Nutrition & DietFrench Fries Linked to 20% Higher Diabetes Risk While Boiled Potatoes Show No Effect
A large long-term study published in The BMJ tracked over 205,000 US health professionals for nearly 40 years and found that eating three servings of french fries per week was linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes showed no significant risk increase. The findings suggest that cooking method, not the potato itself, is the key factor. The study also found that swapping potatoes for whole grains reduced diabetes risk by up to 19%, while replacing them with white rice increased risk. These results challenge the blanket labeling of all potatoes as unhealthy and offer clear, practical guidance for people managing blood sugar and metabolic health.
