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French fries are one of those unanimous foods that practically everyone likes. They are the perfect accompaniment to almost any dish you can imagine and if they give the possibility of asking for an extra portion, there is no doubt that most people will ask for it. Of course, we also know that they are not the healthiest food, although they have that addictive point that, at least once in a while, it doesn’t hurt to eat. But, if you had to say what exact number of fries is ideal for a “normal” and healthy portion, how many would you choose? You’re not going to like this Harvard professor’s answer on the recommended number of french fries.
Because in the earthly world there would be no debate at all: choose the largest portion. But if we turn to experts, things change radically. A few years ago, Eric Rimm, professor of the departments of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard University, participated in an article in The New York Times and suggested the exact amount that a portion of French fries should contain, without the harmful effects on our health.
Less french fries and more salad
The expert specified that the ideal portion should be six French fries, accompanied by a salad. As expected, this statement caused a great stir in social networks. Since potatoes are one of the most consumed foods in the world (with their fried version at the top), people began to joke that this number of potatoes was the number of potatoes eaten in each bite.
Rimm’s main argument for such a “controversial” statement is that the large portions of potatoes often served in restaurants and fast food chains contain the same calories as three or four soft drinks. If we add to that the sauces and the rest of the food, the caloric intake goes through the roof. He also stated that the starch in potatoes “breaks down very quickly into sugar in the bloodstream and constitutes quick calories”.
Would you be able to reduce your intake to just six fries per serving as the Harvard professor explains?