U.S. study: Hamburgers have heart disease risks, dumplings less so

According to a study published in the journal Circulation, published by the American Heart Association, eating American fast food such as hamburgers and French fries will increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and will make people more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than people of the same age. Traditional Asian food such as dumplings and noodles do not have such health concerns.

With the rapid development of globalization, Western food culture has spread all over the world. Even in East Asia and Southeast Asia, American fast food restaurants can be found everywhere. Hamburgers, French fries and a cup of Coke have become the best representatives of Western diet.

Fast food culture affects global eating patterns; excessive consumption may cause health problems.

However, Professor Andrew Odegaard of the University of Minnesota's Institute of Public Health said in the study: "While most countries view fast food culture as an indicator of economic progress, this often means paying the price of people's health."

The study lasted nearly ten years. Among the 811 Singaporeans studied, those who ate fast food two to three times a week had a 27% higher risk of developing diabetes than those who did not eat fast food, and the risk of heart disease increased to 56%. For people who eat fast food more than 4 times a week, the risk of developing heart disease increases to 80%. In fact, according to a survey, people in Singapore who usually eat fast food have a lower age and smoking rate, and are more physically active. This shows that the impact of diet on health cannot be underestimated.

The study also pointed out that traditional Asian Chinese food such as dumplings, noodles or Hong Kong-style dim sum does not increase the risk of disease in consumers. The American diet has a high fat content, which puts more burden on the body after high-temperature frying. It is recommended to eat less oil and salt and eat more vegetables in order to maintain a healthy body.