Fried Foods Associated With Greater Risk for Heart Disease

Consumption of fried foods was associated with a higher risk for heart disease, according to a meta-analysis published online in Heart. Researchers compared fried food intake and heart disease in 17 studies that encompassed data for more than 500,000 participants. Consumption of the highest amount of fried foods such as fried fish compared to the lowest consumption of fried foods increased the risk for major cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, and heart failure by 28%, 22%, and 37%, respectively. Results showed additional weekly servings of fried foods increased the risk by 2% to 3%. High consumption of saturated fat and sodium, increased energy intake, and other dietary habits associated with fried food consumption may account for the elevated risk and associated chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.