In a new study, researchers found that eating chips every day could be as healthy as eating almonds. The results show that there are no significant differencesin relation to metabolic healthwhen consuming the two foods. Daily servings of 300 calorie fries in the diet did not lead to weight gain compared to equivalent amounts of almonds. There were also no significant changes in biomarkers associated with impaired blood sugar regulation.
Why fries also have a healthy effect on the body
The research team revealed that the health risks previously assumed by nutritionists depend on the amount of French fries consumed. When it comes to weight gain orRisk factors for type 2 diabetesThe study authors found no evidence of unhealthy effects from regular consumption of fried potatoes. Accordingly, nutritional recommendations that focus primarily on isolated foods may miss the mark. Therefore, the more effective approach to nutritional counseling would likely be to consider the overall diet, lifestyle, individual needs and risk factors, researchers say.
In the study, the team compared theChanges in body composition: Body fat mass, body weight, fasting blood sugar and insulin levels. 180 adults in the intervention groups consumed chips or almonds during the one-month study. Given the difference in carbohydrate content between French fries and almonds, blood sugar and insulin levels were expectedly higher after consuming the former. However, these values were not elevated beyond a normal range. Furthermore, the difference had no apparent effect on other biomarkers related to blood sugar.
Correlation between almonds and potatoes
At the end of the studies, the changes in the body of the participants from the two intervention groups were comparable and not clinically significant. The study results show that two foods that previously had opposite associations with health risks had no differences in effects. The study authors examined a subgroup of five people after eating. In this way, they wanted to find out whether fries had a healthy effect on their blood sugar levels.
Nevertheless, such a study design allows for the collection of real-world data. Those with type 2 diabetes were also left out. This limited the applicability of the results to people who do not suffer from the disease. In the research literature, regular consumption of fries is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. However, according to the researchers, there is little evidence to support this assumption. Research leader David Allison and his team wanted to conduct research that would provide a clear answer to the connection between physical health and regular consumption of fried potatoes.
The health potential of chips and almonds
According to a global meta-analysis, theConsumption of fried foodsassociated with an increased risk of serious heart disease and stroke. However, experts warn that no conclusions can be drawn due to the wide range of research and other confounding factors. Other research suggests that eating baked or boiled potatoes reduces sodium storage more effectively than supplementation, as well as lowering systolic high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, Canadian scientists found that calorie labeling on almonds may not accurately reflect the number of calories consumed. This prompted the authors of thepresent studyconcluded that the results may allay concerns about the contribution of almonds to weight gain.
