Dr Vincent warns: Stop eating fried foods, they accelerate ageing

According to Dr Vincent, clinical nutritionist, food scientist and founder of Renovatio Bioscience, the answer is yes, fries can negatively impact your health, but there's more to the story than just the potato.
 

"One of the most common questions I get as a food scientist, clinical nutritionist and antioxidant researcher is, can I still eat fries and be healthy," Dr Vincent said.
 

"My answer is yes, but you need to do things differently."
 

Dr Vincent is a highly respected health and wellness expert, clinical nutritionist, food scientist, antioxidant researcher and founder of Renovatio Bioscience, a well-known Australian company that makes skin care, supplements and pantry products from 100 percent Australian apples. The products contain activated phenolics, the world's most potent form of antioxidants capable of being rapidly absorbed by the body. He also translates cutting-edge research into actionable advice for individuals looking to achieve better health through nutrition.
 

"French fries aren't evil in themselves. The real problem lies in how they're prepared - deep-fried at high heat in highly refined, reused oils that produce harmful compounds your body has to work hard to eliminate," Dr Vincent said.
 

When starchy foods like potatoes are fried at high temperatures, they form acrylamides and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These are linked to increased inflammation, oxidative stress and chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease and certain cancers.
 

Dr Vincent outlines why fries are so bad for your health and what you can do to keep them in your life.
 

The oil matters more than you think

Most fries are cooked in industrial seed oils that are reused over and over again. These oils oxidise easily under high heat, creating toxic by-products that contribute to inflammation and cellular damage when consumed regularly.
 

"Every time you eat deep-fried foods cooked in these oils, you're giving your body more oxidative stress to fight off and if your diet doesn't include enough antioxidants, your system can become overwhelmed," Dr Vincent said.

Cooking methods make all the difference

"Not all cooking methods are equal. Deep frying is by far the most damaging to health, especially when done with reused or refined oils. The extreme heat and oil saturation not only produce harmful compounds but also drastically increase the calorie load," Dr Vincent said.
 

"Oven baking is a better alternative, especially when fries are tossed lightly in a stable oil like extra virgin olive oil. This method avoids the high-heat oil immersion and helps reduce the amount of added fat while still giving a crispy texture.
 

"Air frying offers the best of both worlds, a crispy finish with minimal oil - as long as you use it properly. Air frying can reduce fat content by up to 75 percent compared to deep frying.
 

"It's a great option for people who love fries but want to make healthier choices at home. Make sure your air fryer does not contain forever chemicals and do not use extra high temperature as it can lead to the creation of acrylamides."
 

Not all oils are created equal

"The type of oil used plays a major role in how healthy or harmful your fries will be. Refined seed oils like canola, soybean and sunflower are commonly used in commercial fryers because they're cheap, but they are also highly processed and prone to oxidation. This means they break down under heat, forming inflammatory compounds," Dr Vincent said.
 

Dr Vincent explained that in contrast, olive oil and avocado oil are far more stable under moderate cooking temperatures and contain beneficial fats and antioxidants. These oils are better suited for home cooking methods like oven roasting or pan-frying at low to medium heat.
 

"If you're cooking at home, choose oils that are stable, natural and minimally processed. They not only reduce your intake of harmful compounds but can actually contribute positively to your health," Dr Vincent added.
 

Potato, sweet potato and healthier choices

White potatoes are high in starch and have a high glycaemic index, which means they spike blood sugar more rapidly. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are lower on the glycaemic index and contain more fibre, beta-carotene and antioxidants.
 

"Sweet potato fries can be a healthier option, especially if they're baked or air-fried," Dr Vincent said.
 

"Even regular potatoes can be enjoyed occasionally when prepared in a smarter way. Other alternatives include roasted carrot, zucchini or pumpkin chips, all of which can be seasoned and cooked in the oven or air fryer for a nutritious, satisfying crunch."
 

Balance, not restriction

Dr Vincent is clear that people don't need to eliminate fries forever but they do need to understand what they're consuming and how it affects their body.
 

"If you love fries, enjoy them as an occasional treat, not an everyday habit," he said.
 

"Pairing them with antioxidant-rich foods and keeping the rest of your diet clean and balanced can help reduce the negative effects."

Reducing inflammation is key

Dr Vincent's research centres on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through food and he believes small daily choices can have a major impact on long-term health.
 

"I actively promote using the power of activated phenolics from Australian apples to help the body repair, rebuild and protect itself. It's not about perfection, but about giving your body the support it needs to stay resilient," Dr Vincent said.
 

"Alcohol, processed meals and deep-fried foods such as chips impact your health at a cellular level. Cells are damaged and this leads to disease. Try to minimise this damage and also take supplements to support your body to fight off and repair damage.
 

"Cellular damage doesn't just happen on the inside, it happens on the outside too and this includes your skin. So if I am asked whether eating fries makes you look older, sadly the answer is yes.
 

"Activated phenolics, which are potent antioxidants will help your body do this. You only get one body. Take care of it."
 

About Renovatio

Renovatio Bioscience was founded by Dr Vincent in 2016 following his breakthrough discovery while undertaking antioxidant research at the University of Newcastle.  He developed a laboratory technique to extract the world's most potent antioxidants 'activated phenolics' from Australian apples and other produce using only water.   His innovative work solved an issue, which had been perplexing scientists all over the world for nearly 80 years.    
 
Dr Vincent patented and translated his innovative work into a range of 'turbo charged' health and wellness products including supplements, skincare and pantry products to help people access the world's most potent antioxidants in an 'easy to consume' form. 
 

In 2025, Dr Vincent launched a sister brand 'Vincent' in the United States. Vincentplus.com
 
The entire Renovatio range can be purchased online at renovatio.com.au