Fast food. What is it, photos, products

What is fast food?

Translated into Russian, this name means “fast food”. As a rule, its list includes dishes and products that can be eaten on the go, without the use of dishes and cutlery. Fast food is food that is prepared and delivered to consumers in a short time.

It is usually made from pre-prepared or already cooked and reheated ingredients, and is offered packaged for take-out. The term "fast food" first began to be used in the United States and appeared in dictionaries in 1951, but its roots are actually much older.

History of fast food

Restaurants have existed in one form or another for most of human civilization, but previously they typically catered to travelers. Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, taverns and taverns often served food to people who, for some reason, were away from home. This trend continued until relatively recently.

Although taverns and coffee houses were popular places to gather and spend time, the idea of ​​eating out for entertainment did not develop in society until the late 18th century. McDonald's was the first restaurant to use the conveyor system, but some people consider White Castle to be the first fast food chain. It was founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, US.

At that time, most people considered hamburgers sold at fairs, circuses, and street stalls and carts to be of poor quality. Many people thought that this product was made from slaughterhouse waste and spoiled meat.

The founders of White Castle set out to change the way consumers thought about hamburgers. They organized the premises of their restaurants so that customers could see the food being prepared. At the same time, businessmen painted the buildings white and even chose a name that suggested cleanliness. As a result, the White Castle chain quickly gained an excellent reputation throughout the United States, and played an important role in the development of fast food.

In turn, the McDonald's Brothers opened their restaurant with an updated design in 1948, and soon after that several other fast food chains appeared that exist to this day.

For example, Burger King and Taco Bell started in the 1950s, and Wendy's opened in 1969. Some chains, such as Carl's Jr., KFC and Jack in the Box, existed before the advent of the assembly line system, but changed their working methods after her debut. McDonald's, where it all started, is now the world's largest fast food restaurant chain.

Benefits of quick snacks

Surely everyone has already heard a million times that fast food is very harmful, but still the rate of its consumption does not decrease. Why is this happening? The main reason is the fast pace of life. A person works from morning to night, and he simply does not have time to have lunch in peace. And when he comes home in the evening, he is so tired that it does not give him the opportunity to cook a full dinner. All this benefits businessmen selling fast food. Fast food restaurants are constantly filled with customers. But this is not the only reason. Another very strong incentive to purchase something harmful is the pleasant taste, which is maintained with the help of flavoring additives.

Reasons for popularity

Fast food is now widely consumed all over the world. As a rule, this is due to the development of chain catering establishments. The popularity of such products is due to a number of reasons.

Availability

One of the reasons why fast food is so popular is that it is inexpensive. According to statistics, fast food can be cheaper than cooking it yourself from quality ingredients or ordering it from a good restaurant.

People can get more for their money by visiting fast food establishments. Nobody wants to spend large sums of money for one meal, but at the same time everyone wants to get something tasty and appetizing. This is especially true when visiting catering establishments with families.

Convenience

Fast food is very convenient, especially on busy days when a person does not have time to prepare a full lunch or dinner. With quick food available, there's no need to spend time in the kitchen or wait long to order at a nice restaurant.

Having visited a fast food establishment, you can eat a satisfying meal in 10-15 minutes, especially if it is located nearby (in big cities there are so many of them that it won’t take long to get to one of them in any area).

Pleasant taste

Fatty burgers and crispy fries or pizza with multi-layered toppings are liked by almost everyone. Whatever you choose from the fast food menu, it will be delicious. None of the other reasons for its popularity would matter if it weren't for its delicious taste. If all fast food tasted bad, no one would buy it. Convenient, affordable and quick meals are exactly what people want, so taste is another bonus.

As the name suggests, fast food is fast. Once your order is placed, you usually don't have to wait long for your food. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for those who are always in a hurry.

This is interesting!

Looking at this picture,

Mirab Morgan

(a resident of North Carolina) decided to conduct her own experiment. She also began to eat only at McDonald's, and she did this not for one month, but for three whole months. As a result of the experiment, the lady... lost 15 kilograms. The secret is that she made sure to eat no more than 1,400 calories a day. Nutritionists responded with restraint about this success, noting that French fries and cheeseburgers still lack the vitamins and minerals necessary for the human body. Nutritionists agree that eating food from a classic fast food establishment once a month can be considered relatively painless for your health. However, some believe that this is too common.

