French fries are always scrutinized as not being healthy for you. Many studies conclude that moderation is the key. Having fries once a week will not be the death of you. Fries are weaponized food that non-experts use for their own means. The best way to find out if french fries are healthy for you is to consult a professional who guides you in the right direction. There is way too much misinformation out there contradicting the french fry as a food killer.
- A higher risk of death was noted among those who ate french fries more than twice a week. Eating them once a week or less would likely have a negligible effect on your health.
- Portion size matters. This study didn’t provide details of how many fries study subjects ate in one sitting, but an “official” serving is just 10 to 15 individual fries (130–150 calories). Most fast-food establishments serve three to four times that amount! Stick with one serving, or share a restaurant serving with a couple of meal mates.
- Homemade “baked fries” using minimal olive or canola oil aren’t French fries, but they’re close… and much healthier. (Source)
Fun Fact: McDonald’s uses about 7% of the potatoes grown in the United States for its French fries. They sell more than 1/3 of all the French fries sold in restaurants in the U.S. each year.