Most of us know that fast food, other than being inexpensive, quick, and convenient, does not have many redeeming attributes. I believe we may safely conclude that the disadvantages outnumber the advantages.
Fast food began as a means of convenience, and it became increasingly popular in the 1950s and 1960s as more people began to drive. However, it has since become one of the top causes of obesity and heart disease in the United States. Its dangerously high quantities of added sugars and saturated fats keep us hooked and want more.
While we are all aware of fast food's negative aspects, there are specific lesser-known adverse effects that few people are aware of. Continue reading to learn about some of the unintended consequences of consuming fast food.
1. It may have an impact on your insulin levels.
Fast food products are taken into our system at a significantly faster pace than other foods, according to a 2018 study published in The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. When we eat anything highly processed, it rapidly releases much glucose into our circulation, causing a "rapid insulin response."
Compare this to food that enters our bloodstream over several hours (the study uses high-fiber beans as an example), where glucose enters our system slowly and does not require a large amount of insulin all at once.
Advanced glycation end products are found in products containing a lot of processed white flour, such as white bread, cakes, and processed baked goods, according to this article (AGEs). An accumulation of molecules in the bloodstream has been linked to diabetes and other chronic disorders, especially when combined with quick insulin response.
2. It could harm your skin.
Fast eating can also be detrimental to your skin. A Western diet of fast food, processed foods, and increased levels of added sugar has been related to an increase in acne, according to a study published in Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. One of the critical reasons for this is that our insulin activity rises when we eat junk food.
According to this article, some cultures are fully acne-free, including specific portions of Iceland, Papua New Guinea, and Brazil. These areas have in common that they eat a largely Paleolithic diet.
When it comes to acne, we must consider other aspects such as lifestyle and heredity, but our diet plays a significant impact.
According to much research, fast food has been linked to more excellent acne and severe skin issues. According to a 2013 study of children and adolescents, individuals who ate fast food three times or more per week had a higher chance of severe eczema. More research is being done on the effects on adults, even though this study did not cover them.
3. You can raise your disease risk.
Unfortunately, as cheap and tasty as it is, fast food has been shown to raise the risk of chronic disease when ingested regularly.
According to a review published in Health Promotion Perspectives, fast food intake has a long list of potential disease-related adverse effects. Abdominal weight gain, chronic inflammation, elevated cholesterol, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are all on the list.
4. Your mental health may worsen.
Fast food eating regularly may harm our mental health. According to a study published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, pro-inflammatory diets (which include fast food) have been linked to an increased risk of depression. This is especially true for women and those who are obese.
There are several elements at play here: fast food's high quantities of trans fats and processed carbs. According to Public Health Nutrition trans fatty acids have been linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and excessive cholesterol, all of which can raise our risk of depression.