According to nutritionists, there are five unappealing side effects of eating Taco Bell every day.
Have you consumed too many chalupas? What to expect and how to avoid it are explained below.
Nothing beats Taco Bell for satisfying a late-night craving. If you need to stay on track with your diet, the fast-food chain can provide some healthy options, and as long as you eat carefully, you won't have to worry about missing out on this Tex-Mex favorite. However, if you decide to indulge, proceed with caution, as some extremely unpleasant side effects come with eating Taco Bell every day.
Due to excessive sodium, fat, and even sugar in certain dishes, Taco Bell's tacos and burritos taste irresistible. When taken to their ultimate conclusion, these additional ingredients might cause serious harm to your health. We spoke with several dietitians, doctors, nutritionists, and other specialists to identify which side effects you should be aware of if you frequent this classic fast-food chain too often.
1. Feelings of depression.
Some of the most immediate effects after eating a Taco Bell burrito or taco occur inside our brains.
Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD, Nutritional Psychiatrist and author of This Is Your Brain on Food, reveals that nitrates in preserved meats and cheeses worsen depression. "A fast-food diet includes ingredients that have been processed and ultra-processed, such as processed vegetable oils, added sodium, added sugars, and food colorants, colors, fillers, and preservatives. These are all pro-inflammatory substances for the brain and body."
Dr. Naidoo said, "Poor food choices feed the bad bugs in our gut, enabling them to thrive and take over the good bugs (meant to help and defend us)." "The bad bugs create inflammation over time, which can result in leaky gut and neuroinflammation (brain). When this happens, it might lead to new mental health problems or exacerbate symptoms you're already suffering."
2. Still feeling hungry.
Even if you finish a few tacos or burritos, you're not likely to be satisfied. This feeling is caused by the elements that make up a Taco Bell meal.
"Fast foods contain very little fresh whole food with fiber and minerals, so they pass through your digestive system rapidly and leave you hungry," explains Dr. Naidoo.
According to a study published in The Nutrition Review, a lack of fiber causes an endless cycle of hunger that can even lead to overeating.
3. Cognitive impairment.
Increased emotions of depression aren't the only thing to worry about when we dig into a box of tacos.
"The brain struggles to think clearly while eating a diet high in unhealthy trans fats, added sugars, and processed foods," Dr. Naidoo stated."High-fat diets can also impair cognitive capacities," explains Jay Cowin, ASYSTEM's Registered Nutritionist and Director of Formulations. "It has been suggested that cognitive problems are caused by brain inflammation and insulin resistance produced by saturated fatty acids."
4. Higher chances of stroke.
Not all of Taco Bell's menu items affect how our brain processes information. Aneurysms in the brain can also be caused by overeating Taco Bell.
"Saturated fats increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood," Cowin explains. "LDL cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Saturated fat should not make for more than 10% of your daily calories. Even the famous Cheesy Gordita Crunch Supreme contains 11 grams of saturated fat."5. Increased risk of heart disease.
Saturated fat, which can cause a stroke, can also hurt your heart health.
"Many of Taco Bell's menu items are large, fried, cheesy, or contain beef," says Dr. Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim. "This combination contains an excessive amount of calories as well as saturated fat, both of which can lead to obesity and heart disease if consumed on a daily basis."
"A diet high in saturated fat can increase bad LDL cholesterol, blocking the arteries and leading to heart disease," Young adds.
When sticking to a healthy eating plan, balance up your Taco Bell runs with more nutritious dining options to get the best of both worlds. Don't be shocked if you experience any of these unpleasant side effects if you overdo it at the chain.