Are French Fries Bad For You?
Also Known As: fries, frites, finger chips, chips
Short answer
French fries are about as bad for you as they are popular. They are best enjoyed as a once in a blue moon treat rather than eaten daily.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Potatoes are a great source of fiber and other nutrients. Unfortunately, French fries, despite being made from potatoes, are not potatoes. French fries can be bought already made, in which case they've undergone a nutrient-robbing process known as blanching. Blanching involves cooking something at a high temperature, then rapidly freezing it to stop the cooking process. While blanching does prevent spoilage, it also takes a toll on the nutrients, especially those which are water-soluble.
Even when making French fries at home, many of the dangers are still present. For one thing, making fries involves peeling the potato. This removal of the nutrient and fiber rich potato skin is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why French fries are bad for you. Next, comes the process by which fries are made - frying. When we fry something, we are using extremely high temperatures. It is this along with the sugars and an amino acid called asparagine present in potatoes that lead to the formation of a carcinogenic chemical called acrylamide.
Apart from possibly causing cancer, French fries have many other detriments. Among the most well-known facts is that French fries are high in calories and saturated fat, which contributes to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke when consumed in excess. In fact, it should come as no surprise that in the United States, where heart disease is the number one killer, French fries account for a full quarter of ALL vegetables consumed in the entire country.
Perhaps a less well-known health negative is that research has shown a link between French fries and age-related macular degeneration. Whether invented by the Belgians or the French, the fact is that French fries are one of the most unhealthy foods out there.
Possible short-term side effects
- headache
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nausea
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bloating
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stomach cramps
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water retention / dehydration
Possible long-term side effects
- high cholesterol
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heart attack
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heart disease
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age-related macular degeneration
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cancer
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obesity
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stroke
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- good source of fiber
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good source of potassium
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good source of vitamin b6
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Bare Apple Chips
- 100% Natural
- Baked, not fried
- Gluten-Free snack
- Non-GMO
- Convenient multi-pack
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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