Skip to main content
Emma Stone at the Annual Actor Awards event.
Salma Hayek in a lavender gown at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Collagen-boosting superfoods for glowing summer skin.

Food

Why You Should Never Eat A McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich Again

December 22, 2017 by Emily Belfiore
shefinds | Food
Featured image

McDonald's is home some delicious food, especially when it comes to their breakfast menu. Between their Egg McMuffins and Big Breakfast meal, you may think that you've hit the breakfast jackpot. But, health experts say that their tasty breakfast sandwiches are actually awful for you and your waistline. In fact, some of them are even loaded with preservatives and additives! Here's why you should skip the Mickey D's drive-thru in the morning: 

 

[Photo: Shutterstock]

mcdonalds eggs unhealthy

1. Potassium Sorbate 

This preservative is used to make the chain's folded eggs and scrambled eggs. It inhibits the growth of molds and yeasts, and is also used in a variety of personal care products as a replacement for parabens, according to Forbes. That's definitely not something we want in our eggs! 

 

[Photo: McDonald's

mcdonalds eggs unhealthy

2. Cottonseed oil

The chain uses cottonseed oil to make their eggs. Forbes says that this oil is 94% saturated fat when fully hydrogenated, making it an unhealthy ingredient for your waistline! 

 

[Photos: Instagram]

mcdonalds eggs unhealthy

3. Citric Acid 

McDonald's folded and scrambled eggs also feature citric acid, which is used to boost the flavor of the eggs. According to Livestrong, overconsuming citric acid can cause your tooth enamel to dissolve, leaving you with sensitivity, pain and decay. It can eventually lead to nerve damage and the need for root canal treatment. 

mcdonalds eggs unhealthy

4. Carrageenan

Mickey D's folded eggs also contain carrageenan, which is used as a thickener and emulsifier to improve the texture of the eggs. Research by Joanne K. Tobacman, MD suggests that exposure to carrageenan causes inflammation, which can then lead to a slew of diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and cancer.

Author:

Associate Editor

Emily Belfiore is a former associate editor of SheFinds. She wrote beauty, weight loss, wellness and celebrity stories for the site. She is a pop culture enthusiast.

Variety of bread types displayed on a wooden table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman experiencing a headache, holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting on couch.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman sweetening aromatic coffee with sugar at home.
Delicious bagels with blueberries and butter on wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Traditional Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Close-up of watch during breakfast time.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, and sausages in grocery store.
Grilled salmon with rice, avocado, and greens on a plate.
Costco store interior showcasing bulk product selection
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits
S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and sauces
Frozen pizza options available in store
Delicious fried fish and fries meal plated beautifully
Close-up of vitamin C pills spilling from hand.
Variety of bread types displayed on a wooden table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman experiencing a headache, holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting on couch.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman sweetening aromatic coffee with sugar at home.
Delicious bagels with blueberries and butter on wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Traditional Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Close-up of watch during breakfast time.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, and sausages in grocery store.
Grilled salmon with rice, avocado, and greens on a plate.
Costco store interior showcasing bulk product selection
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits
S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and sauces
Frozen pizza options available in store
Delicious fried fish and fries meal plated beautifully
Close-up of vitamin C pills spilling from hand.