Is Panda Express Bad For You?
Short answer
While unhealthy as a regular staple, there are a few menu choices at Panda Express which will not completely derail daily dietary requirements.
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
Specializing in Americanized Chinese food, Panda Express has over 1200 locations across the United States. Whereas traditional Chinese foods require the freshest of ingredients, this eatery dishes up meals which generally include pre-made chicken, beef or shrimp main courses which many be express, and definitely not fresh.
While the food contains no Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or Trans Fats, much of what is offered at this fast food restaurant is not good for you. Many of its sauces – most notably the popular Orange Chicken entrée – contain both caramel coloring and hydrolyzed soy protein. The latter is essentially MSG in disguise, as the hydrolyzation process releases this harmful flavor enhancer. The health conscious should also be forewarned about the high sodium and fat content of items on a “Wok Smart Menu” which promotes selections with less than 300 calories, but more than 8 grams of protein. And although all chicken selections may be low in calories, most are unreasonably high in fat.
A healthier choice can be found in either variety of soup – the Egg Flower, as well as the Hot and Sour, have only 90 calories and less than 4 grams of fat. There are also two standouts amongst the chicken dishes at Panda Express. The Broccoli Chicken has only 180 calories with 9 grams of fat and 13 grams of protein, while the Mushroom Chicken has the same number of calories, with 10 grams of fat and 14 grams of protein. The Sweet and Sour Pork is also a good choice – with only 400 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 13 grams of protein, it has the added benefit of being relatively low in sodium.
That said, there are several factors which often conspire against making a healthy choice at Panda Express. Although all items are offered a la carte, the economical option of creating your own plate can set the unprepared diner reeling – choosing 2 or 3 entrees as well as a side and mounting up a full days’ allowance of calories which are loaded with both sodium and fat. Furthermore, menu options often vary from location to location as well as from day to day which makes pinning down a healthy choice more difficult. It is also noteworthy that the seemingly innocuous Fried Rice or Chow Mein which lay the groundwork for most meals are actually saturated in both fat and sodium, and can easily add an additional 400 calories to a meal.
Possible short-term side effects
- water retention due to excessive sodium intake
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dehydration due to excessive sodium intake
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lethargy due to spikes in blood sugar levels
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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coronary heart disease
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stroke
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kidney disease
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hypertension
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diabetes
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016