Fried Foods
- Rayki Goh, MSc
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Dear food people,
Proper nutrition is the foundation of a sustainable lifestyle and the key to lasting good health. As both a science and an art, mastering nutrition allows you to achieve natural weight loss with minimal effort.
In this series of articles, we explore vital health and nutrition facts that are commonly overlooked in modern times, offering practical insights to help you effortlessly improve your well-being. Our goal is to help you understand how nutrition works and how to incorporate simple health hacks for a better lifestyle.
As the old saying goes, you are what you eat.
Now, let’s get to it~
FRIED FOODS
Fried foods, while often delicious, pose a particular challenge for those conscious of their calorie intake. The process of frying involves submerging food in hot oil, which significantly alters its nutritional profile. Even vegetables, which are naturally low in calories and high in nutrients, can become calorie-dense and less healthy when fried.
The oil used in frying adds a considerable amount of fat, and therefore calories, to the food. This fat is not just any fat; it's typically saturated or trans fat, both of which have been linked to various health issues including heart disease. During frying, the oil is absorbed into the food, increasing its calorie count and potentially making it a less nutritious option than its original form.
In contrast, cooking methods such as baking, grilling, or steaming offer healthier alternatives. Baking involves cooking food with dry heat in an oven, which can preserve the natural flavours and nutrients of vegetables without adding excessive fat. Grilling uses direct heat from below, allowing excess fat to drip away from the food, while still enhancing flavour. Steaming, on the other hand, uses the gentle heat of steam to cook food, which helps retain its nutritional content and avoids the need for added fats.
These methods not only help keep the calorie content in check but also maintain the integrity of the vegetables' beneficial nutrients. By opting for these cooking techniques, you can enjoy vegetables that are both tasty and nutritious without the extra calories that come from frying.
3 Simple Health Hacks for a Better Lifestyle:
Swap frying for baking or grilling: Instead of frying your vegetables, try baking or grilling them. These methods help retain the natural flavours and nutrients without adding unnecessary fats. You’ll enjoy delicious meals that are lower in calories and better for your heart.
Use a steaming basket for nutrient preservation: Steaming your vegetables is a great way to cook them while preserving their nutritional content. By avoiding the use of added oils, you maintain the health benefits of the veggies and keep your calorie intake in check.
Choose healthier oils: If you do fry occasionally, opt for oils with healthier fat profiles, such as olive or avocado oil. These oils contain monounsaturated fats, which are better for heart health compared to the saturated or trans fats found in traditional frying oils.
The information provided in our articles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on our website, including articles, is not meant to endorse or promote any specific medical treatments, products, or procedures. The information provided is based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. Medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, and what may have been accurate at the time of publication may not be current or applicable today.
