Fast Food should be Banned
How it works
Fast food, also known as junk food, lacks the proper nutrients our bodies require. According to Ashakiran and Deepthi R (2012), these meals are laden with excessive amounts of flour, sugar, fat, salt, and food additives. Despite their nutritional shortcomings, fast food remains widely popular, likely due to its accessibility and convenience. Chain restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, and even Starbucks are prime examples. However, beyond the nutritional void, studies have identified potentially dangerous chemicals within these foods. This essay will delve into these hazardous substances and argue whether fast food should be banned.
Contents
The Allure of Fast Food
The popularity of fast food can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its name is self-explanatory—fast food is quick and convenient. For individuals with limited lunch breaks, grabbing something swiftly is an easy choice. The taste factor also plays a significant role; the added salt and sugar make these meals palatable. Additionally, food additives and colors enhance the appearance of these foods, while vibrant packaging further entices consumers. Chain restaurants invest heavily in advertising to attract more customers. For instance, McDonald's offers "Happy Meals" for children, which often include a toy, making them irresistible to young minds. While these attractions might seem beneficial, the question remains: do these positives outweigh the negatives, especially considering the toxic chemicals present in these foods?
Dangerous Chemicals in Fast Food
One chemical of concern is butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), used to extend the shelf life of food. BHA is a carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. Specifically, it poses a risk of inducing stomach cancer, as evidenced by animal testing ("Dangerous"). Another culprit is artificial trans fats, produced by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fat. This process not only prolongs the food's freshness but also links these fats to cancer. Furthermore, trans fats negatively impact cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and diabetes ("Dangerous"). These are just two of the many harmful substances found in fast food.
Moreover, certain chemicals are not directly added to the food but are present in the packaging. Fast food packaging often contains perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which prevent grease from seeping through. Recently, PFCs have been deemed hazardous as they can migrate into the food we consume. Once ingested, PFCs break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA contamination has been a concern in places like West Virginia, where it was found in the drinking water of 75,000 residents. The health effects of PFOA exposure include elevated cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and certain types of cancer (Liza Gross, 2017). These risks are particularly alarming for children, whose bodies are still developing.
The Case for Banning Fast Food
Given the health risks associated with the chemicals in fast food, the debate over whether it should be banned is both relevant and pressing. While the convenience and taste of fast food are undeniable, the potential harm from consuming these meals cannot be ignored. The presence of carcinogens, heart disease-inducing trans fats, and harmful packaging chemicals makes a strong case against fast food. The health implications extend beyond individual choices, affecting public health at large. By banning fast food, we could potentially reduce the incidence of diet-related diseases and improve overall public health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while fast food offers convenience and taste, it comes at a significant cost to our health. The presence of harmful chemicals like BHA, trans fats, and PFCs raises serious concerns about the safety of consuming these meals regularly. Although fast food is a staple in modern society, its potential to cause long-term health issues cannot be overlooked. Therefore, considering the dangers posed by these chemicals, there is a compelling argument for banning fast food. Ultimately, prioritizing public health and safety should guide our stance on this issue.
Whether or not to ban junk food is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that it poses health risks and contributes to obesity and other health issues, others maintain that individuals can make dietary choices. Ultimately, the decision to ban or not to ban junk food rests with the governing bodies of each country or state and must consider factors such as public health, individual rights, and economic implications.
There is a plethora of detrimental consequences associated with consuming unhealthy foods, commonly known as “junk food”. Such consequences comprise of obesity, heart ailments, and diabetes. Junk food items are loaded with high amounts of calories, unhealthy fats, and artificial sweeteners, and they possess little to no nutritional value.
Several compelling justifications support the prohibition of junk food in schools. The most apparent rationale is its detrimental impact on health. These foods contain an excessive amount of sugar, fat, and salt, culminating in obesity and other health-related issues. Furthermore, another justification for forbidding junk food in schools is its addictive nature.
Fast Food Should Be Banned. (2019, Jul 14). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/should-fast-food-be-banned/
