Have you ever added salt to your fries from fast food? Likely not, since they may be over-salted as it is. A study recently published in the CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL stated that the fast food sold in Canada contained some of the highest salt levels of all!
The study involved the following countries: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, and the following fast food chains: Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Burger King (called Hungry Jack’s in Australia), and Subway.
The study showed that the salt levels varied from restaurant and country. They investigated more than 2000 food items, ranging from burgers to pizza, salads, French fries, chicken sandwiches and more.
The end result showed that Canada and the United States had significantly higher levels of salt than in the UK and France. For example, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets in Canada contains 600 mg of sodium, compared to 240 mg in the U.K. with a similar sized serving.
Overall, if Canada wasn’t in first, it came in second in almost every category. Yikes!
So, does this mean you have to go to France for a decent McD’s burger? No, just use the age old rule: everything in moderation. Keep in mind your salt intake every time you’re eating a fast food meal and remind yourself to limit those meals as best as possible.