Researchers have found a link between increased mortality and frequent consumption of fried potato foods - but further research is required.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that the consumption of fried potato foods (such as French fries, potato chips and hash browns) correlates with an increased risk of mortality in a way that other food preparation methods such as boiling and steaming do not.
The publication is the first to directly address the relationship between fried potatoes and increased mortality. It was undertaken by lead researcher Nicola Veronese of Italy’s National Research Council alongside various professionals from other Italian, Spanish, British and American educational and research institutions.
See Also:Dispelling the Myths of Frying with Olive Oil
The study of a group of 4,400 adults aged between 45 and 79 and monitored their eating habits for eight years using food-frequency questionnaires. On following up after the elapsed period of time, it was determined that participants who consumed fried potatoes at least twice a week or more had an increased risk of mortality, while those consuming unfried potatoes where unaffected.
As the study was observational in nature, researchers admit that it cannot be said that eating fried potatoes directly causes early mortality, and that it would require more research with larger sample sizes of adults to do so. Furthermore, the results were concluded using information gathered from an Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort study that required participants either be overweight or have experienced knee pain or a knee injury over the previous 12 months. It is likely that population sample itself was skewed to include adults who were obese and led a sedentary lifestyle – two factors that could influence one’s early mortality.
In 2016, Susanna Larrson of Stockholm’s Unit of Nutritional Epidemiology (from the Institute of Environmental Medicine at Karolinska Institutet) conducted two prospective cohort studies into the relationship between potato consumption and one’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study found no conclusive link between the two, maintaining instead that any increased mortality observed was more likely to be related to participants’ diets as a whole and not potato consumption in particular.
A previous study by Italy’s Department of Food Science at the University of Napoli Federico II into the relationship between virgin olive oil phenolic compounds and acrylamide formation in fried crisps revealed that the preparation of the potato might be responsible for poor health outcomes rather than the potato itself.
The study found that potatoes fried for prolonged periods at high temperatures have higher levels of acrylamide, a chemical compound many authorities (including the World Health Organization and United Kingdom’s Food Standard’s Agency) believe to be toxic and responsible for increasing a person’s cancer risk.
Acrylamide levels were lowest in potatoes fried on olive oil and higher in potatoes fried in trans-fat rich cooking oils. Trans-fats have been proven to increase the levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood, increasing one’s risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and death.
More articles on: cardiovascular disease, health, healthy cooking
Jul. 13, 2023
Consuming Oleuropein May Mitigate the Effects of Aging on Muscular Atrophy
New research purports to demonstrate that aged mice which ate a diet supplemented with olive leaf extract rich in oleuropein increased muscle mass.
Feb. 1, 2024
Olive Oil Metabolites Linked with Improved Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes
The research demonstrated a link between virgin olive oil metabolite profiles and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but not diabetes.
Sep. 6, 2023
In Australia, Mediterranean Diet Costs Less than Alternatives, Study Finds
Researchers found Australians could save 28 Australian dollars per week by following the Mediterranean diet.
Apr. 9, 2024
Processed Foods Associated with Negative Health Outcomes, Study Finds
Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater risk of more than 30 negative health outcomes.
Aug. 31, 2023
The Importance of Choosing Healthy Snacks for Your Overall Health
Choosing healthy snacks can be beneficial for overall health, even if you snack frequently.
Apr. 24, 2023
Americans Find Cost of Food Biggest Barrier to a Healthy Diet, Survey Finds
Just fifteen percent of Americans are familiar with the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits, a Cleveland Clinic survey finds.
Jun. 8, 2023
Med Diet Benefits Similar to Walking 4,000 Steps, Study Finds
Researchers at a Boston hospital found that following the Mediterranean diet had a similar health benefit to walking 4,000 steps each day.
May. 30, 2023
Dakos, the Cretan Meze, Is Having a Moment
Tomato, feta cheese and olive oil on a barley rusk make dakos a summer dish few can resist.