Even though fast food is unhealthy, people continue eating it in large amounts. One of the most popular brands of fast food is McDonald’s. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets and their hamburgers are America’s favorite fast foods. However, the ingredients the company uses in their food are toxic and they can cause serious health problems. Let’s take a look:
Silicone oil– their nuggets contain silicone oil-a synthetic material used in the production of caulking, contact lenses, lubricants, and silly putty.
Ammonium sulfate– an inorganic salt used as flame retardant and fertilizer. It’s present in their buns and may lead to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, nausea, and hormone disruption.
TBHQ- a petroleum-based additive present in cosmetic products and 18 products of McDonald’s. According to the FDA, this additive is safe for consumption despite the fact that its long-term uses causes cancer, ADHD, damaged DNA, and even death.
Cysteine-L– an amino acid synthesized from duck feathers or human hair which is used for the softening of pastries and bread and for adding flavor to meat. Unfortunately, its consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fever, low blood pressure, liver problems, constipation, and drowsiness.
Prescription drugs– according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins University, the level of antidepressants and other drugs found in chicken meat and chicken-based products is high. And, since McDonald’s doesn’t use organic chicken, their chicken products probably contain traces of medications.
Propylene glycol– this substance is present in e-cigarettes, fast food, and antifreeze and it’s known to cause damage to the central nervous system, problems with the skin and eyes, and allergies.
Carminic acid-a red food dye derived from cochineal beetles and it’s added to fast food to make it more vibrant and appealing. Even though the FDA classifies cochineal extract and carmine as natural dyes, they need to be identified because they can lead to allergic reactions.
Dimethylpolysiloxane- a substance present in cooking oils which McDonald’s add to their chicken nuggets, fillet-o fish, and fries. It’s also used in the production of shampoo, conditioners, cosmetic products, breast implants, polishes, silly putty, etc.
Silicon dioxide-known as silica or industrial sand, this substance is part of the production process of glass, optical fibers, and cement. When added to food, its purpose is to prevent the meat and sauces from clumping together.
Cellulose-a natural product derived from wood pulp which is added to fast food to increase the volume. It’s also added to salad dressings, cheese, strawberry syrup, muffins, etc
