Benefits of fried potatoes
Research indicates that fried potatoes have many health benefits. This finding was supported by a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which examined the impact of french fries consumption on health.
The study included 4400 adults between the ages of 45 and 79, and was conducted over eight years. The results showed that people who eat fried potatoes two or more times a week have an increased risk of death.
Despite these findings, the negative effects of fried potatoes on people of younger ages have not yet been proven. Therefore, this shows the need to conduct more research on younger age groups to investigate its health effects on them.
Harmful effects of fried potatoes
Fried potatoes do not contain important nutritional values, and they have negative effects on health, which we will review later.
1. Obesity
Fried potatoes are an ingredient that provides us with calories. A serving of potatoes weighing between 71 and 117 grams can provide from 222 to 365 calories, and this percentage represents between 11% and 18% of the daily need for calories for a person who consumes 2000 calories per day.
Studies show that the contribution of fried potatoes to calories in the American diet is limited, estimated at only 1.5%, while the largest percentage, 98.5%, comes from other foods and beverages.
In terms of classification of foods according to their contribution to calories for children, fried potatoes come in sixteenth place, and they provide much fewer calories than other foods that topped the list of the top ten sources of calories, such as cakes, biscuits, fried chicken, sweets, juices, and soft drinks, which constitute 22. % of the total calories for children's and adolescents' meals.
2. Increased risk of heart disease
French fries contain a high percentage of fat, which may raise levels of harmful cholesterol in the body, which results in risks to the circulatory system and may contribute to the emergence of heart problems. It is important for people with heart problems to avoid it because consuming it may worsen their health condition.
3. Increased risk of developing type XNUMX diabetes
Studies show that eating fried foods, such as French fries, can contribute to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is due to the effect of these foods on insulin levels in the body, disrupting its natural balance.
Ways to reduce oil absorption while frying potatoes
French fries are a popular food favored by many, however, there is always concern about the amount of oil they absorb while frying. Here are some steps based on research findings to reduce the oil absorbed in potatoes:
1. The process begins by boiling the potatoes until they are fully cooked.
2. After that, remove the boiling water and leave the potatoes to dry.
3. To further reduce moisture, it is recommended to heat the potatoes in the microwave or oven. This step is vital and contributes to reducing the oil absorption rate by approximately half.
4. Then, fry the potatoes in plenty of hot oil. Cottonseed oil is recommended due to its beneficial properties.
5. After frying, excess oil must be removed with kitchen tissues designated for cooking.
According to the study, controlling the moisture of potatoes plays a big role in reducing oil absorption, making this an effective method for enjoying french fries in a healthier way.
Important tips for cooking potatoes
Let us review healthy ways to cook potatoes that enable you to benefit from their nutritional properties without being exposed to harm, such as relying on grilling the potatoes after boiling them and sprinkling a little olive oil on them. Boiled potatoes can also be mashed and enriched with various spices.
In addition, you can combine different types of cheese to increase the flavour. Also, adding mashed potatoes to certain types of salads is a good option. Do not forget to prepare potato dishes in the oven along with pieces of meat or chicken to improve the overall taste.
These methods of cooking potatoes contribute to obtaining the greatest amount of its health benefits, such as enhancing bone strength and helping to prevent heart disease. It also helps reduce the risk of cancer and improves skin glow.
In addition to its effective role in enhancing the health of the digestive system and helping it control weight, thanks to it containing fibers that enhance the feeling of fullness for long periods.
