We are all guilty of grabbing a quick meal at Mcdonald’s and then not feeling great about it after. Most of us know that Mcdonald’s isn’t exactly the healthiest meal option, but we may not know why!
Obesity is a major problem when eating excessive amounts of junk food. However, there are many secret ingredients found in these meals which would ruin our appetites if we knew about them, and some of them could affect our health as well!
Let’s go behind the scenes, into the world of Mcdonald’s hidden ingredients, and discover why we should stop eating it once and for all!
Dangerous: Ammonium Sulphate
Ammonium Sulphate was originally produced from ‘ammonia released during manufacturing coal gas (used to illuminate cities) or from coal coke used to generate steel’ and is now a co-product in the manufacturing of nylon. Doesn’t sound too appetizing, does it? Well, it’s now an ingredient you can find in a McDonald’s bun!
Gross: Silicone Oil
Silicone oil is essentially used in eye surgery and the production of contact lenses. Unfortunately for us, this ingredient can be found in McDonald’s chicken nuggets! Silicone oil is an ingredient that’s used as a lubricant or coating in devices such as syringes, needles, and pharmaceutical containers.
We can’t exactly decipher what’s in a Mcdonald’s chicken nugget just by looking at them but certainly did not expect silicone oil to be found inside!Dangerous: TBHQ
TBHQ is an additive used to preserve food for longer periods of time. If you are someone who tends to glance at the ingredient list on packaging and stumble across TBHQ, then it might be wise to put that product down!
It tends to be found in any product that uses fats and oils but is not limited to food commodities. You may also find this ingredient in varnishes, paints and skin care products.
Immediate exposure to TBHQ can cause dry skin, erythema, burning and hypersensitivity reactions. It can also cause; ‘Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, delirium, tinnitus, green or brownish urine, elevated liver enzymes, muscle twitching, and dyspnea’.
Dangerous: Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is technically an alcohol produced from the fermentation of yeast; ‘Industrial grade PG is used as an active ingredient in engine coolants and antifreeze’. How on earth can it be edible then?
The FDA have submitted a statement saying that propylene glycol is ‘ safe for human consumption’. This means anything below 25 mg of propylene glycol for every kilogram of weight is safe for the human body.
This is a slightly worrying take on propylene glycol as it is found in a lot of our fast food products, including McDonald’s!
Dangerous: Carminic Acid
If creepy crawlies associated with food doesn’t freak you out, they definitely will now!
Carminic acid is produced by insects to repel predators. Producers create a red dye out the insect’s bodies to add color to a variety of products, such as; food, pharmaceuticals, and toiletries.
It can be an extreme eye and skin irritant, as well as causing respiratory tract or digestive problems. Eating a Mcdonald’s meal doesn’t seem worth the health risks carminic acid holds!
Dangerous: Prescription Medications
Shockingly, prescription drugs can be traced to Mcdonald’s chicken products! This is due to the feed the poultry is receiving. An extensive study was conducted to show evidence of banned antibiotics in poultry products.
With this birds-eye view into the world of our fast food chicken, it doesn’t sound appetizing at all. Especially if we end up eating banned drugs and antidepressants ourselves, imagine what the poor chickens feel like!
Dangerous: Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a substance commonly found in ‘cosmetic and hygiene products like nail polish, conditioners, make-up, contact lens solutions, sunscreens, deodorants, and shampoo’. Although this substance won’t harm you, it does contain one scary product which is a known human carcinogen: formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is used to make building materials for walls, cabinets, and furniture. It’s not only a human carcinogen but has a ton of bad side effects.
With so many potentially toxic and harmful substances traced in Mcdonald’s food, it would be a smart idea to avoid eating there altogether! Instead, try making our healthy burgers from the comfort of your home.
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