It is well acknowledged that fast food is not the healthiest option. However, a new study has discovered that these meals contain a dangerous everlasting chemical that can severely hurt the human body.
According to the study, chemicals such as Phthalates were discovered in dishes and condiments used at popular fast-food restaurants.
Everything about the research
Consumers are generally aware of sugar, trans fats, salt, and oil in fast food, but they may be unaware that other chemicals are also present in their favorite items.
The subjects in the study were ordered from six of the most prominent fast-food restaurants – McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle – and tested samples of the food for 11 plasticizing chemicals, according to India’s infertility specialist. Most of the food they ordered was from those restaurants’ most popular menu items, such as hamburgers, chicken nuggets, fries, chicken burritos, rice, beans, and salsa. Foods containing meats were shown to have greater levels of chemicals.
The analysis of chemicals found in fast food
Phthalates are a class of compounds used to make plastic softer and more flexible, and they were found in around 80% of the samples. Despite their known health risks, phthalates and other plasticizers are commonly found in food packaging and gloves.
According to multiple news sources, previous research found that persons who reported consuming more fast food had more significant amounts of Phthalates in their urine samples. However, this is the first attempt to examine and analyze food in the context of a new generation of plasticizers.
What are the health effects of phthalates?
Phthalates, a chemical, has been related to reproductive issues and early death. Phthalates have been found to interfere with hormone activity, which can lead to various problems with fertility and child development.
According to a recent study, those with high amounts of Phthalates in their urine sample were also shown to be more likely to die young, mainly from heart disease.
While one Big Mac won’t kill you, it’s crucial to consider your overall Phthalates exposure. Chemicals from other sources, such as cosmetics and cleaning goods, can compound the effects of dietary exposure. “While they don’t build up in your body as PFAS chemicals do, you’re still being exposed to these phthalates from a variety of sources,” warns the expert.
The study’s findings
Chemicals in food harm one’s health. In 2017, these eight forms of Phthalates in children’s toys and child-care items were outlawed. Despite the ban, the majority of these products were nevertheless used in other plastics. At least four of them were also discovered at fast-food restaurants.
When it came to functioning on hormone receptors, the GW team discovered they “acted similarly” to ortho-phthalates. The researchers also tested for a new plasticizer called DEHT, which is used to replace prohibited phthalates.
To put it briefly,
Because of the lack of transparency surrounding these compounds, the onus is squarely on regulators to keep Phthalates out of food and personal care items.
“Fast food should not be full of chemicals because it is a handy alternative to having to prepare at home.” “Maybe you want to consume less fast food,” the expert said, “but that’s not always an option for everyone.”
Most of us prefer eating fast food from well-known fast-food businesses because it is safer and less dangerous. According to Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, India’s leading infertility doctor, junk meals like tacos, burgers, and burritos contain chemicals linked to various health problems, including infertility.
