I made this projects after researching the nutritional value of fast foods and teenage obesity. It fulfills Tennessee English I Standard 4 - Research Course Level Expectations CLE 3001.4.1 Define and narrow a problem or research topic. CLE 3001.4.2 Gather relevant information from a variety of f print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys. Checks for Understanding (Formative/Summative Assessment) 3001.4.1 Narrow an increasingly complex topic so that the research process is manageable and a clear research question is identified. 3001.4.2 Take and organize notes on information relevant to the topic and identify areas for research. Sharquita Evans

1. Nutritional Value of Fast Foods SharquitaEvans Manassas High School

2. Fast Foods Facts Numerous studies have shown that a diet low in fat and high in fiber can reduce the risk of many types of cancers, as well as heart disease and can improve your health. Also, young girls who consume more calories and fat than is suggested increase their risk of developing Breast Cancer later in life. Fast food meals can be high in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol.

3. Did You Know Each day, 1 in 4 Americans visits a fast food restaurant In 1972, 3 billion a year was spent on fast food - today more than $110 billion is spent. McDonald's feeds more than 46 million people a day - more than the entire population of Spain. French fries are the most eaten vegetable in America. You would have to walk for seven hours straight to burn off a Super Sized Coke, fry and Big Mac. Only seven items on McDonald's entire menu contain no sugar. Willard Scott was the first Ronald McDonald - he was fired for being too fat. McDonald's distributes more toys per year than Toys-R-Us. McDonald's operates more than 30,000 restaurants in more then 100 countries on 6 continents. Before most children can speak they can recognize McDonald's. McDonald's represents 43% of total U.S. fast food market.

4. Children and Obesity Facts Every month, approximately nine out of 10 American children visit a McDonald's . If achild eats fast food only 2-3 times each week, this can result in an extra six pounds gained every year. Statistics show that between 10% and 15% of children are obese.

5. McDonald's Commercial Using Celebrities

6. Nutrients Analyzed Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance fund in all parts of the body. A meal high in total fat or saturated fat contribute to high blood cholesterol levels. Carbohydrates: provides energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. Fat: provides essential fatty acids, helps regulate bodily functions, and helps carry vitamins. Research shows that eating too many high-fat foods causes high blood cholesterol levels. This can cause hardening of the arteries, coronary heart disease and stroke. High-fat diets also contribute to a greater risk for some types of cancer, especially cancers of the breast and colon.

7. Calorie: Calorie is a unit of measurement for energy. Dietary Fiber: Dietary fiber comes from the thick cell walls of plants. Fiber is divided into two general categories: water-soluble and water-insoluble. Many reports say soluble fiber lowers cholesterol and lower blood-sugar levels . Insoluble fiber protects against heart disease.

8. Protein: Protein makes all life possible. All of the antibodies and enzymes, and many of the hormones in the body, are proteins. They provide for the transport of nutrients, oxygen, and waste throughout the body and the structure of muscles. Sodium: Sodium is a mineral, an important nutrient. It helps to maintain blood volume, maintain the balance of water in the cells, and keep nerves functioning. One teaspoon of salt contains about 2,300 milligrams of sodium, more than four times the amount the body requires per day.

9. Daily Recommended Values for the Average Adult Daily Values (DV): Daily Values are the dietary reference values that are used on all U.S. food labels which is determined by the Federal Department of Agriculture.

10. National Value for Hamburgers

11. Facts Specialty burgers often have extra meat and sauces that can add calories and fat. For example, a Double Whopper with Cheese from Burger King has as much fat suggested for an a day's worth of food. The regular hamburger comes in a more smaller portion size and is a much healthier choice.

12. Amount of Calories Percent Daily Values (%DV) are for adults or children aged 4 or older, and are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet.

13. Total Grams of Fat The maximum fat grams most women should consume is 65 per day; men, 85 grams. Saturated and trans fats should total less than 20 grams (based on a 2,000-calorie diet).

14. Milligrams of Cholesterol

15. Milligrams of Sodium

16. Total Grams of Carbohydrates

17. Grams of Fiber

18. Grams of Protein

19. Nutritional Value for Small French Fries

20. Amount of Calories

21. Grams of Fat

22. Milligrams of Fat

23. Milligrams of Sodium

24. Grams Of Carbohydrates

25. Grams of Dietary Fiber

26. Grams of Protein

27. National Value for Soda

28. Amount of Calories in Soda

29. Milligrams of Soda

30. Total Carbohydrates

31. Conclusion Based on the data, I believe McDonald's was the most nutritious; since it is low in fat and sodium which causes many heart related health problems. The meal has 620 total calories providing the body with energy, approximately thirty percent of the recommended amount. In my opinion, Burger King was the least nutritious because of the higher sodium, fat, and cholesterol; especially if a person eats other foods regularly with this high content.

32. References

33. References Continued