I visited Europe (France, Belgium, and The Netherlands) in April of 2017. I was surprised on how often the side dish of many meals in restaurants was French fries rather than vegetables. Italian researchers recently reported that those who frequently consume fried potatoes -- which include French fries, potato chips, hash browns and any other potato foods requiring a fryer -- are much more likely to die prematurely. Although this study is not conclusive (since people who eat a lot of fried potato products may also have a diet that has other unhealthy foods), one should still be concerned and minimize such consumption. View suggestions on healthy dietary choices.