A Harvard University professor of nutrition received the condemnation of the internet after he suggested that the ideal serving of French fries is six pieces.
Eric Rimm from the departments of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reminded the public that the beloved snack is unhealthy no matter how good it tastes. In a recent article, he called potatoes "starch bombs" and suggested that people enjoy them in six-fry increments — a statement that the public did not agree with.
Just 6 Pieces Of French Fries
An article published by The New York Times discussed why, despite the fact that potatoes are considered vegetables, fries are unhealthy. It noted that potatoes have been found to have a high glycemic index, which has been linked to a higher risk of obesity and diabetes. A previous study also revealed that people who eat fries two to three times a week have a higher risk of mortality compared to those who avoid the stuff.
The goal is to make the public aware of the serious health concerns that come with consuming fried potatoes.
"There aren't a lot of people who are sending back three-quarters of an order of French fries," Rimm stated. "I think it would be nice if your meal came with a side salad and six French fries."
The internet, of course, was not happy.
Those who ate too few french fries had a 100% death rate. https://t.co/XHWW8cVo8z — Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 30, 2018
"SIX"? As in 6 french fries? Are we in hell? https://t.co/7yKfV3Iay3 — Phil Sanchez (@Phil_Sanchez) November 30, 2018
Fight Against French Fries
Potatoes are the most consumed vegetable in the United States, with the average American eating about 115.6 pounds a year — two-thirds of which are in the form of French fries and equally unhealthy potato chips.
However, the Agriculture Department says that a serving of fries is three ounces or about 12 to 15 pieces.
If consumption of French fries cannot be controlled, nutritionists recommend the public to skip additional toppings and dressings. They also warned to go easy on the condiments. A packet of ketchup contains 10 calories, but the same amount of mayonnaise has nearly 100 calories.
The National Institutes of Health classifies French fries alongside doughnuts and candies as "WHOA" foods, meaning they should only be consumed once in a while.
