French fries are not health food, shockingly enough. That doesn't mean that we can't shovel them by the handful once in a while, though...because everything is fine in moderation, right? Perhaps not, according to some academics who are here to crush your golden, fried, crispy dreams.
According to the New York Times, Eric Rimm, a professor in the departments of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, calls potatoes "starch bombs". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study last year which "noted that potatoes have a high glycemic index"—an issue that's been linked to an "increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease."
The study's findings are pretty much a bummer. Per the NYT, "controlling for other risk factors", those who ate fried potatoes 2-3 times per week were at a higher risk of death compared to the participants that ate un-fried potatoes.
The New York Times reports that per The Agriculture Department, a serving of fries is three ounces (or 12-15 individual fries) at 140 calories. I would say that's probably equivalent to a small order of fries at a fast food chain.
Dr. Rimm thinks offering an even more limited number of French fries per order would be beneficial. "There aren't a ton of people who are sending back three-quarters of an order of French fries. I think it would be nice if your meal came with a side salad and six French fries."
As Ariana Grande would say, "thank you, next." SIX?! A serving is twice that, or more...I WANT ALL 12 OF MY FRIES. Dr. Rimm also suggests that you track how you feel after eating fries, because it may lead to changes in your eating habits. The reality, though, is that you're not going to feel top-notch after eating an order of greasy fries—and I'm guessing you don't expect to, either.
Twitter has been roasting (or should I say frying?) the whole six-fry decree, and it's pretty hilarious.
I doubt you'll catch me ordering fries and picking out just six of them to eat anytime soon, but I like where Dr. Rimm's head is at—just trying to help us be healthier!
