French fries are a delicious addition to any meal. They go well with hamburgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches of all kinds. You can even tailor the accompanying condiments to suit your taste buds.

Salt is liberally sprinkled to most servings of french fries. This is one area mindful eaters can monitor to have a healthier meal. Mayonnaise is another condiment to avoid. It is high in calorie and fat content.

Ketchup is the most popular condiment paired with french fries. It is a good source of lycopene, an anti-oxidant that boosts the immune system. Just be wary as it is packaged with some amount of sugar.

Another problem associated with french fries is the amount of oil used in the frying process. Very high temperatures are used in the deep-frying method which results in a chemical compound called acrylamide. This is found in most starchy foods, french fries being a prime example, and scientists are currently researching on any potential health hazards associated with it.

Using animal fats for frying creates saturated fat. Using hydrogenated oil, on the other hand, adds trans fats. Either way, the frying process raises LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is often called “bad cholesterol”, so that is a good indicator that it should be avoided.

A better way to prepare fries is to bake them. You avoid the aforementioned issues related to deep frying.

Many fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, have made a shift from its usual cooking oils into vegetable oils. This reduces the trans fat content in their fried food offerings. However, it is important to note that it still has a high caloric content.

French fries will probably never be completely healthy foods to eat, but eating in moderation will reap great rewards for your waistline.