Taco Bell has long been known as a fast food staple, but with its reputation as a go-to for late night munchies, one must ask: how bad is it really? Do many people assume that Taco Bell’s food is unhealthy and full of unhealthy ingredients, but is this assumption based on facts or just speculation? In order to find out, we must take a closer look at the nutrition facts and uncover the truth about Taco Bell. Through careful examination of the ingredients, nutritional values, and other facts about Taco Bell’s products, we can determine exactly how bad the food is for our health. Armed with this knowledge, we can make informed decisions about fast-food restaurants and ensure we are making the best choices for our health and well-being.
How Bad Is Taco Bell For You?
It really depends on what you’re getting at Taco Bell. Generally speaking, most of the menu items at Taco Bell are high in calories, fat, sodium, and preservatives. However, there are some healthier options available too. For instance, the Power Menu Bowls are a good option for those looking for something lower in calories and fat. The 7-Layer Burrito is also a good option, as it only has 420 calories and 11 grams of fat. If you’re looking for something with lots of protein, the Chicken Soft Taco is a great option as it contains 22 grams of protein.
Why Taco Bell Is Not Your Healthiest Option?
Lack of fresh ingredients
One of the biggest issues with Taco Bell’s menu is that many of its items are made with processed ingredients. This can often mean they are higher in calories and sodium while having fewer nutrients. For example, Taco Bell’s seasoned ground beef is a major ingredient in many of its menu items. But ground beef is often seasoned with a mix of preservatives and additives, including sodium phosphate and sodium hydroxide. The American Heart Association recommends that we eat under 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day, yet many Taco Bell menu items contain over 1,000 milligrams of sodium. One of the worst culprits is the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, which has a whopping 1,980 milligrams of sodium.
The high number of calories
Like many fast food restaurants, Taco Bell’s menu items tend to be very high in calories, especially when they’re eaten without a side of vegetables. The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, for example, packs a whopping 1,140 calories. That’s more than half the calories a person needs in an entire day. Taco Bell’s menu also contains a large number of calories from fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems if you eat too much of it. The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, for example, has over 50% of its calories from fat. In general, a person should get less than 10% of their calories from fat, with most of that coming from unsaturated fats like those found in nuts and olive oil.
High-fat content
Like many fast food restaurants, Taco Bell’s menu items tend to be very high in calories, especially when they’re eaten without a side of vegetables. The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, for example, packs a whopping 1,140 calories. That’s more than half the calories a person needs in an entire day. Taco Bell’s menu also contains a large number of calories from fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems if you eat too much of it. The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, for example, has over 50% of its calories from fat. In general, a person should get less than 10% of their calories from fat, with most of that coming from unsaturated fats like those found in nuts and olive oil.
High sodium content
Many of Taco Bell’s menu items are high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and make people more likely to develop heart disease. The Cheesy Double Beef Burrito, for example, has 1,200 milligrams of sodium. That’s more than half the recommended daily amount for most adults. Meanwhile, a Crunchwrap Supreme, one of Taco Bell’s most popular menu items, has a staggering 2,040 milligrams of sodium, or 77% of the recommended daily amount. The American Heart Association recommends that most people consume less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day, so many of Taco Bell’s menu items are significantly over that amount. High sodium levels in your diet can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases, so it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of sodium you’re getting.
Low fiber and protein content
Taco Bell isn’t a great option for people who are trying to get more fiber and protein in their diet. Many of the chain’s menu items contain very little fiber and protein, which are important nutrients that help keep you full and prevent certain diseases. The Crunchwrap Supreme, for example, contains just 1 gram of fiber. In general, most people should aim for between 25 and 31 grams of fiber per day, so the Crunchwrap doesn’t even come close to meeting that recommendation. Likewise, the Crunchwrap doesn’t contain much protein either, with only 10 grams per serving. Most people should aim for between 20 and 35 grams of protein per day, so again, the Crunchwrap doesn’t come close. Being more selective with what you order can help you get more of these nutrients into your diet. For example, opting for a bowl instead of a taco will increase the amount of fiber in your meal. Likewise, adding a side of black beans to your order will boost the amount of protein you’re getting.
Health Risks Of Eating Taco Bell
- Now that we have examined the ingredients, and nutritional facts, and compared Taco Bell to other fast food chains, let’s take a look at the potential health risks of eating Taco Bell.
- There are many potential health risks of eating Taco Bell, some of which are listed below. The first health risk is an increased chance of becoming overweight or obese. This is especially the case if you eat Taco Bell on a regular basis.
- Next, the high amount of sodium can cause high blood pressure and stroke risk. Furthermore, the high level of fat can cause an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- In addition to health risks, eating too much Taco Bell can also cause gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, stomach cramps, and acidity.
How To Make Healthier Choices At Taco Bell?
- Now that we have examined the ingredients, nutritional facts, and health risks of eating Taco Bell, let’s take a look at how we can make healthier choices at Taco Bell.
- When choosing menu items at Taco Bell, we can make healthier choices by opting for menu items that are lower in calories, fat, and sodium. Furthermore, we can choose menu items that are less processed.
- When it comes to beverages, one of the best options is water. Alternatively, you can also choose unsweetened iced tea. As we have seen, there are many potential health risks of eating Taco Bell.
- However, we don’t need to rule out Taco Bell completely. With a little bit of planning, we can make healthier choices at Taco Bell and stay healthy.
Conclusion
There are many potential health risks of eating Taco Bell, but we don’t need to rule out the fast food chain completely. With a little bit of planning, we can make healthier choices at Taco Bell and stay healthy. However, keep in mind that eating fast food is never a good idea and can lead to unwanted weight gain and other health issues. If you really want to stay healthy, it’s best to avoid eating fast food altogether.
