Pros and cons of fast food free essay sample

Since the 20th century fast food has become extremely popular as an alternative to home-cooked meals. Year by year the number of restaurants specializing in fast food has been growing. What are the reasons of this sweeping popularity? What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating this type of food as opposed to normal foods or meals? Pros Firstly, fast food saves time allowing people to buy food from almost everywhere without long waiting time. Nowadays many people are in a hurry, which usually leaves little time to shop for and prepare meals. Fast food fulfills a need for todays often over-scheduled society. Secondly, it is easily obtainable as fast food restaurant networks usually include many locations. Fast food is also definitely cheaper and the majority of people can afford it. The forth advantage of fast food is the amount of choices a customer have over his food. Fast food provide food of different taste and culture, allowing customers to choose the type of food they would like to eat. We will write a custom essay sample on Pros and cons of fast food or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Lastly it is delicious. To be honest, most fast food menus are incredibly delicious and their smell is unmatched. This delicacy could be one of the reasons as to why many people prefer to have fast foods as opposed to having normally prepared meals. Cons The first disadvantage of fast food is it’s health concern. This type of food is richer in fats, oils, salt, sugar and chemicals than home cooked meals. It can lead to obesity and diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, and heart related symptoms due to high cholesterol from excessive fat. Fast food does not have to be unhealthy, but most of the time it is; While there are some ways to eat a well-balanced, nutritious meal at a fast food restaurant, the unhealthy options are more common and more appealing. Consumers often order foods with more fat, calories, sugar and sodium, and less nutrition and vitamins than is necessary that is harmful for people with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The second disadvantage of fast food is the decreased amount of socializing. Eating ready to serve food reduces the quality time that a family can spend together cooking and eating. In the third place there are lines. When everyone is going to lunch at the same time it can take longer either inside or driving through at a fast food place than a full service restaurant. One more disadvantage for fast food is the quality. As most workers in fast food branches are not professional chefs, the quality of food being made in a fast food restaurant is not at high standard. In addition, the production of fast food products is reported to have a serious environmental impact, something outside the awareness of most consumers. The fast food industry is considered to be a major contributor to global warming. Worldwide meat production is estimated to emit more greenhouse gases than global transportation or industrial processes combined. In conclusion, the disadvantages of fast food balance the advantages. Fast food may be convenient, cheap and tasty, however these advantages can easily contradict themselves as they can encourage the customers to overeat, leading to various health problems. I believe that provided the rest of the meals are nutritionally balanced, eating fast foods once or twice a week may be fine though.