If you have a busy schedule, finding the time to fit a nutritious, filling lunch into your day can be difficult. However, it’s always important to prioritize a balanced diet (along with these other tips) if you want to lead a long, healthy life–and unfortunately, that may mean cutting out some of your go-to lunch options. In fact, there’s one popular type of food that health experts agree you should kick to the curb for your overall health, especially when it comes to your heart health: fast food.
Fast food is often seen as a quick and convenient option for a busy lunchtime, but it can have serious consequences on your heart. Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Sanul Corrielus warns that it’s particularly dangerous due to its high levels of saturated fats and fried foods. Learn more about why you may want to think twice before stopping at the drive-thru on your lunch break below!
Fast Food
Although it may be difficult to resist a double cheeseburger and a side of fries, eating a lunch like this regularly could really throw a wrench in your health goals–particularly your heart health. For starters, the saturated fat content of your favorite McDonald’s meal is likely astronomical. Dr. Corrielus points out that saturated fats, which aare “abundant in fast food items like burgers,” can raise blood pressure and contribute to high cholesterol levels. According to him, "This kind of fat is very bad for the heart. It might be a major factor in heart blockages." Yikes! In addition to increasing the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol can also lead to other health issues such as stroke and diabetes.
On top of this, fried foods, which are also commonly found in fast food restaurants, are another concern for heart health to add to the list. Dr. Corrielus explains that these foods are often prepared with an excess of oil, which is then used multiple times and transformed into trans-fat. Trans-fat is a type of bad cholesterol that can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
But the dangers of fast food don't stop there. Many fast food items are also high in salt, which can increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. A diet high in salt has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
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Fast food is also often loaded with added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes. This, in turn, can lead to heart problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
In addition to the negative effects on heart health, fast food is also often lacking in important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, and a diet that is lacking in them can have negative consequences for the body. These consequences include fatigue, high blood pressure, weight gain, and a range of illnesses.
Despite all this, it’s not exactly a surprise that fast food is a popular lunch option for many Americans when you consider the price and convenience (not to mention the fact that all that greasy food can be pretty hard for our taste buds to resist). However, the cost of fast food on heart health is simply too high. By choosing healthier options for lunch, such as salads, sandwiches made with whole grain bread, or soups, it's possible to reduce the risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions. While it may take a bit more time and effort to prepare a healthier lunch, the benefits to heart health are well worth it.
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