The Reason Why French Fries May Be Aging You Quicker

There are many lifestyle choices that can accelerate the aging process, including smoking, drug and alcohol use, sun exposure, and diet. While you may be aware that these factors can increase the risk of health problems, you may be surprised to learn that these choices can also age you quicker — physically and physiologically.

Healthline reports that the two biggest contributors to aging faster are the sun and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which form from protein or fat mixed with sugar. Research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that AGEs are linked with the increase and progression of chronic illness and disease. Like smoking and sun exposure, chronic medical conditions can accelerate the aging of cells in the body (via The Doctor Weighs In). 

Unfortunately, your favorite foods might also be harming your health. Certain foods can cause an increased risk for chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These foods can also damage the cells and increase free radicals in the body, which both age you faster.

Physical aging can show up as dehydrated skin, fine lines, wrinkles, hair loss, weight gain, and collagen loss. Physiological aging can cause conditions including muscle loss, artery stiffening, changes in the digestive tract, a decrease in cognitive function, and an array of other changes to the body (via Mayo Clinic). 

French fries are a beloved side dish often paired with meals like burgers and sandwiches. While they may be your favorite food to dip in ketchup, unfortunately, they can speed up the aging process. According to Healthline, french fries are an AGE food, and because they are cooked in oil at high temperatures, free radicals are released, wreaking havoc on the body and causing skin cell damage.

Lisa Hayim, founder of The Well Necessities, tells Eat This, Not That! that free radicals are the biggest cause of aging. Eating deep fried foods such as french fries unfortunately aids that process by causing damage both inside and out.