If you're a fan of salty, crispy fries, you might be wondering just how many calories and nutrients are in a serving of salted French fries, specifically the medium size. Well, look no further. According to the USDA, one serving of medium salted French fries (153 g) has 410 calories.

But it's not just calories you need to worry about when it comes to French fries. Let's dive deeper into the macronutrients, minerals, vitamins, and potential health risks associated with consuming this popular snack.

Read on to become more informed about your favorite guilty pleasure.

Calories in Salted French Fries (Medium)

As previously mentioned, one serving of medium salted French fries contains 410 calories. To put that in perspective, the average person should consume around 2,000 calories a day for a healthy, balanced diet. That means a single serving of French fries can take up a significant portion of your daily calorie intake. However, it's worth noting that not all calories are created equal. While French fries are high in calories, they are low in nutrients and may not leave you feeling full for very long, potentially leading to overeating later on.

Macronutrients in Salted French Fries (Medium)

In addition to calories, it's important to consider the macronutrients in French fries. One serving of medium salted French fries (153 g) contains: - 19 grams of fat - 47 grams of carbohydrates

Mineral Content in Salted French Fries (Medium)

French fries are not known for being a good source of minerals, but they do contain small amounts of several important ones, including: - Sodium: One serving of medium salted French fries has 220 mg of sodium, which is about 9% of the daily limit recommended by the AHA for most adults. - Potassium: One serving of medium salted French fries has 510 mg of potassium.

Vitamins in Salted French Fries (Medium)

Like minerals, French fries are not a major source of vitamins. However, they do contain small amounts of certain ones like: - Vitamin C: One serving of medium salted French fries has 6 mg of vitamin C. - Vitamin B6: One serving of medium salted French fries has 0.2 mg of vitamin B6.

Health Risks of Consuming Salted French Fries (Medium)

While French fries can be a tasty treat every once in a while, consuming them regularly can contribute to several negative health outcomes. These include: - Increased risk of weight gain: French fries are high in calories and can lead to overconsumption, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. - Increased risk of heart disease: French fries are typically high in unhealthy fats and sodium, both of which can contribute to heart disease.

Serving Size of Salted French Fries (Medium)

It's important to note that the serving size for French fries can vary depending on where you order them. One serving of medium salted French fries is typically around 153 g, but it's not uncommon for restaurants to serve much larger portions. To avoid overeating and consuming too many calories and other harmful nutrients, try to stick to the recommended serving size and limit your overall consumption of French fries.

Calories from Fat in Salted French Fries (Medium)

As mentioned earlier, French fries are high in fat. But just how many of the calories in a serving of medium salted French fries come from fat? Out of the 410 total calories in one serving, approximately 171 come from fat. That means about 42% of the calories in French fries come from fat. While it's important to consume some fat as part of a healthy diet, it's recommended to limit saturated and trans fats as they can contribute to negative health outcomes.

Salt Content in Salted French Fries (Medium)

French fries are notoriously high in sodium. One serving of medium salted French fries contains 220 mg of sodium, which is about 9% of the daily limit recommended by the AHA for most adults. Excess sodium intake has been linked to several negative health outcomes, including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. It's recommended to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day for most healthy individuals.

Protein Content in Salted French Fries (Medium)

As mentioned earlier, French fries are not a significant source of protein. One serving of medium salted French fries contains only 3 grams of protein, which is not enough to meet your daily protein needs. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, try opting for foods like lean meats, fish, nuts, and legumes rather than relying on French fries.

Carbohydrate Content in Salted French Fries (Medium)

French fries are high in carbohydrates, with one serving of medium salted French fries containing 47 grams. While carbohydrates are a key source of energy for the body, it's important to consume them in moderation and opt for more nutrient-dense sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.