Fried foods are often high in fat, salt, and starch. Therefore, craving french fries, fried chicken, or sweet potato fries may be due to a craving for and need to consume more starch, fat, or salt, according to the nutrition and health website Eat This, Not That! (USA).
Fried foods often contain a lot of unhealthy fats, and eating them frequently can easily lead to inflammation.
Some studies suggest that cravings for fried foods may also be due to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat. However, fried foods are often high in fat, and these fats are unhealthy. Eating too much can lead to inflammation. Instead of fried foods, people should supplement their diet with healthy fats found in nuts and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
Another potentially surprising reason for our cravings for fried foods is excess zinc. A study by Texas Christian University (USA) showed that people who consume higher-than-average levels of zinc tend to crave fried foods more.
Zinc plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, immune function, and many other biochemical processes. However, we only need zinc in small amounts. Excessive zinc intake can inhibit copper absorption and cause digestive problems. For optimal health, the maximum daily zinc intake should not exceed 40 mg.
We tend to crave snacks, including fried foods. Lack of sleep and emotional stress can also contribute to this. Fried foods are delicious and stimulate the brain's reward center, creating a feeling of pleasure when eaten.
Occasionally craving fried food isn't harmful to your health. However, try not to let this eating choice become a habit. If fried food is a staple in your meals, you need to adjust your diet. This is because frying not only destroys some nutrients in food but also promotes the formation of acrylamide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that acrylamide is a compound formed from a chemical reaction between sugar and the amino acid asparagine. Long-term intake of excessive amounts of this substance may lead to cancer, according to Eat This, Not That!.
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