over time, a person may lose interest in healthy foods because they seem less tasty.
How to reduce the harm from fast food and convenience foods?
It is difficult to completely give up fast food and convenience foods, especially if there is no time to prepare a full meal. However, you can minimize their harm by following a few simple rules:
- Choose less harmful options – if you can’t avoid fast food, it’s better to prefer grilled burgers with whole-grain buns, salads without fatty sauces and natural meat dishes instead of sausages.
- Control portions – a small amount of fast food or convenience foods will not cause serious harm. The main thing is not to make them the basis of the diet and not to overeat.
- Cook at home – even your favorite fast food dishes can be prepared by yourself, using natural ingredients and avoiding harmful additives. For example, homemade burgers with lean meat and fresh vegetables will be much healthier than store-bought ones.
- Drink more water – carbonated drinks and packet juices are high in sugar and chemical additives. Replace them with pure water, green tea or freshly squeezed juices.
- Add more vegetables and fiber to your diet – If you ate something unhealthy, compensate for it with vegetables, fruits, whole grain products. They help improve digestion and reduce the load on the body.
- Read the composition on the package – if you have to buy semi-finished products, it is better to choose those with fewer chemical additives, preservatives and artificial flavorings.
