Discover the Surprising Panda Express Nutrition Facts and How They Affect Your Health
Fast food chains have been under scrutiny for the quality of their food and the nutritional value it provides to its customers. Panda Express, one of the most popular Chinese fast food chains in the United States, has always been known for its signature dishes such as orange chicken, chow mein, and fried rice. However, not many are aware of the Panda Express nutrition facts and how it can impact their health. In this article, we will dive into the nutrition facts of Panda Express and explore how it affects your health.
Calories and Macros
According to Panda Express’s official website, an average meal with a serving of chow mein, orange chicken, and fried rice, contains around 1300 calories and 53 grams of fat. Although the calorie count might not seem too high, it is essential to note that this is only one meal, and it takes up a significant portion of your daily calorie intake. In comparison, the recommended daily calorie intake would be approximately 2000 calories for women and 2500 calories for men. The high-fat content in the meal can lead to weight gain and obesity, which is a risk factor for several chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Sodium Content
Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate your body’s fluids and blood pressure. However, consuming too much sodium can have adverse health effects such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. A bowl of Panda Express chow mein contains 1030 milligrams of sodium, and a serving of orange chicken has 450 milligrams of sodium, taking the total amount to 1480 milligrams. This is more than half of the recommended daily sodium intake, which is around 2300 milligrams per day. Consuming excess sodium can lead to water retention, which can cause bloating and weight gain.
Sugar Content
Most fast food chains tend to add sugar to their dishes to make it more palatable, but it also adds to the calorie count. A serving of Panda Express orange chicken has 18 grams of sugar, and a serving of fried rice has 11 grams of sugar. Consuming excess sugar can lead to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Healthier Alternatives
Although Panda Express is known for its signature dishes, it doesn’t mean healthier options aren’t available. Panda Express provides steamed vegetables and brown rice as an alternative to fried rice. You can also opt for grilled chicken instead of orange chicken, which is lower in calories and fat. To add flavor to the dishes, you can use sauces such as the hot mustard sauce, which is low in calories and sugar.
Conclusion
Panda Express is known for its delicious dishes, but it is essential to be aware of the nutrition facts before consuming the food. The high calorie, fat, sodium, and sugar content in the meals can have adverse health effects, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. However, there are healthier alternatives available that can be opted for. As they say, everything is good in moderation, so a once-in-a-while treat from Panda Express might not harm much, but it is vital to keep in mind the nutritional content of the meals and the effects it can have on your health.
