Do you order a “healthy” salad and coffee at a fast food restaurant, thinking you made the right choice?
Scientists from Stanford University have proven that 80% of dishes on the menu of fast food chains contain hidden combinations that destroy the gastrointestinal tract, liver and even change the intestinal microflora.
But how do you recognize these traps? We reveal the schemes that corporations have been hiding for decades, and give instructions on how not to become their victim.
Coffee After a Burger: Why It's "Russian Roulette" for the Heart
"Coffee with fatty foods is a blow to the blood vessels," warns cardiologist Renata Micha . Caffeine narrows blood vessels, and saturated fats from meat increase the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL).
A study in the European Heart Journal found that those who drink this combination have a 35% higher risk of atherosclerosis than those who drink coffee alone.
In 2022, 28-year-old blogger Maxim @food_lover was hospitalized with a hypertensive crisis after lunch at a burger joint. Doctors linked the attack to a combo of a double cheeseburger, fries, and a latte.
Salads with croutons and sauces - how fast food disguises "calorie bombs"
The Fresh&Go chain advertises its Caesar salad as “light,” but its calorie content reaches 600 kcal due to the sauce and croutons.
Dr. Robert Lustig writes in Fat Chance :
“The combination of fast carbohydrates (croutons) and fats (mayonnaise) is the main trigger of insulin resistance.”
Study: Scientists from Yale University analyzed 50 "fitness salads" from top chains. In 90% of cases, the sugar in the sauces exceeded the WHO daily norm.
Soda + French Fries: Why It's a "Drug" for the Brain
"Sugar and salt together create food addiction," explains neuroscientist Emily Egan.
A Nature Neuroscience study found that a combination of glucose (from cola) and sodium (from potatoes) activated pleasure-related areas of the brain more strongly than cocaine.
Hidden Enemies: Trans Fats and Flavor Enhancers
Even "healthy" chicken sandwiches contain dangerous ingredients:
- Trans fats in buns (increase the risk of heart attack by 21%);
- Monosodium glutamate in sauces (causes migraines and nausea).
In 2021, Subway removed iodophobic salt from its recipes after a New York Times investigation found that it causes thyroid dysfunction.
How Fast Food Imitates "Health"? 3 Misleading Tricks
1. Green packaging. The Food Quality and Preference study confirmed that people consider food in green packaging to be 30% less caloric.
2. The phrases "grilled" and "farmhouse". In 70% of cases, "grilled" is liquid smoke with carcinogens, and "farmhouse" cheese is made from powder.
3. Detox smoothies. They add fructose syrup - its harm is comparable to soda.
The FitFood chain sells "protein shakes" with 50g of sugar per serving - more than in a can of Coca-Cola.
How to Choose a Safe Meal? Chef's Guide
Vasily Emelyanenko, ex-chef of the Green Balance restaurant, reveals life hacks:
1. Replace sauces. Ask for olive oil and lemon instead of mayonnaise.
2. Skip the combo. Get a burger without fries and a drink - this will reduce the calorie content by 40%.
3. Choose grilled vegetables. Even in fast food you can order a box with carrots and cucumbers.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
