Health Fried and fried potatoes can shorten life expectancy

Physicians are studying the effects of eating fried potatoes
Many roasted potato products have long been known to be harmful to one's health. Researchers found that, for example, the consumption of fried potatoes, potato chips and French fries actually leads to a reduced life expectancy.

Researchers from the National Research Council found in their study that eating fried potatoes increases the risk of mortality. The physicians published the results of the study in the journal "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition".

Consuming fried potatoes increases the likelihood of premature mortality. This risk is highest when people consume fried potatoes, French fries or chips twice a week. (Image: pamela_d_mcadams / fotolia.com)

Increased risk of mortality in cooked and steamed potatoes not available
Potatoes can generally be prepared in completely different ways. Experts noted that eating fried potatoes reduces human life expectancy. This increased risk is not observed in cooked and steamed potatoes. So far, there have been little or no studies on the effects of fried potatoes consumption on mortality, the authors explain.

Physicians are studying the data of 4,400 subjects for their study
For their new study, the scientists analyzed the data from 4,400 participants aged between 45 and 79 years. The subjects were medically monitored for a total of eight years, say the experts. The current study has shown that consuming 2 to 3 fry potatoes a week results in a doubled risk of mortality compared to people who do not consume roast potatoes.

When people eat fried potatoes twice a week, the risk is highest
During the examination, the subjects had to answer a questionnaire. This recorded the frequency of consumption of potato or potato products. During the eight years of follow-up, a total of 236 participants died. Subjects were divided into groups based on their consumption of potato products. The analysis revealed that the risk of early death was highest among those who consumed fried potatoes twice a week, the researchers explain.

Edible oil used contains many trans fatty acids
The cause of an association between fried potatoes and an early death could arise from the cooking oil used, which contains many trans fatty acids, the researchers suspect. These trans fats are usually bad for the heart, say the doctors. Consumption can lead to heart disease such as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in turn leads to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, the experts add.

These factors also affect mortality
Apart from trans fat, there are other factors that influence mortality, such as lack of exercise, obesity and obesity. Such factors could also be the cause of early deaths among fried potatoes consumers, the researchers speculate.

Potatoes are generally healthy
However, in view of the study results, it should not be concluded that potatoes are generally unhealthy, the scientists emphasize. Rather, it depends on the preparation of the potatoes, whether they harm our health or lead to premature mortality, say the authors of the study. Potatoes are actually a healthy vegetable, which is rich in vitamin C and low in calories.

Further research is needed
The study should by no means be the reason why people no longer eat potatoes, explain the experts. Further research is now needed to definitively determine the cause-and-effect relationship between eating fried potatoes and premature death. Unbroken potatoes are safe and can be eaten, scientists point out. Roasted potatoes can also be consumed in moderation, the doctors add. (As)