SHAFAQNA – An analysis was conducted by researchers from Tufts University. In all, they checked 27 menu items and out of them, eight were found to be having fewer calories in 2013 than in 1996 and nine had more.
The research team even checked for sodium content. Five of the 18 were found to be having less sodium content by the end of the 18-year period and seven had more. At three leading fast-food chains, nutritional information was checked for items like cheeseburgers, French fries, grilled chicken sandwiches and non-diet sodas between 1996 and 2013.
Though clear names were not taken, descriptions indicated towards McDonald’, Burger King and Wendy’s. The researchers found that calorie content in same items differed from chain to chain. To cite an example, a small pack of French fries at one of the chains had more calories than one of the other chains.
Over time, the calorie content of foods has also varied. To cite an example, a small pack of fries at the top chain contained 20 calories more in 2013 than it did in 1996. At the other two chains, the calorie content increased by 50 and 90 during the same time period.
Similar thing was noticed for sodium content, as it also varied for all menu items except for the small cheeseburgers. The researchers noted that if one ordered large pack of fries in 2013 then it could be served between 700 and 1,420 milligrams of sodium per 1,000 calories of potatoes.
Trans-fat in French fries was also checked. It was good to know that the amount has plummeted to ‘undetectable levels’ from 2006 to 2009. These oils are not good for health, as they raise levels of LDL cholesterol and drop the level of HDL cholesterol.
Having a typical meal, a large cheeseburger, large fries and large drink, would have made it difficult to stick to diet limits.
Source : http://uncovercalifornia.com/content/22838-fast-food-has-become-little-better-you-over-years