Though it’s extremely convenient and oftentimes extremely tasty, fast food comes with either a negative stigma or a belief of the wrong information. Some people swear that it’s not as harmful as everyone thinks while others believe that it’s the worst thing you can put in your body.

Since everyone’s opinions on fast food tend to vary, it’s important to set the record straight so that everyone is on the same page. The following are the most popular myths about fast food.

Myth #1: If the fast food restaurant was cleared by the Health Department, their food and cooking practices are safe.

Though they should be taken more seriously, health inspections don’t necessarily have any bearing on the safety of the food or cooking practices of a fast food restaurant. Many restaurants that have been associated with food poisoning had passed their inspection.

Inspections occur on one day, and as long as the restaurant plays by the rules on the one day the inspector is there, they’ll pass. Once the inspector leaves, the shenanigans and unsafe food practices can continue.

Myth #2: All fast food is unhealthy.

Many people are starting to watch what they eat, and many fast food restaurants are recognizing this and adding healthier food options to their menus. If the restaurant does not provide you with nutritional information that is visible, ask if they can tell you or use an app on your smartphone or tablet, such as FastFoodCalories.

Certain food items that are high in calories can be made healthier simply by removing the condiments or the buns. By making small adjustments to your order, you can easily eat something healthy.

Myth #3: Fast food salads are healthy.

Salads have a stigma of being healthy, but this isn’t always the case. If the salad you’re about to eat contains a great deal of salt or carbs, it may be healthier for you to eat a burger or a chicken sandwich. Plus, some salads gain their calories from the dressing, so make sure you opt for no dressing or dressing on the side.

Myth #4: I see them clean, so fast food restaurants are sanitary.

Just because a restaurant is clean does not mean that it’s sanitary. First, some workers may not abide by all rules, so some may not be wearing hair nets or washing their hands after using the restroom. Since most employees talk to each other while preparing food, germs from saliva can easily be spread onto your food. And since most fast food chains have drive-thru windows, bugs and other debris can easily get inside the cooking area of the restaurant.

Myth #5: Eating fast food will make you gain weight.

Eating fast food works the same way as eating any other food. Your chance of gaining weight depends on the amount of calories you take in versus those that you expel. If you are constantly eating fast food and not exercising, then yes, you will gain weight. You will also gain weight if you’re eating fruits and vegetables and not exercising.

Fast food is neither as bad nor as healthy for you as you initially thought. Knowing the truth about fast food restaurants can help you determine if you want to eat it or not.

About The Author: Caroline Jones is a health specialist and writer.  She enjoys blogging about anything from education to quick healthy meals.