Do you have a standard or large portion of French fries?.

In the light of the results of the new study, it would be prudent to answer "no" to both proposals.

Consuming two or more servings of French fries a week doubles the risk of premature death.

A serious reason to revise your menu.

The data of scientists are based on the results of observation of 4440 adult Americans - fans of fast food. Supervised by Dr. Luigi Fontana (Luigi Fontana) from the Italian company CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate.

In the Western world, processed foods are a serious threat to society.

According to statistics from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the share of French fries and chips in the 2000s accounted for about 64% of potato consumption in the country. For comparison, in the 1960s this share was only 35%.

On the one hand, potatoes - a product rich in minerals and valuable nutrients, which can form part of a healthy diet. On the other hand, the abuse of fats and synthetic additives (as in the case of chips) is a huge risk.

During the new study, Dr. Fontana and his colleagues from the University of Brescia decided to find out how the use of potatoes affects mortality. The results made the "McDonald's" and "Burger King" regulars nervous,.

For more information, see The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Fried potatoes should be limited.

For the analysis, a cohort of 4,440 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) national study at the age of 45-79 years.

The observation lasted 8 years.

One of the conditions of the OAI study was the filling of food questionnaires, where the participants detailed their culinary preferences. With all the information on changing people's health on hand, Dr. Fontana could easily trace the possible connection between chips and unfavorable outcomes.

During the 8-year observation period, 236 participants died for various reasons.

The analysis showed that, in general, potato consumption does not affect mortality, but certain types of food can be unsafe for the body.

The use of any fried potatoes (French fries, chips, hashbraun) in quantities of two servings per week is associated with a doubled risk of premature death.

Further increase in portions leads to an even greater risk.

Potatoes in other types (boiled) turned out to be completely safe.

Since the research was observational, scientists do not give direct evidence, nor does the explanation for the phenomenon. Despite this, many medical experts admit that French fries and chips are unsafe for health.

According to a number of authoritative American nutritionists, French fries need to be limited, giving preference to healthier, low-calorie foods.

medbe. en.