Ingredients

Fast food is popular because it is inexpensive, convenient, and delicious. However, it is often made with cheaper ingredients such as high-fat meats, refined and refined grains, and added sugars and fats (instead of healthy ingredients such as lean protein sources, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables).

Fast food is also high in sodium (aka salt), which is used as a preservative and makes food more flavorful and filling. Fast food refers to various types of products that have become popular today. There are many varieties of it. The contents of the menu of such an establishment depend on what is popular in a particular region and what products there are low in cost, as well as on what local residents like.

Fast food makes up different dishes such as hamburger.

The main types of fast food common in the world include the following:

Everyone has their favorite fast food.

How much fat is in fast food?

Health effects

Fast food is food that can be quickly prepared, sold and eaten without any additional preparation. At the beginning of the 20th century. there has been a boom in its development and today it influences people in many ways. The main reason for its success is its low cost. But this is what creates the problems that many people complain about, and above all, the negative impact on health.

Research has shown a link between eating fast food and an increase in body mass index, as well as weight gain. Many (not all) fast foods are high in saturated fat, which can cause heart disease when eaten in large quantities. In an attempt to provide fast food chains with enough meat for less money, farms tend to abuse animals.

At these enterprises, animals are kept in small, cramped cages, which leads to a lack of natural physical activity. Such fences are a breeding ground for various viruses and bacteria, their mutations, and contribute to the massive infection of birds and livestock.

To avoid this, antibiotics are often used, which ultimately creates strains that are resistant to drugs. When consuming the meat of these animals, people also develop resistance to antibiotics for various diseases.

Main harm

Research has shown that the higher the ratio of fast food restaurants and convenience stores to conventional grocery stores and markets, the higher the prevalence of obesity and diabetes, which increase the risk of early death. In addition, fast food can cause other undesirable health effects.

Lethargic state

Eating large portions of high-fat foods (such as hamburgers, French fries, and milkshakes) can cause a person to feel heavy, lethargic, and sleepy.

Harm to the skin

Fast food can cause skin problems such as acne. The reason for this is not chocolate or the abundance of fried foods, but unhealthy foods in general. Negative effects come from excess simple sugar, white flour and empty carbohydrates (such as French fries).

Swelling

Some foods are naturally high in sodium, but it is most often added during cooking. Some of the common sodium additives are glutamate, sodium nitrite and saccharin, baking soda and sodium benzoate, which are used as flavorings or preservatives.

In terms of intake levels for this mineral, it is recommended that adults stick to a limit of 1,500 mg per day and never consume more than 2,300 mg. However, one serving of fast food may contain more than the sodium limit. Too much of it causes the body to retain water, causing bloating and swelling.

Memory loss

Fast foods, especially bacon burgers, some fried foods and milkshakes, are often high in saturated fat. It has been established that they can negatively affect the heart, but there are also studies that show that high consumption can negatively affect brain function and memory.

Scientists say that consuming too much saturated fatty acids in food can impair memory speed, flexibility and prospective memory (the ability to remember what a person intended to do).

Harm to the intestines

Dietary fiber (commonly found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds) plays a dominant role in the digestive system. Fiber helps maintain normal functioning of the digestive tract by removing toxins from the body.

It can lower cholesterol levels and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Most fast foods do not contain enough dietary fiber, which interferes with normal digestion.

Inflammation levels increase

Phthalates, a class of endocrine-disrupting chemical toxins, are used in plastic packaging for food and beverages. They are harmful to health. One study found that people who ate fast food frequently had 35% higher levels of phthalate metabolites compared to those who ate regular whole foods.

According to other data, increased exposure to these substances has a direct connection with metabolic syndrome. In addition, inflammation can cause a variety of health problems, from obesity to nutritional deficiencies.

Harm to teeth

Frequently drinking carbonated drinks can lead to poor oral health. Eating large quantities of them increases the amount of acid in the mouth, which ultimately causes tooth decay. Some desserts offered by chain establishments (for example, McFlurry) have a similar effect.

Mental health

According to some scientists, eating fast food may cause higher rates of depression. One study found that people who ate fast food were 51% more likely to develop depression than those who avoided it.

Increased blood sugar levels

Fast food is a high carbohydrate food that always increases your blood sugar levels. When you consume white flour-based foods (such as burger buns or French fries), your body receives large amounts of white sugar. Frequent consumption of such foods can lead to obesity, which is a clinical diagnosis, and diabetes.

