Could Eating French Fries Three Times a Week Increase Diabetes Risk by 20%?
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Synopsis
A new study reveals a startling link between French fries and diabetes risk. Find out how enjoying your favorite snack three times a week can increase your risk by 20%. Discover healthier alternatives that can help you maintain your health and lower diabetes chances.
Key Takeaways
- Consuming French fries thrice a week can raise diabetes risk by 20%.
- Alternative forms of potatoes like baked or boiled are safer.
- Whole grains can reduce diabetes risk when substituted for potatoes.
- Minor dietary changes can lead to significant health benefits.
- Public health messages emphasize the importance of healthy carbohydrates.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) Do you enjoy potatoes? It’s best to opt for the starchy vegetable baked or boiled instead of indulging in French fries. A recent study revealed that consuming this beloved snack three times a week could elevate the risk of diabetes by 20 percent.
The research, which monitored the dietary habits of over 205,000 adults over several decades, demonstrated that other potato preparations—like baked, boiled, and mashed—do not heighten diabetes risk.
Published in the BMJ, the study also indicated that substituting any potato form with whole grains could decrease diabetes risk.
“The public health message is straightforward yet impactful: minor modifications in our daily diet can significantly influence the risk of type 2 diabetes,” remarked Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
“Reducing potato intake—especially French fries—and opting for healthy, whole-grain carbohydrates could substantially lower type 2 diabetes risk across populations,” Willett added.
This new investigation looked at the diets and diabetes outcomes of 205,107 individuals.
For over 30 years, participants completed dietary questionnaires, detailing how frequently they consumed various foods, including French fries, baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes, and whole grains.
Throughout the study, 22,299 participants reported developing diabetes.
However, researchers determined that replacing baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with whole grains—such as farro—could lower diabetes risk by 4 percent.
Moreover, swapping French fries for whole grains could reduce diabetes risk by 19 percent. Even exchanging refined grains for French fries was found to decrease diabetes risk.
Point of View
It's crucial to communicate findings that impact public health. This recent study emphasizes the importance of dietary choices, particularly regarding popular foods like French fries. With the increasing diabetes prevalence, promoting healthier alternatives is not just beneficial but necessary for community well-being.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I eat potatoes to avoid diabetes risk?
It's recommended to limit French fries and prefer baked or boiled potatoes instead. Eating French fries three times a week may increase diabetes risk by 20%.
What are healthier alternatives to French fries?
Opt for whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice, as they can reduce diabetes risk and provide essential nutrients.
What does the study suggest about dietary changes?
The study suggests that small dietary adjustments, like replacing French fries with whole grains, can significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
