Dirty Little Secret About McDonalds Hamburger Meat

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Have you ever considered how many cows end up in just one burger? It’s not a pretty picture.

McDonald’s sources its hamburger meat primarily from ranchers in the United States, as well as from international suppliers in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

Mixing them all together can spread bacteria, and the handling practices in these facilities is typically sub par. This doesn’t even go to mention the way they’re raised on big farms, packed in tight and fed corn and grains.

Processing meat for McDonald’s hamburgers may pose these potential health risks:

1. Bacterial Contamination

• Cross-Contamination: By mixing meat from different animals during the grinding process, it may increase the risk of spreading bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
• Handling Practices: If the facilities and equipment are not properly cleaned, sanitized and maintained, then bacteria could thrive. This can be exacerbated by improper handling and storage practices throughout the supply chain​.

2. Antibiotic Resistance

• Use of Antibiotics: The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock to promote growth and prevent disease leads to the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Health Impact: Antibiotic-resistant infections are typically harder to treat and may lead to severe health complications like prolonged illness and increased mortality rates​.

3. Chemical Contaminants

• Pesticides and Hormones: Livestock feed typically contains pesticides and hormones that can accumulate in the meat. These chemicals can disrupt hormones  and increase cancer risk​.
• Processing Chemicals: Chemiclas are use in the processing phase to sanitize meat or even enhance its appearance that can leave residues that pose health risks​.

4. Nutritional Concerns

• High Fat and Sodium Content: Processed meats contain higher levels of saturated fats and sodium that are linked to heart disease, hypertension, and other chronic health conditions​​.
• Preservatives and Additives: These meats may also contain preservatives and additives like nitrates and nitrites, that  are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers​.

5. Environmental and Ethical Issues

• Sustainability: The environmental impact of large-scale meat production is massive. It  includes excessive deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions that affect human health by contributing to climate change and environmental degradation​.

All this means that you need to be diligent in what you put into your body and not only check labels but also the production methods and the sources of all meat. Do not believe the advertising you see online, on TV and billboards- Do your own research. Big fast food companies are more dedicated to their shareholders that they are to your health.  For more detailed information, you can refer to the sources mentioned below.

Here are  several potential health risks you expose yourself to when you consume a McDonalds Hamburger:

1. High Sodium and Fat Content: High sodium and fat content: Consuming high amounts of sodium  leads to an increase in  blood pressure,. The high fat content, especially saturated and trans fats can raise bad cholesterol levels, further increasing heart disease risk​
2. Sugar and Carbohydrates: The burgers, also contain ingredients high in simple carbohydrates and sugars that can lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes​.
3. Obesity and Long Term Risks: High levels of fats and sugars contributes to weight gain and  leads to obesity and obesity related disease like heart disease, inflamation and cancer.
4. Digestive Issues: Hamburgers are low in fiber, and leads  to indigestion and other gastrointestinal discomforts​ 

Insiders Health Tip:

For healthier hamburger options, consider choosing :

1. Grass-Fed Beef: Grass-fed beef is  leaner with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Plus it contains vitamins like vitamin E and antioxidants. The natural diet of grass clearly affects the nutritional composition of the beef.
2. Organic Beef: Beef that contains no synthetic hormones or genetically modified beef is much healthier. Be sure to choose grass fed that has not been given antibiotics.
3. Lean Beef Cuts: Choose leaner cuts of beef like ground sirloin that contains less fat compared to fattier cuts. Save you heart!
4. Pasture Raised Beef: Pasture raised cattle roam freely and eat a natural diet, which can lead to beef that’s lower in saturated fat and higher in omega-3 fatty acids. Beware of farms that may allow the cows to roam but still feed them grains to get them fatter faster!

Insiders health  cooking tip: Choose Grilling or baking over frying so you reduce the amount of added fat. Be sure to choose health meats as described above. Plus add healthy sides like salads or steamed vegetables so your meal is more balanced.

For even healthier options try some of the following:

1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich: This reduces fat content. Plus use sourdough bread and add in plenty of vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
2. Turkey Burger: Turkey is leaner than beef and is a good source of protein. Plus it has  less fat. Use sourdough buns and add in fresh veggies.
3. Veggie Burger: This burgers have come a long way in taste- They are now made with beans, lentils and vegetables.  They are high in fiber and nutrients. Check labels to be sure they are not overly processed and or have any added sugar, artifical dyes or dangerous preservatives.
4. Portobello Mushroom Burger: Using a  Portobello mushroom cap as the patty can actually be very satisfying. It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-rich alternative you should try.
5. Salmon Burger: Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids especially wild salmon Check out Ora King Salmon from New Zealand as well . Its nutrient profile shows very high omega 3’s. . Use sourdough buns and top with a light yogurt-dill sauce for added flavor and health benefits.
6. Lettuce-Wrapped Burger: Replace the bun with large lettuce leaves that help  to reduce carbs and calories. This works with any type of patty, whether beef, turkey, or veggie.
7. Quinoa Burger: Quinoa is a complete protein and can be made into a yummy, high in fiber burger patty. It is always healthy to combine it with vegetables and serve on sourdough bread.
8. Black Bean Burger: Black beans are also high  in protein and fiber. You cvan make it very tasty by using spices, onions, and bell peppers.
9. Bison Burger: Bison meat is delicious and actually has more taste than beef! Plus it is very lean and provides a good source of protein and iron. Grill and serve with sourdough buns and fresh veggies.
10. Chicken or Tuna Salad Wrap: Use healthy organic farm raised chicken or tuna salad together with Greek yogurt.

These alternatives reduce fat and calorie intake and give you a variety of nutrients essential for a balanced diet.

References:

(1)https://www.greenbiz.com/article/story-mcdonalds-10-year-quest-sustainable-beef

(2)https://www.eatthis.com/this-is-where-mcdonalds-gets-its-meat/

(3)https://www.thedailymeal.com/1406363/mcdonalds-burgers-just-beef/