Fast Food Fries vs Homemade Fries

Fast Food Fries vs. Homemade Fries

French fries are crispy golden delights that have held our taste buds for generations. Whether you are grabbing a quick meal from your favorite fast-food joint or enjoying a homemade batch, there is something awesome about these cut pieces of potatoes. Are they all created equal? Have you ever wondered why homemade fries and fast-food fries taste so different? The answer lies not only in the preparation but also in the ingredients used. Dr. Aaron Workman, a favored member of one of the highest rated auto injury medical programs in Lexington,  discusses the differences between homemade and fast-food fries and why the former might be the healthier choice.

The Homemade Fry: Anyway You Want

When you make fries at home, you typically start with fresh potatoes. After washing and slicing them into thin strips, you might soak them in water to remove excess starch, resulting in a lighter, crispier fry. Once dried, a drizzle of oil or a light brushing can suffice to achieve that golden-brown perfection in the oven or your air fryer. I prefer the air fryer. The beauty of homemade fries is their simplicity; potatoes, oil, and perhaps a sprinkle of salt or herbs. These are the usual ingredients you will find in your kitchen. No hidden surprises, no mysterious additives. It is a straightforward and wholesome approach to enjoying potatoes.

Fast Food Fries: The Taste Sensation

Now, let us turn our attention to fast-food fries. These are the ones that often leave us craving more. Their irresistible taste is achieved through a different process and a range of additional ingredients, some of which might raise an eyebrow or two. While fast food fries start with real potatoes, they undergo a series of treatments. They are typically blanched in hot water, sometimes with added dextrose to enhance sweetness. Afterward, they are flash-frozen to lock in flavor and texture. This process allows fast food chains to produce consistent, delicious fries at a rapid pace.

What truly sets fast food fries apart are the artificial ingredients used to create that unique taste. The addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other artificial flavorings heightens the savory sensation, making these fries extra addictive. They are often fried in hydrogenated oils, contributing to their crispy texture but also introducing unhealthy trans fats. Fast food fries may also contain maltodextrin, dextrose, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, and modified food starch. These ingredients, while enhancing flavors and textures, can be artificial additives that are not present in homemade fries.

The Health Factor

Homemade fries will tend to be the healthier choice. You have control over the type of oil you use, the thickness of the slices, and the amount of seasoning added. On the other hand, fast food fries, with their wonderful addictive flavors, often come with a side of artificial ingredients. These may include MSG, hydrogenated oils, maltodextrin, and many others which can have adverse effects on health when consumed regularly. More importantly the trans fats, according to Mayo Clinic, are known to increase the risk of heart disease.

While fast food fries are undeniably tasty and sometimes irresistible, they often come at the cost of added artificial ingredients and unhealthy fats. Homemade fries may lack that addictive taste but offer a healthier alternative. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your priorities. I will walk the fine line and enjoy both.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical
Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies
ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in
Kentucky.

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Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence