If you are the type of person who needs to muster a lot of self-control in order not to reach for those fried food because of health reasons, then you might be in for a treat. Business Insider has provided a list of foods that are considered more nutritious after they're been fried - these are foods that are rich in carotenoids.
Why Carotenoids?
Carotenoids are fat soluble organic pigments known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in humans. Exposing carotenoids to high heat will break them down, allowing the body to absorb them faster. Although you can steam or bake these foods, it is better to fry them, being fat soluble, frying enables the body to easily absorb them.
There are three main carotenoid food groups: Pro-Vitamin A, lycopene, and lutein. Pro-Vitamin A helps in reducing the risk for macular-degeneration.
Lycopene reduces the risk for developing lung, stomach, and prostate cancer. Lutein, like Pro-Vitamin A, also helps in reducing risk for macular degeneration and other similar eye diseases. Below you can find some of the foods under each group.
Pro-Vitamin A
1. Carrots
2. Sweet potatoes
3. Red and orange fruits
4. Red and yellow vegetables
Lycopene
1. Tomatoes
2. Pink grapefruit
3. Red peppers
Lutein
1. Kale
2. Brussels
3. Spinach
4. Turnip greens
5. Watercress
Time has reiterated that there has been a misplaced belief that those who eat fried food are more prone to suffer from diabetes, heart attack, and obesity. The report was anchored on a more recent study that showed that frying puts people at a higher risk of developing such diseases.
By stir-frying the abovementioned foods, you are assured of getting better nutrition after having done so. With these foods in the kitchen, there is no longer any fear of frying. You can now start pouring some olive oil and fry those carotenoid-rich foods to your heart's content.