Increased cholesterol levels

Many fast foods are derived from animal products, deep-fried and served with cheese and high-fat dipping sauces. A high percentage of fat in food can increase cholesterol levels, which can also lead to atherosclerosis.

This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and obstructs blood flow to the heart and organs. What's more, fast food can lower your good cholesterol (HDL) levels, putting your heart and overall health at risk.

Increased anxiety

Fast food lacks omega-3 fatty acids. A lack of these healthy fats can cause increased mental anxiety. In addition, these foods are also rich in refined carbohydrates, which can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If glucose levels drop to hypoglycemic levels, a person may experience restlessness, tremors, confusion, and fatigue.

Cancer risk

PhIP is short for 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine. This confusingly named chemical is found in most grilled foods. It is formed when meat is heated to a certain temperature, and its high consumption is associated with the development of breast, prostate and colon cancer.

In addition, fast food meat almost always contains sodium nitrate and nitrite. These additives are used to maintain the vibrant color of meat and inhibit bacterial growth. Both of these substances can break down into nitrosamines, compounds that can cause cancer.

Heart diseases

The fats commonly found in fast food contain huge amounts of saturated fatty acids. They harden at room temperature and are made from animal sources or palm oil. They can be found in abundance in foods such as cheeseburgers and French fries. These fats can increase levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, leading to an increased risk of heart disease.

Decreased bone strength

Fast food is usually high in sodium. One Big Mac contains 970 mg of this compound, more than a third of the recommended daily value. Doctors warn that high sodium intake can lead to decreased bone strength, which can lead to osteoporosis.

Chemistry of fast food

Each of us at least once bought instant soups or prepared fast food noodles. And why are they eaten? Many people believe in the labels on packages about the content of vitamins or other beneficial substances. All this is not true! And the harm from these “vitamins” is such that you will still spend a lot of money and nerves in order to improve your health.

In fast food, vitamins are more likely to be absent than present, but you can find chemicals there, such as flavorings and oxidizing agents, which are very harmful to health. How is fast food made, what does it contain, and what harm does it cause if consumed for a long time?

Instant fast food assortments are made from dried ingredients. In scientific words, they are called dehydrogenated components. When dehydrogenating, foods are stripped of their water. The preparation of fast food is made from products devoid of moisture (evaporated meat, herbs, vegetables). Such products are not very healthy because the structure of the product is destroyed, there are no vitamins, and, in general, these products are spoiled. The harm from such products is obvious. Also, you need to know that “good producers” do not have waste. This waste gets into the food, and in order to improve the taste purification from these products, all sorts of chemicals are added to them. Please note that fast food is packaged in beautiful boxes so that the next hungry and naive buyer will even buy such a meal with “fake” meat.

If you look at the composition of fast food products, you will notice only chemistry in them. If you eat this type of food once, perhaps nothing will happen. But fast food can be harmful if consumed more than once every six months. With these products, the body receives very little fiber and vitamins, but they contain a lot of fat and the entire periodic table. Well then you cannot avoid ulcers, gastritis, constipation and atherosclerosis. Who needs this? Remember that the body will begin to get used to this food and the more often you eat “this”, the more often you will want to eat fast food and its harm will be significantly greater.

There may be times when you suffer from hunger, and you come across some kind of “hamburger” or “cheburek”. You won’t suffer significantly from one such incident of eating such food, but it’s still better to go to the store and buy something healthier. But remember, don’t give such nasty things to children! Fast food and children are two incompatible things. Although adults can digest this type of food, children may develop allergies and, as a result, weakened immunity. There is no need to risk your health and especially the health of your loved ones, eat only healthy food and then you will not know what the harm from fast food is!

How often can you eat fast food?

There is no such thing as a "bad" food, but there are some foods that should be avoided on a regular basis. Because fast food is high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, you don't need to eat it often. A safe frequency of consumption of such food is approximately 1 time per week. Many fast food chains have updated their offerings to include healthier options. For example, many have menu items containing fruits and vegetables.

Some establishments even have special items labeled as “light” or “less than 500 calories” to help consumers easily identify less heavy foods. While lower calorie foods are not necessarily healthier, they may be more recommended when choosing between several available options.

For those who eat fast food more than once a week, it is advisable to choose just such dishes. In addition, it is advisable to look up the nutritional information for each menu item on the restaurant's website.

Some interesting statistics

Let's talk a little about numbers.

