Fast food is a quick and cheap option, but it often comes with a heavy dose of unhealthy ingredients. Many burgers, in particular, are swimming in sodium – a major concern for heart health. The American Heart Association recommends sticking to 2,300 mg of sodium per day, but the average person consumes about 3,500 mg. That’s a lot of salt!
When you’re grabbing a burger, it’s good to know which ones to skip. Here are some of the unhealthiest burgers out there:
1. Steak ‘n Shake 7 X 7 Steakburger
This burger is notorious for its excessive sodium. Seven beef patties stacked with cheese mean you get about 3,800 mg of sodium in one meal. That’s more than the daily recommendation! Violeta Morris, a registered dietitian, cautions against it, pointing out it has 1,660 calories and 128 grams of fat.
2. Checkers/Rally’s Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford
Coming in with 2,500 mg of sodium and 1,340 calories, this burger is packed with unhealthy fats. It features three beef patties, which boost its fat content to 105 grams. Dietitian Kat Durston warns that consuming this on a regular basis can elevate your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
3. Shake Shack Montlake Double Cut
This Seattle favorite is high in sodium, too, weighing in at 2,470 mg. Packed with 980 calories and substantial fat content (68 grams), it’s quite a meal for those who watch their salt intake. Michelle Routhenstein, a heart health expert, advises skipping this one if you’re watching your sodium.
4. Carl’s Jr. Double Guacamole Bacon Burger
With 2,300 mg of sodium and 1,340 calories, this burger sounds tempting but can ruin your dietary goals. Sarah Alsing, a registered dietitian, highlights that it contains a whole day’s worth of sodium. High fat content doesn’t help either, clocking in at 93 grams.
5. Fatburger’s XXXL Triple King
Three half-pound patties make this burger a massive meal with 2,180 mg of sodium and 1,690 calories. Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein states that this level of sodium can worsen metabolic health and increase blood pressure.
6. Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic Triple
This burger is loaded with 80% of the daily sodium limit (1,770 mg) and has 1,220 calories. Bess Berger, a dietitian, warns that such high sodium intake increases blood pressure, with health risks for many people.
7. McDonald’s Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese
At 1,470 mg of sodium, it’s a significant portion of your daily intake. Beverly Garden, a dietitian, emphasizes that those with specific health conditions should limit sodium even further, making this burger a poor choice.
Conclusion
Fast food might be convenient, but choosing the wrong burger can be harmful to your health. Fast food chains need to rethink these options to cater to healthier choices for consumers. What you eat matters, and being aware of the nutrition facts can help you make better decisions.
For more information on sodium intake and its health implications, check out the American Heart Association’s guidelines.
Check out this related article: 44 Must-Have Kitchen and Food Essentials You’ll Always Love: No Regrets Guaranteed!
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