You’ve probably said it yourself at some point: “I know French fries aren’t healthy, but they’re so hard to resist.” Yet, new research published in the prestigious BMJ journal shows that this crispy indulgence may carry more serious consequences than we think.
What Did Scientists Discover?
- Eating three servings of French fries per week was linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes..
- By contrast, boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes did not significantly increase the risk when consumed in similar amounts.
- Interestingly, replacing potatoes (in any form) with whole grains, reduced the risk of diabetes.
- But substituting potatoes with white rice, actually increased the risk.
Why Does This Matter?
Potatoes contain fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium—but they’re also very starchy, giving them a high glycemic index. This means they cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. In the case of French fries, frying adds even more calories and unhealthy fats, making matters worse.
Study Details
- The study followed more than 205,000 people over nearly 40 years..
- During that time, over 22,000 participants developed type 2 diabetes.
- Results clearly show that not all potatoes are equal—the method of preparation makes a big difference.
Takeaway Message
- An occasional portion of fries won’t ruin your health—but regular consumption might.
- Boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes can be part of a balanced and even sustainable diet.
- Still, whole grains should remain a priority, as they are proven to offer the best protection against type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Not all potatoes are created equal—it’s the preparation method and the foods we swap them with that matter most. French fries are tasty but risky when eaten often, while boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes can fit into a balanced diet.
The best long-term choice, however, remains whole grains, which consistently show strong protection against type 2 diabetes.
Source: Mousavi SM, Gu X, Imamura F, AlEssa HB, Devinsky O, Sun Q, Hu FB, Manson JE, Rimm EB, Forouhi NG, Willett WC. Total and specific potato intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three US cohort studies and a substitution meta-analysis of prospective cohorts. BMJ. 2025 Aug 6;390:e082121. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2024-082121. PMID: 40769531; PMCID: PMC12326520.
That’s why THE HEALTH FORMULA always starts with knowledge—understanding science, aligning habits with genetic insights, prevention, and making smarter choices in everyday life.
Vitality knows no age when health is guided by knowledge!
