French fries are staples of fast food fare -- they are standard accompaniments to hamburgers, chicken and fish sandwiches as well as fried chicken strips and nuggets. Although consuming french fries as an occasional indulgence may not be particularly harmful, frequent consumption of french fries may pose several health risks.
Trans Fats
Fast food restaurants commonly use hydrogenated oils, usually shortening, for deep-frying. These are vegetable oils that are infused with hydrogen molecules to extend shelf life and reduce production costs. Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils are also solids at room temperature -- this reduces the need for refrigerated space. However, hydrogenated oils contain trans fats, which may have a dramatic impact on blood cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Elevated levels of trigylcerides and low-density lipoproteins, which are components of cholesterol, may increase your risk of heart disease.
Sodium
Fast food french fries are typically seasoned with table salt, which is a primary source of sodium in the typical American diet. Although sodium is a necessary mineral for maintaining proper fluid balance and muscle function, high sodium intake may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, according to Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Excess sodium may also contribute to liver and kidney disease.
Acrylamides
Some types of potatoes are higher than other vegetables in asparagine, an amino acid that is a building block for proteins. Deep-frying potatoes may cause asparagine to convert to acrylamides, according to the National Cancer Institute. Acrylamides are probable carcinogens that may encourage the formation of cancer cells. However, the connection between acrylamides and cancer has only been studies in animals; the risk posed to humans is not clear.
Diabetes Risk
Potatoes used for fat food french fries have a higher glycemic index than most vegetables -- they score 90 points on the glycemic index, making them high-glycemic foods, according to Dr. Jennie Brand-Miller, author of "The New Glucose Revolution." High glycemic foods may dramatically elevate blood glucose, which can produce symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and poor mental performance. Chronic blood glucose elevations may also contribute to the development of diabetes.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/439966-are-fast-food-fries-dangerous-to-eat/#ixzz1sc6TGL2J
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