Nobody has ever pretended that McDonald’s was good for you, but once you read this you might just boycott it all together.
We are all guilty of grabbing a quick meal from McDonald’s from time to time, and then not feeling so great about it after. We all know that McDonald’s is not a healthy food option, but most people have no idea why, except for the deep frying and excessive amounts of salt.
Let’s get behind the scenes, into the world of hidden ingredients, and discover why we should ditch our McDonald’s habits all together!
Azodicarbonamide
Do you know what azodicarbonamide is used for? It is most commonly used in the manufacturing of yoga mats. Mmmmm that sounds delicious…
They actually claim that using this chemical in their food is completely safe for consumption:
“There are varied uses for azodicarbonamide, including in some non-food products, such as yoga mats. As a result, some people have suggested our food contains rubber or plastic, or that the ingredient is unsafe. It’s simply not the case. Think of salt: the salt you use in your food at home is a variation of the salt you may use to de-ice your sidewalk. The same is true of ADA — it can be used in different ways.”
Dimethylpolysiloxane
An anti-foaming agent in their McNugget frying oil. Does that really sound like a chemical you want to be consuming? Dimethylpolysiloxane is a substance commonly found in ‘cosmetic and hygiene products like nail polish, conditioners, make-up, contact lens solutions, sunscreens, deodorants, and shampoo. And to add to the disgust this chemical contains formaldehyde.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications can be traced back to McDonald’s chicken products. This is due to the feed the poultry is receiving. An extensive study was done to show evidence of banned antibiotics in the poultry industry.
Kinda makes that McChicken sound unappetizing, doesn’t it?
Carminic Acid
Carminic acid is produced by insects to repel predators. Producers create a red dye out of the insect’s bodies to add color to a variety of products, such as; food, pharmaceuticals, and toiletries.
It can be an eye and skin irritant, as well as causing respiratory tract or digestive problems.
Silicone Oil
Silicone oil is essentially used in eye surgery and the production of contact lenses. Unfortunately for us, it is also found in McDonald’s chicken nuggets!
Ammonium Sulphate
Ammonium Sulphate was originally produced from ‘ammonia released during the manufacturing of coal gas or from coal coke used to generate steel, and is now a co-product of manufacturing nylon.
TBHQ
TBHQ is an additive used to preserve food for longer periods of time. If you are someone who tends to glance at the ingredients list on packaging and stumble across TBHQ, then it might be wise to put that product back down.
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’
Cellulose
While cellulose may be a natural product produced from wood pulp, who wants to eat lots of indigestible wood fibers? Cellulose is added to nearly every fast food item as a way to add volume. It can be found in cheese, salad dressing, muffins and strawberry syrup, among many others. You name it, and chances are wood pulp is in there.
So with all that being said, it is safe to say EVERYONE should avoid McDonald’s food at all costs! Making your own healthy versions at home is so much better, and a lot easier than you think. The next time you consider going through the drive-thru, think about this!