In Schlosser’s introduction to Fast Food Nation, he mentions that most people today ignore the bad ingredients in food and consume it solely for the yummy taste. I couldn’t agree with this statement more. I know when I pull up to a McDonalds drive-thru and order that Mcdouble (with cheese) and medium fries, I am not necessarily thinking about my potential health threats. Most people are only thinking of their temporary hunger and the instant gratification of quick and delicious food. They are unaware of how seriously damaging these foods are to their health, and if they are aware of it, they don’t care.
But what are the repercussions you may ask? To name a few, diabetes, high-cholesterol, and high-blood-pressure lead to heart attacks, obesity, and illnesses that can be life-threatening. But there are deeper negative effects on the body as a result of these foods. A study made by scientists at the University College in London showed that consumers of these processed foods have a 61% higher chance of suffering from depression than others with healthy eating habits. In addition, the mono sodium glutamate and other preservatives used in the food increases blood flow in the body, triggering headaches and even migraines. There are countless negative effects of eating processed food; however some families are desperate for the quick and cheap meal that will fill their kids up for the time-being. As shown in Kenner’s Food, Inc., families have other needs that take up the majority of their income, leaving little-to-no money for food. We don’t realize how lucky we are when we eat home-cooked meals until we see families that would love to have this luxury but cannot afford to. In my opinion, lowering the price of produce in grocery stores could motivate people to spend a little extra time preparing a healthy meal for their families. This way there would be no-excuse for families not to eat healthily, which would begin to lower the obesity rate among the population. Broadcasting the actual content of every ingredient in these foods such as the supposed “natural flavors” and oils that are used behind closed doors could heighten the awareness of what the consumers are actually eating.
To mention a few other ramifications of the fast food industry, specifically the booming company of McDonalds, 90% of the countries new jobs come from the McDonalds Corporation. These workers are paid minimum wage, if even that, leaving many with barely enough money for a living. The golden arch ways that represent McDonalds are the most highly recognized symbol in the country, even more so than the Christian cross. The fast food industry has also taken the meat packing job, what used to be highly-skilled and well-paid, and turned it into a dangerous job that pays minimum wage and is very detrimental to the health of the workers. Our nation has been greatly affected by the fast food industry, in a way that generations before us never would have guessed. After learning about all the many results of eating fast food, I now have begun to second guess my craving for that McDouble or junior-bacon cheeseburger.
Photo Cred: http://www.ranker.com/pics/L317295/mcdonald-s-secret-menu-itemsBut what are the repercussions you may ask? To name a few, diabetes, high-cholesterol, and high-blood-pressure lead to heart attacks, obesity, and illnesses that can be life-threatening. But there are deeper negative effects on the body as a result of these foods. A study made by scientists at the University College in London showed that consumers of these processed foods have a 61% higher chance of suffering from depression than others with healthy eating habits. In addition, the mono sodium glutamate and other preservatives used in the food increases blood flow in the body, triggering headaches and even migraines. There are countless negative effects of eating processed food; however some families are desperate for the quick and cheap meal that will fill their kids up for the time-being. As shown in Kenner’s Food, Inc., families have other needs that take up the majority of their income, leaving little-to-no money for food. We don’t realize how lucky we are when we eat home-cooked meals until we see families that would love to have this luxury but cannot afford to. In my opinion, lowering the price of produce in grocery stores could motivate people to spend a little extra time preparing a healthy meal for their families. This way there would be no-excuse for families not to eat healthily, which would begin to lower the obesity rate among the population. Broadcasting the actual content of every ingredient in these foods such as the supposed “natural flavors” and oils that are used behind closed doors could heighten the awareness of what the consumers are actually eating.
To mention a few other ramifications of the fast food industry, specifically the booming company of McDonalds, 90% of the countries new jobs come from the McDonalds Corporation. These workers are paid minimum wage, if even that, leaving many with barely enough money for a living. The golden arch ways that represent McDonalds are the most highly recognized symbol in the country, even more so than the Christian cross. The fast food industry has also taken the meat packing job, what used to be highly-skilled and well-paid, and turned it into a dangerous job that pays minimum wage and is very detrimental to the health of the workers. Our nation has been greatly affected by the fast food industry, in a way that generations before us never would have guessed. After learning about all the many results of eating fast food, I now have begun to second guess my craving for that McDouble or junior-bacon cheeseburger.
Source: http://expertscolumn.com/content/understanding-negative-effects-eating-fast-food
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