Is Burger King Bad For You?
Short answer
Burger King (BK) offers a menu rife with over-processed foods which are also high in calories and fat. Eating here is an unhealthy choice.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Established as a hamburger joint in 1954, BK has expanded to more than 12,000 restaurants worldwide and diversified its menu to include Chicken and Veggie burgers, as well Fish Fillets and salads. Despite this, the eatery which encourages patrons to “Have it your way” is reputed to be one of the unhealthiest places at which to dine.
Several years ago, admissions of the inclusion of horse meat in its burgers made Burger King largely responsible for calling into question the suspicious content of menu items at all fast food restaurants. While some may consider horse meat distasteful, it is not necessarily unhealthy – but the fact that diners were unknowingly ingesting it underscores the fact that those who opt to eat at fast food restaurants have no idea what ingredients go into making up their favorite indulgences.
All the burgers at BK are high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol – one legendary Whopper will easily provide more than half the daily allowance of each. However, in addition to being unbalanced, most menu items are highly processed. Access to full nutritional information can lead diners to focus on caloric content while allowing them to ignore a long list of harmful ingredients and additives.
All buns – sesame as well as Ciabatta and corn-dusted – contain high fructose corn syrup, in addition to dough conditioners. The Whopper Specialty Bun also contains Azodicarbonamide – a dangerous additive used in the production of foam rubber products. Although steakhouse burgers contain dextrose, they are actually healthier than chicken offerings which are loaded with maltodextrin, dextrose as well as a variety of hydrogenated oils. The Tendergrill Chicken Fillet also features caramel coloring, a known carcinogen.
Burger King is also rated amongst the worst offenders for the use of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). It is abundantly present in all chicken and breaded items - Crispy and Tendergrill chicken are off the chart, but even the salad is a bad choice if you use ranch or avocado ranch dressings. The Veggie Burgers contain MSG in disguise, containing hydrolyzed wheat, soy, and corn which breaks down into this dangerous additive through the hydrolyzation process.
Possible short-term side effects
- water retention
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dehydration
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headache
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nausea / bloating
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lethargy
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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obesity
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high cholesterol
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hypertension
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heart disease
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stroke
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diabetes
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kidney disease
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 02-26-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 02-26-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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