Many thanks to Amanda Tradwick for this eye-opening guest post.
Most readers of this blog are likely to understand why eating locally
raised, whole foods instead of processed and industrially manufactured
foods is best for individual health and economic vitality. Sometimes
we need to be reminded of those reasons and have them spelled out in
clear terms. Whether you just need a gentle reminder or you would like
to pass along an introductory primer to a friend or family member who
needs some convincing, here are the top 10 reasons why you should
never eat fast food again:
It’s Not Real Food
Fast food is a chemically created product that contains numerous
chemicals and preservatives. Even the “food” ingredients that it
contains — namely soy and corn — have been highly processed and
often genetically modified. This is slop that does not contain needed
nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
It Contributes to Health Problems
The high fat, salt and sugar content of fast food has been shown to
lead to a number of adverse health outcomes including obesity,
diabetes and heart conditions. Fast food is also especially high in
trans fats, which have a more insidious impact on health.
Soy and Corn are the Primary Ingredients
In Michael Pollan’s book The Omnivore’s Dilemma, he tested a typical
fast food meal of a hamburger, fries, and soda and found that it was
comprised primarily of corn. Soy and corn are used to feed the
animals, make the oil to cook it and are used to make fillers to mix
with the food. Both of these are already grown in excess and have
shifted the market for farming.
It Supports Unsustainable Agriculture
Most fast-food companies get their ingredients from industrial farms
that are grown with harmful chemicals and pesticides and without
regard to the care and preservation of the land.
It Endangers Resources
Some fast-food companies have been found to purchase ingredients that
are grown in endangered or protected areas. For example, McDonald’s
gets soy-based feed that is grown in the Amazon rainforest to feed its
chickens.
It Encourages Overproduction of Meat
Hundreds of thousands of animals are grown each year for slaughter and
are grown quickly in poor conditions and without regard to the
sustainability of the land or the humane treatment of the animals.
Meat is Grown with Unhealthy Methods
Chickens and cows are fed corn- and soy-based feed — neither of which
is part of their natural diets — to make them grow fatter and
quicker, leading to health problems for the animals and those who eat
them. They are also fed hormones, to encourage growth, and antibiotics
to treat the inevitable health conditions that arise because of their
poor diets. All of this makes it into your meal when you choose to eat
fast food.
Poor Working Conditions
Poor conditions have been documented in slaughter houses and on farms,
including worker injury, over work and unsanitary conditions. Many
immigrants are employed in factories and slaughter houses and some
reports have suggested that they are paid poor wages, given poor or no
benefits and offered no protections (either for employment rights or
safety).
Companies Contribute to Overconsumption of Natural Resources
The growth of the vast quantities of meat and crops needed to create
the food and the transportation of that food to points around the
country and the world consumes excessive amounts of natural resources
like oil and produces harmful emissions.
What are some of the reasons that you avoid eating fast food in your
own life? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for
CollegeGrants.org. She has a bachelor’s degrees from the University of
Delaware, and has recently finished research on alabama
education grants and student
grants in california.
