As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the consumption of fast food is a majorcontributor in the development of chronic ailments like heart disease, diabetes and liver dysfunction. It thus becomes important for us to have them moderately or to completely avoid their intake.

Let’s take a look at how fast food negatively impacts our day-to-day life and why it is best to stay away from them as far as possible.

Regular consumption of fast food makes you gain weight

According to ongoing research, fast food contributes to weight gain as well as insulin resistance. In other words, this type of food makes you fat and increases your risk of type 2 Diabetes. So, if you are conscious about your weight and remaining fit, make sure you stay clear of junk food.

Fast food is proven to be addictive

The more you consume fast food, the more you crave for it. Studies have indicated that junk food is“a potentially addictive substance that is most likely to create dependence in vulnerable populations”.

Fast food can be harmful for children and young adults

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. A major contributor to this is the popularity of junk food across the world. Lacking essential nutrients that are required for growth and development, fast food also adversely impacts children and young adults due to its high calorie, fat, sugar and salt content. Strong associations have been established between non-nutritious foodand the spike in childhood obesity as well as increased risk of chronic diseases.

Fast food eggs are not the breakfast of champions

Breakfast sandwiches at some restaurants that dish out fast food are a concoction of chemistry. The popular egg sandwich often has ingredients like glycerin, which is found in soapand dimethylpolysiloxane, a type of silicone found in Silly Putty and many lubricants.

Your favourite non-veg burgers lack meat in them

You might be disappointed to know that studies have found that most fast food burgers are composed of about 50 per cent water and the actual meat content is only 2.1 – 14.8%. Chemical fillers and preservatives make up the rest. Enough to tell you how unhealthy they actually are?

Chicken nuggets are worse than burgers

he ever-popular chicken nuggets served at many fast food restaurants contain a chemical preservative called TBHQ, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and even death in the worst cases. In many cases, chicken nuggets and patties are made from a slimy mixture that’s created from the processed bones and carcasses of leftover chicken. So even if you are craving for this, make sure you eat it at reputed restaurants.

Fast food sodas are loaded with sugar

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is the usual sweetener that most fast food restaurants use in their sodas, desserts andother products. The consumption of HFCS is linked to obesity and poor health in general.

THE EASY SOLUTION: Prepare your own fast food at home

We know that fast food doesn’t really taste that good unless it’s laden with condiments. However, preparing them at home is a far safer option. For example, opt for a burger or nuggets that you can cook from your stove top or your grill. You’ll obviously use the best and the safest ingredients. And in the end, you’ll be definitely healthier and happier for it!