Hormonal change is sometimes normal for a growing teenager or young adult, but too much is not, so some go to the doctor for questions and what to do on this. However, a new study has found out that a component recently found on fast food items from US restaurant chains may contribute to a hormonal imbalance and changes, hence the warning.
US Fast Food Contains Plasticizer that Results to Hormone Changing
According to a research by Lariah Edwards and other members of the team in the paper entitled "Phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items from U.S. fast-food chains: a preliminary analysis," fast food items have phthalates plasticizer in them. Moreover, this causes massive changes in hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, or some of the basic hormones that a human body has.
These hormones are also important to the everyday lifestyle of people and having chemicals affecting them can also cause a toll on a person's health and daily functions.
Research regarding Phthalates also indicates it leads to harmful diseases and conditions such as impeding neurodevelopment and developing obesity in the long run.
Read Also: Chemicals In Beauty Products Linked To Early Puberty Among Girls, Study Says
Hormone Change from Food found on Fast Food Chains
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 06: Fast-food chicken offerings from Wingstop, McDonald's, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and KFC are shown on May 06, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicken prices have risen sharply this year as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand, fueled in part, by the popularity of new chicken sandwiches and meals at fast-food restaurants.
According to Oxford, Phthalates and other plasticizers have the power to alter endocrine levels in a person's body, and different bodily functions that are needed in one's daily routine. Moreover, it could result in future diseases and hormonal imbalance that disrupts the development and different processes of the human body.
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are chemicals that were used for plastic toys before with their main purpose being a softener for plastic and making it feel more premium and malleable. It also helps in making these toys have a softer touch, and not have the rigid feel of plastic on its surface. These plasticizers were banned from toys due to harmful reasons.
CICERO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Food is served at a Sonic restaurant on September 25, 2018 in Cicero, Illinois. Inspire Brands Inc., the parent company of Arby's and Buffalo Wild Wings, announced today that it was buying Sonic for $2.3 billion.
The health of children was protected but that does not mean that adults are immune from this chemical. Several instant foods like powdered mac and cheese and other products were found to have the so-called Phthalates that have been a massive concern by health authorities, as they have different harmful effects for those that ingest them.
Related Article: McDonalds, Burger King, and MORE US Fast Food Companies' Top Menu Items Test Positive for Harmful Chemical
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Written by Isaiah Richard
