Fried foods are often high in fat, salt, and large amounts of starch. Therefore, craving french fries, fried chicken, or fried sweet potatoes may be because we are craving and need to eat more starch, fat, or salt, according to the nutrition and health website Eat This, Not That! (USA).

Some studies suggest that cravings for fried foods may also be due to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat. However, fried foods are often high in fat, and these fats are unhealthy. Eating too much can make the body more susceptible to inflammation. Instead of eating fried foods, people should supplement with healthy fats found in nuts and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna.

Another surprising reason we crave fried foods is excess zinc. A study from Texas Christian University found that people with higher than average zinc intakes were more likely to crave fried foods.

Zinc plays an important role in protein synthesis, immune function, and many other biochemical processes. However, we only need zinc in small doses. Too much zinc can inhibit copper absorption and cause indigestion. To stay healthy, the maximum amount of zinc you should take in each day is no more than 40 mg.

We tend to crave junk food, including fried foods. Lack of sleep and emotional stress can also be the cause. Fried foods are delicious and stimulate the reward center of the brain, making us feel good when we eat them.

An occasional craving for fried food is not harmful to your health. However, try not to let this food choice become a habit. If fried food is the main dish in your meal, you need to adjust your diet. Because frying not only destroys some nutrients in food but also promotes the formation of acrylamide.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says acrylamide is a compound formed from a chemical reaction between sugar and the amino acid asparagine. In the long term, consuming too much of this substance can lead to cancer, according to Eat This, Not That!.