CHICAGO – A new study published in the journal PLOS Medicine on May 16, 2024, has found a meaningful association between frequent consumption of french fries and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, analyzed data from over 196,000 participants across three long-term studies – the Nurses’ Health Study, the Nurses’ Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study – spanning up to 24 years.
More than 38 million Americans, approximately 1 in 10, currently live wiht diabetes, with the vast majority having type 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The prevalence of diabetes has risen steadily over the past two decades, placing a substantial burden on the U.S. healthcare system and contributing to increased rates of heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.
The Harvard study differentiated between potato planning methods. While baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes showed no significant link to diabetes risk, consuming french fries four or more times per week was associated with a 17% higher risk of developing the disease compared to those who ate them less than once a month.The researchers emphasize that the way food is prepared and what it replaces in the diet are critical factors.
“For policymakers, our findings highlight the need to move beyond broad food categories and pay closer attention to how foods are prepared and what they’re replacing,” stated Dr. Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at harvard and senior author of the study.”Not all carbs – or even all potatoes – are created equal, and that distinction is crucial when it comes to shaping effective dietary guidelines.”
The research team recommends further investigation into the impact of cooking methods – specifically, the use of different oils and additions like butter or cream – on health outcomes. They also suggest comparative studies with sweet potatoes, which possess a different nutritional profile, including a lower glycemic index.
Potatoes USA, the national marketing and research organization for the U.S. potato industry, acknowledges the study’s findings but points out that the average American consumes roughly half the serving size used in the research. “We shouldn’t judge foods in isolation because that’s not how people eat in the real world,” a Potatoes USA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Like many foods, fries can absolutely be part of a healthy eating pattern when enjoyed in moderation.”
The organization also highlighted the importance of increasing overall vegetable consumption, noting that including fried potatoes alongside other vegetables can boost total vegetable intake, as 90% of Americans currently fall short of recommended daily vegetable servings. A recent report by the USDA indicates the average american consumes only 1.6 cups of vegetables per day, well below the recommended 2-3 cups.
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