What’s really inside Your Takeaways?

Australians seem to be highly indulging in fast foods compared to any other country in the world, according to a recent pool. It is the norm for many busy families especially mums that feel getting takeaways is the easiest way to ‘feeding.’ That might be the reason why we are among the most overweight countries in the world.

Typical takeaway foods are rich in sodium, sugars, and fats, but low in healthy fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Eating such unhealthy options is harmful to your health. You will be risking getting cancer, obesity, diabetes, or other cardiovascular diseases.
Unhealthy Ingredients to Watch When Shopping For Fast Foods

1. High Sodium Content:
Most of the takeaway foods are rich in sodium. Too much sodium increase your chances of getting heart diseases and high blood pressure. In a day aim to consume less than 1 ½ tsp. of salt (2,300mg of sodium) in your takeaways like small fries and burger with cheese.

2. Trans-Fats:
Trans-fats are the number one cause of heart diseases. They raise ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and levels of triglyceride in the body while decreasing the levels of good cholesterol. As such, it increases the rate of getting cardiovascular diseases. They are found in commercially baked fried takeaway foods, doughnuts, biscuits, and baked muffins. Check the ingredients for hydrogenated fats.

3. MSG:
MSG, monosodium glutamine, is a sodium salt of glutamine acid that is used as a flavor enhancer. When used in large quantities this ingredient can interfere with the nerve function of the brain by crossing the brain barrier. It is commonly found in instant noodles, crisps, Chinese foods, seasoning mixes, and condiments.

4. HFCS:
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is found in cheap and very sweet sweets and soft drinks. The ingredient can harm your liver and also cause increased weight gain since it is an appetizer.

5. Artificial Additives:
Most of the processed fast foods contain sweeteners, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives that are harmful to your health. Thy place an extra burden on the liver by overworking it. Some of their health risks include hyperactivity, headaches, worsening eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, and allergies.

Healthy Fast Food Options That You Can Order
– Fish: You can order fish foods but avoid fish that has been deeply fried. Go for grilled fish. You should use steamed rice and salad as a replacement for chips.
– Thai/Chinese: Consider thai food, make sure there is no MSG added but most dishes are protein & vegetables with or without rice/noodles
– Kebab: Have veggie or chicken kebab with salad, hummus, and falafels, rather than fatty processed meat kebabs.
– Hamburger: Order plain burgers with salad, but avoid the bun or excess cheese/sauce.
– Chicken: Go for roasted and grilled chicken instead of the deep fried one. Make sure it is grilled or roasted. Order salad, vegetables, peas, and potatoes, rather than chips.

For more Nutrition tips click here.