Fried food makes up a significant part of many people’s diets. Most enjoy it for the taste, despite the evidence that is constantly being presented about its health risks. There are a number of alternatives to eating unhealthy fried foods. One option is to avoid frying altogether and cook foods using other methods. If someone prefers to fry his or her food at home, however, there are certain oils that are healthier to use than others. In addition, many restaurants, including several fast food chains, are following the nutrition advice of medical professionals by offering healthier choices on their menus.
The medical community frequently warns the public about the numerous health risks associated with eating fried food. One common concern is the danger of becoming overweight or obese. Heart disease, high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, and acne are additional examples of potential health problems that can result from eating fried food. Some people claim that eating large amounts of these items is also associated with an increased incidence of certain types of cancers. They believe that hazardous chemicals, which are released from oils heated to a very high temperature during the frying process, may harm people.
Some examples of popular fried foods are french fries, fried chicken, fried seafood, potato chips, and doughnuts. Rather than consuming large amounts of fried food, one can make healthier diet choices. Nearly anything that is fried can be prepared another way, such as baked, grilled, broiled, or steamed. Those who cook at home can make healthy diet choices by opting for cooking methods other than frying. For instance, people who like fried chicken or french fries can bake the chicken or the potatoes in the oven. Similarly, someone who enjoys eating fried fish might try broiling or grilling it instead. For those who still prefer to fry certain foods, some types of oil such as canola oil, are considered better than others for frying.
Given their busy, fast-paced lifestyles, many people frequently purchase their meals at restaurants and fast food establishments. A number of eateries are making more of an effort to include healthy diet choices on their menus. They often publicize their products’ nutrition information as well. Since fried foods are a staple at many types of restaurants, one option for someone who is dieting is to choose items on the menu that are not fried. Typical healthy options could include salads, fruit, baked potatoes, soup, and sandwiches.