According to statistics, every second Moscow resident consumes fast food at least 2 times a week, and the average bill is 650 rubles.

From the above we can conclude that the monthly market volume IN MOSCOW ONLY is equal to: (6.15 million people * 650 rubles) * 8 visits per month = 31,980,000,000 rubles.

Almost 32 BILLION, friends, per month! And this is only in Moscow.

Just imagine the volume of fast food sales per year IN THE WORLD! This is a colossal number.

Here are some more fascinating statistics for the USA (the country that is the leader in fast food consumption in the world), expressed in infographics:

A huge, multi-billion dollar industry that is only growing year after year, despite all the reliable research on the dangers of this food.

McDonald's is the MOST POPULAR fast food chain in the world.

Mac has more than 36 thousand restaurants worldwide and sales of $35.4 billion a year.

There are hundreds of fast food brands, and this article is not enough for me to list them all, and in general, that’s not what we’re talking about.

It would seem, what is the harm in this diet, because it is all made from vegetables, bread, and meat...

Yes, it should be so, but are you sure it's true?

What are the dangers of regularly eating fast food?

The high calorie content of fast food comes with low amounts of nutrients. If you overeat fast food, the body will begin to lack the chemical compounds necessary for proper functioning. In this case, saturation will occur due to empty calories, most often excess ones.

If you switch from a balanced diet consisting of whole foods to fast food, there will be a significant increase in calorie intake, including within each meal.

Excess calorie intake can lead to obesity, which puts a person at risk of developing chronic diseases. Statistics show that adults who consume fast food at least once every 2 days have a higher body mass index compared to those who eat a healthier diet.

Consequences: a bunch of diseases

Like any unbalanced diet, fast food leads to metabolic disorders
and, accordingly, ill health.
Heart disease: due to excess fat content, cholesterol plaques
, and atherosclerosis develops.
Kidney disease: Too much salt changes the water-salt balance in the body. Diabetes: Excess sugar interferes with the functioning of the pancreas. Cancer danger: fast food contains trans fats. Diseases caused by overeating: excess calories in the diet leads to extra pounds. Let's summarize
: the usual fast food is not only too high in calories, but also too fatty, too sweet and too salty. However, it does not prevent you from feeling hungry throughout the day and does not supply the body with nutrients. So, if you go to fast food once a month, it’s okay, but regular meals there can lead not only to extra pounds, but also to illness.

Tags:

• Sugar
• Fast food
• Fats
• Salt
• Diet
• Calorie content

• To leave a comment you must be an authorized user

• RandyNob I bought it here Packaging » Food packaging » Fast food, fast food tomovomania.rf/index.php?cat=122192 delivered free
• Daviddot Packaging » Food packaging » Fast food, fast food Free delivery Wholesale and retail in the hypermarket Tovaromania.RF
• Daviddot Packaging » Food packaging » Fast food, fast food Free delivery Wholesale and retail in the hypermarket Tovaromania.RF
• Daviddot Packaging » Food packaging » Fast food, fast food Free delivery Wholesale and retail in the hypermarket Tovaromania.RF
• Daviddot Packaging » Food packaging » Fast food, fast food Free delivery Wholesale and retail in the hypermarket Tovaromania.RF
• LamontBisse Packaging » Food packaging » Fast food, fast food Free delivery Wholesale and retail in the hypermarket Tovaromania.RF
• sergk Everyone knows that fast food is bad, but everything is clearly spelled out here: where? What? How many? and what will happen to you from this. And you have to choose for yourself. Knowledge is power.
• Camomile good article, fast food is evil
• mashusik Very interesting and useful article! Thank you!))
• kate_18 VERY useful article...!!!
• laaqer the main thing is that there are no demonstrative vices of specific companies, tolerance itself)

Harmful to children's development

Fast food can save time and make children happy, but consuming it regularly comes at a cost in terms of various harmful effects. Children who frequently eat such foods inevitably increase the fat and calorie content of their diet, and as a result, they often experience unwanted weight gain, including obesity. Fast food can also reduce children's academic abilities.

Experiments showed that children who ate fast food 4-6 times during the week showed significantly lower scores in math and reading compared to their peers who ate a healthy diet. Excessive consumption of fast food increases the risk of depressed mood in children.

This is because this type of diet often leads to obesity, making the child more likely to experience depression, low self-esteem, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. According to statistics, overweight children are more likely to be bullied by their peers. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle for the entire family can help reduce these risks.