How Does Eating Fast Food Affect Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol

The word "cholesterol" has very negative connotations. The truth is that cholesterol is needed by the body. It is the basis for healthy cell membranes, hormone production and the metabolism of certain fat-soluble vitamins. The problem with cholesterol happens when our body produces and ingests too much of it. Excess cholesterol ends up being stored along the lining of arterial walls. This can result in heart disease, stroke and the hardening of arteries.

Food and Cholesterol

A major contributor to the level of cholesterol in our bodies is the food we eat. High-fat diets have been found to increase the level of cholesterol in the blood. The American Heart Association recommends that we take in no more than 30% of our calories from fat daily. For the average person, this would fall somewhere between 50 and 80 grams of fat per day. The fat content of a double cheeseburger (a top-selling item at all fast food burger chains) is 141 grams. That is double the amount of the recommended daily allowance.

When reading the nutritional information at fast food restaurants, you may see that some French fries contain "no cholesterol." However, these same fries are loaded with fat, which can be converted into cholesterol within the body.

Fast foods also contain high amounts of sodium. Excess sodium in the body raises blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause small ruptures and cracks in the walls of blood vessels. To repair these ruptures, the body uses lipoprotein, a substance it creates that contains cholesterol. Therefore, high sodium intake can also lead to high cholesterol levels, even if there is no cholesterol in the food.

Healthy Fast Food Choices

If you are watching your cholesterol, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a meal with friends and family at a fast food restaurant. There are healthy choices you can make that could actually benefit you. One thing that will lower cholesterol in your body is fiber. Most fast food restaurants offer salads on their menu. Ordering a salad and using only half of the dressing packet is an excellent meal choice. If you want meat, add some grilled chicken. Be careful with the dressing, as many contain more fat than the salad and meat. Add a baked potato and use only a half a pat of butter and just a dab of sour cream, and you're building a healthy meal.

Other choices are a hamburger minus the mayo instead of that double cheeseburger. By ordering that, you are opting for only 14 grams of fat compared to 100+ grams. Chili is also a good fast food choice, as it contains high amounts of fiber and protein and minimal fat.