Value Meals & Cancer Link
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News from The Cancer Project:
“The Cancer Project found that most items advertised on Value Menus are high in fat, saturated fat, calories, sodium, and cholesterol. Many items also contain processed meats and grilled meats, which are linked to increased cancer risk. The five most unhealthful items were ranked from worst to least bad. Here are the five worst Value Menu items.”
- Junior Bacon Cheeseburger from Jack in the Box
- Cheesy Double Beef Burrito from Taco Bell
- Breakfast Sausage Biscuit from Burger King
- McDouble from McDonald’s
- Junior Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy’s
Who is the most at risk?
“The main targets of Value Menu marketing efforts are teenagers, young adults, and minorities, according to a 2005 report from the Institute of Medicine on marketing of junk food. African-Americans and Hispanics, populations at higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are core customers for these unhealthy offerings, which increase the danger of chronic diseases.”
Is there any hope for people without much money who have fast food addictions? Yes:
“Here are some cheap and healthful alternatives. At Burger King, a BK Veggie offers a low-fat, low-cholesterol option that costs only 90 cents more than the Whopper Jr. At Taco Bell, a bean burrito without cheese is just 99 cents and contains no cholesterol and very little fat.”
I have to admit: every now and then I get a Taco Bell craving and I go get myself a bean burrito or a 5-layer (7 layer without cheese or sour cream). I don’t personally care for the BK Veggie, but I’ve ordered it when I’ve been in a pinch. When it comes to fast food or convenience foods, I prefer a Subway veggie sub (no cheese), Starbucks oatmeal, or Carl’s Jr. baked potato (with salsa, no butter) and a salad. Want more options? Check out these websites:
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