Doctors warned about the dangers of french fries and named a healthy alternative

A new study has shown that regular consumption of french fries can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the research results, just three servings of this popular side dish per week increase the likelihood of developing the disease by 20%, and five servings - by 27%.

The results of the study, published in the respected medical journal The BMJ, are reported by The Independent. During this large-scale work, an international group of scientists, which included experts from Cambridge University, analyzed health data from more than 205 thousand American medical workers. Observations of their diet and health status were conducted over nearly forty years.

The key finding was that the method of potato preparation is crucial. Unlike deep-fried potatoes, consumption of similar amounts of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes did not show an association with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Experts attribute this to the fact that french fries are often an ultra-processed product, unlike other, minimally processed forms.

The researchers also provided practical recommendations. Replacing three weekly servings of potatoes, especially fried ones, with whole grain products can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 8%. It is noted that replacing potatoes with white rice, on the contrary, may be associated with an increased risk. Thus, scientists emphasize the importance of whole grain products as an integral part of a healthy diet.