Fast food French fries are the quintessential convenience food—they’re inexpensive, easy to find, and you can eat them with your hands. But are fast food French fries actually healthy? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.
It’s no secret that fast food French fries contain high levels of fat, calories and sodium. A large order of fries from a popular fast food chain contains over 500 calories and 25 grams of fat, and an additional 500 mg of sodium. The fat content is mostly from unhealthy saturated and trans fats.
On the other hand, French fries can be a good source of certain vitamins and minerals. One serving (about 3 ounces) contains 11% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C, 10% of vitamin B6, 6% of iron, 4% of potassium and 3% of magnesium.
The bottom line is that it depends on how often you are consuming fast food French fries and what type you are eating. If you’re an occasional consumer, then the health benefits may outweigh the negatives. However, if you’re eating them on a regular basis, then it’s best to opt for healthier alternatives like baked sweet potato or zucchini fries.
Conclusion:
Fast food French fries can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet; however, when eaten regularly they offer more drawbacks than benefits to overall health.