For the study, which was conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers monitored 4,400 men and women for eight years. The participants were aged 45 to 79 years and they were assessed based on their weekly consumption of fried potatoes.
The study findings revealed that after eight years, 236 participants had passed away. Some individuals in the group consumed the highest amount of French fries and other fried foods.
What is acrylamide?
Based on the findings, the people who consumed any kind of fried potato dish more than once a week increased their risk of premature death more than twofold. The list included foods like French fries, fried tater tots, hash browns, and potato chips.
However, the increased risk doesn't apply to non-fried dishes with potatoes like baked or mashed potatoes or potato salad. The increased risk of early death was only linked to cooked potatoes or those browned in oil. (Related: Fried foods, especially overcooked potatoes, dramatically increase cancer risk.)
The researchers posited that this is because fried food is full of acrylamide. Acrylamide, which is considered a carcinogen, forms in foods cooked at high temperatures. Meanwhile, non-fried potato dishes, when consumed in moderation, has fiber, micronutrients, and vitamins that counteract their high glycemic index number and starch content.
Although the research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has determined a trend, it is not a laboratory study and further analysis can help confirm the findings. But to stay healthy and lower your risk of premature death, limit your intake of fried foods like French fries and potato chips. These fried foods are some of the worst things to eat since they have high levels of acrylamide, denatured salt, and toxic fat.
Aside from French fries, other foods with a high acrylamide content include:
- Black olives (canned)
- Cocoa (from roasted cocoa beans)
- Dark-crusted breads
- Packaged cookies
- Peanut butter
- Potato chips
- Processed cereals
- Prune juice
- Toasted nuts
If you really like fried foods, eat them occasionally as a treat, not as part of your regular diet. A better option is to look for other low-carb and low-fat alternatives to potato-based fried foods.
Eat healthier snacks and consume about five portions of organic fruits and vegetables daily to greatly reduce the risk of premature death. Following a healthy diet can also help improve your Body Mass Index and overall quality of life.
Healthy alternatives to French fries
French fries are an addicting snack, but they're oily, salty, and bad for you. Consider these healthier options if you want a snack:
- Crispy green beans – Crispy green beans are still crunchy like fries, but they are nutritious. Get some green beans and add some garlic powder, olive oil, pepper, and salt, then toss. Roast the beans in the oven until they start to brown, then take them out. Sprinkle some cheese on the green beans before serving.
- Kale chips – Kale chips are rich in minerals and vitamins. Make some chips by removing the thick stalks from the kale, then chopping it into small pieces. Drizzle the kale leaves with olive oil, pepper, and salt, then bake until crisp.
- Sweet potato fries – Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and vitamin A. Make some sweet potato fries by cutting them up like French fries. Drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil, then put them in the oven to reduce the trans-fat content. Turn them occasionally and bake until golden brown.
You can read more articles about the dangers of unhealthy fast food like French fries at FastFood.news.
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