Fried foods and fats (part I of II)

Fried foods are a popular part of the American diet. While these foods are simply irresistible for many, scientists consider them to be high-risk foods that can be detrimental to one’s health, especially when they are not eaten in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.

French fries are among the most commonly consumed fried food products. When potatoes are cooked in trans-fat at high temperatures, all sorts of very unpleasant things occur. Scientists have learned that trans fatty acids appear to increase the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and decrease the “good” cholesterol (HDL). They increase triglycerides and Lp, a lipoprotein that contributes to the plaque in blood vessels, atherosclerosis and blood clots.

Foods that are fried in vegetable oils like canola, soybean, safflower, corn and other seed and nut oils are particularly problematic. These products contain polyunsaturated fats that easily become rancid when exposed to oxygen and produce large amounts of damaging free radicals in the body. They are also very susceptible to heat-induced damage due to cooking. What is not commonly known is that these oils can cause aging, clotting, inflammation, cancer and weight gain. Oils containing mostly monounsaturates such as olive oil are best for cooking.

Acrylamide

Fried foods contain a toxic and potentially cancer-causing chemical, acrylamide. A chemical used in plastics, pesticides and sewage treatment, among other things, acrylamide was placed on the Proposition 65 toxic chemical list in 1990. In April 2002, the Swedish National Food Administration and researchers from Stockholm University discovered it is created in far smaller amounts when starchy foods like potatoes and bread are baked, roasted, fried or toasted.

Acrylamide is present in foods that make up about 40 percent of the calories consumed in the average American diet. A high level of the chemical has been reported in deep-fried foods, processed poultry products, instant malt drinks, chocolate powder and roasted coffee powder processed at temperatures 120 degree Celsius or more.

If you just can’t ignore the hankering for some French fries, it is theoretically possible to create a more “healthy” fry if it is cooked in a healthy fat like virgin coconut oil. Our kids like baked fries, which we bake with bit of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

1. This article is for educational purposes only.

2. Your individual health status and any required health care treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional of your choice.