Eating fried potatoes linked to higher risk of death, study says

Potatoes are delicious. We eat them baked, fried and cut up into chips. We have them as snacks, as accompaniments to meals and as a meal itself. But the way you cook your potatoes is hugely important because studies have shown that fried potatoes are not good for you.

 Fried potatoes are not just bad for you, they can lead to early death. And it’s not so much about the potato that is dangerous, it’s the way we eat the potato. Most Americans eat potatoes int he form of chips. Think of the fast food chains and how all burgers or sandwiches come with chips, otherwise known as French Fries.


French Fries are FRIED - not baked - and this is where the danger comes in. The cooking oil used for French Fries contains trans fats and trans fats are the bad fats. They are the ones that can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an early death. A baked potato where no oil is used is a much more sensible way of cooking a potato.

A medium sized potato is about 110 calories, has no fat and no sodium, provides vitamin C and potassium. A potato contains fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. These are all good things. But the minute you add oil, the bad oil with trans fats, the potato changes to a red flag. Of course studies have been done and we all understand the dangers of trans fats. It’s why people should also eat good butter instead of margarine.

 And it’s why we should eat baked potatoes rather than fried potatoes. Of course fast food companies want you to eat their fried chips and will tell you there is no danger but - be careful and be aware of everything you put into your mouth. You should always know how something is cooked.