No, McDonald's french fries contain 0 milligrams of cholesterol, as they are made from potatoes and cooked in vegetable oil, not animal products. While they are cholesterol-free, they do contain saturated and trans fats, which can impact heart health, so moderation is key.
For example, a Sausage McMuffin with Egg at McDonald's contains a whopping 285 milligrams of cholesterol, and a McDonald's Big Breakfast with hotcakes and a large biscuit, which is one of the unhealthiest fast food items anywhere, contains an insane 575 milligrams of cholesterol (along with 1,150 calories and 60 grams ...
The downside is that French fries also have a lot of fat and sodium, but if you otherwise watch what you eat, a once a week treat will not have any meaningful impact on your health. (unless of course if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease and need a specially stringent diet).
French fries do not contain cholesterol, but they have plenty of saturated fat.
Fried foods raise low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Frying increases the calorie count but minimizes the nutritional value of the food. Therefore, if you love mozzarella sticks, French fries, onion rings, and chicken wings, you must avoid these at all costs.
5 foods to limit if you have high cholesterol.
Potato Chips are more calorie-dense and have a much higher fat content than French Fries due to being thinner, drier, and absorbent of more oil (they have more surface area relative to volume!) That being said, serving size plays an important role in determining the actual calories consumed.
Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable or corn oil. These have healthier fats. Add herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan instead of just loading on salt. Keep the skin on for extra fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
French fries are high in calories. This means moderate to excessive consumption can easily lead to weight gain and, in more extreme cases, obesity.
The unhealthiest item at McDonald's is often cited as the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes, packing over 1,300 calories, nearly a full day's sodium, and significant saturated fat, making it a calorie and nutrient bomb, with other contenders including large shakes, certain Angus burgers, and large fries.
"Eating less sodium, saturated fat and added sugar from fast food can drastically improve your heart health and decrease your risk of heart disease by promoting healthy blood pressure and better cholesterol levels," Tamburello says.
Healthier options: clear soups such as tom yum, salads, stir-fried meat, fish or vegetable dishes, steamed seafood dishes, such as fish or mussels.
5 of the Best McDonald's Menu Items if You Have High Cholesterol
The suppliers we work with first peel, cut and blanche the potatoes. They then dry, partially fry and quickly freeze the fries for our restaurants. Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them.
Low-Calorie Picks That Keep It Light at McDonald's
“Even a small amount of french fries, less than one serving in the week, is associated with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.” “When you fry the potatoes, the energy content — calories — increases because of the fat they absorb.
The worst carbs for belly fat are refined carbohydrates and added sugars, found in sugary drinks, white bread, pastries, and processed snacks, because they spike blood sugar and insulin, leading to increased fat storage, especially around the abdomen. While no single carb is solely responsible, these quickly digested, low-fiber options promote inflammation and insulin resistance, contributing to visceral (belly) fat.
Love French fries but hate the guilt? Don't worry, these healthier alternatives will satisfy your cravings without the extra calories or oil.
Baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes are better.
Limiting potato intake—especially in the form of French fries—is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new Harvard study that offers the most comprehensive findings to date on potatoes and T2D.
The healthiest chips are typically made from whole foods like veggies, nuts, or legumes, cooked in healthy oils (avocado, olive) or baked, with simple ingredients, low sodium, and no inflammatory vegetable oils. Top choices include Siete tortilla chips, Jackson's sweet potato chips, Hippeas, Boulder Canyon, and veggie chips (beet, parsnip, cauliflower) for nutrient density, fiber, and protein, but always check labels for minimal processing and portion control remains key.
Baked potatoes offer more nutritional value than fries because they still have skin. Potato skins are the most nutrient-dense part of a baked potato. Another benefit of heart-healthy baked potatoes is that they are not deep-fried in oil and grease like french fries.
The worst foods for high cholesterol, given their high saturated fat content, include:
Red meat, fried foods, and baked goods are notorious for raising levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the sticky kind that builds up in artery walls. Here are 4 foods you'll want to avoid if you have high cholesterol: 1. Red meat.
Try to eat more: