We have to admit that in many cases, what is tasty and grants us a lot of pleasure is also harmful in one way or another. While millions of people from all over the world are madly in love with the delicious taste of french fries, especially if they are dipped in a bit of ketchup and sprinkled with pepper, this food can also make us gain extra weight if we don’t consume it in moderation.
Even though french fries don’t actually have a good reputation among those who are obsessed with not gaining extra weight, this delicious food can also grant us a series of amazing health benefits.
Source of fiber
If we prepare them with the skin intact, French fries can represent a good source of dietary fiber. Considering that fiber is essential for digestive health, as it fosters regularity and prevents constipation, it’s obvious why we should be delighted at the thought of consuming French fries. Let’s also not forget that fiber can help us feel fuller for longer periods, and this scheme can aid when it comes to weight management as long as we don’t eat large amounts of French fries.
High levels of potassium
Potatoes, meaning the main ingredient in French fries, naturally have high levels of potassium, which is a vital mineral that plays a main role in the body. That’s because it plays a huge role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and supports proper muscle and nerve function. If you enjoy a serving of French fries, you can contribute to your daily intake of potassium and help support your cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant power
We also need to keep in mind that potatoes contain a variety of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which can help fight against oxidative stress and protect cells from damage inflicted by free radicals. It’s true, however, that frying can reduce the vitamin C content to some extent, but the presence of other antioxidants in potatoes can still contribute to their properties that foster good health.
Mood enhancement
While we know for sure that French fries have the power to boost our physical health if we don’t consume them in large amounts, we also cannot forget about the psychological benefits of consuming such food. Eating French fries can evoke feelings of satisfaction and happiness, providing a mood boost during periods of fatigue or stress. Once again, we must emphasize the need to practice moderation and balance when it comes to our diet, but even so, nobody can deny the huge pleasure that can come from eating a delicious portion of French fries dipped in ketchup or mustard and sprinkled with pepper and salt.
Energy boost
French fries can also represent a quick source of energy due to their content rich in carbohydrates. That’s because carbohydrates represent the primary fuel source of the body, supplying the energy needed to power physical activity and support cognitive function. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to enjoy a small portion of French fries before a workout or as a mid-afternoon snack to get your hands on a convenient way to boost your energy levels.
Choosing baked or air-fried varieties of French fries over deep-fried versions can help reduce the calories and fat content while also preserving the delicious flavor and texture. French fries don’t actually represent a superfood in the usual sense, but they can still offer some surprising benefits for our health.
