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Healthy breakfasts call for protein-packed ingredients that will give your body the fuel it needs to burn calories throughout the day. A great way to add some protein to your mornings is to eat eggs -- but, not if they're from Chick-fil-A! The chain uses preservatives and additives to make the eggs on their breakfast menu and they're not good for you OR your waistline.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Forbes reporter David DiSalvo investigated the eggs used at popular fast food chains and found that most of them use a slew of preservatives and additives to maintain their eggs' signature color, taste and texture. When it came to Chick-fil-A, DiSalvo found that they add the preservatives citric acid and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) to their eggs.
Overconsuming citric acid can lead to some pretty alarming health issues, including tooth decay and the erosion of tooth enamel. Yikes!
[Photo: Chick-fil-A]
DiSalvo also pointed out that most of the preservatives used in fast food eggs can also be found in common household and beauty products. For example, the preservative TBHQ, which is used in the eggs to protect vegetable oils from oxidation, is also found in certain varnishes, lacquers, and perfumes.
This preservative is also used to make Subway's egg omelet patty, according to Forbes. Not to mention, they also use dImethylpolysiloxane, a type of silicone that's found in Silly Putty and certain lubricants, and calcium silicate, which is a sealant used on roads, roofs and concrete.
[Photos: Instagram]
Chick-fil-A also uses palm kernel oil in their eggs, which is roughly made up of 50% saturated fat. "It contains more saturated fats than palm oil and is very commonly used in commercial cooking since the higher saturated fat content allows for greater stability at higher temperatures and better shelf life," according to Dr. Mike Roussell.
If you're in a pinch and have to get your breakfast from Chick-fil-A, we recommend ordering the Egg White Grill sandwich. It calls for freshly-cracked egg whites and lean grilled chicken, which offers 25 grams of protein! To make it even healthier, you can opt to have it without American cheese.
Were you shocked to find that Chick-fil-A uses preservatives in their eggs? Let us know in the comments below!
