If you pay attention to health news even half as much as the medical professionals in our urgent care clinics, you’ve probably noticed that there are a LOT of things that can put your health at risk. One year it’s eggs, the next year they tell you eggs are fine. For a long time fat was the villain and now we’re learning that lots of beneficial fat is actually essential for healthy weight and a whole host of other things.
All that is to say that we want you to take the following information about roasted and toasted foods with a grain of salt. The key to a long-term healthy lifestyle is “everything in moderation.” And if you have any questions about changes you should make to your diet, feel free to visit our urgent care center in Washington D.C. to speak with one of our doctors or nurses.
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OK, now let’s take a look at how this latest study may affect your breakfast food choices.
New Study Finds Burnt Toast & Roasted Potatoes Increase Cancer Risk
According to a study and public education campaign launched by the The Food Standards Agency in the UK, consuming starchy foods cooked at high temperatures may increase exposure to a possible carcinogen called acrylamide. These foods include potatoes and bread, and involve cooking methods such as baking, frying, grilling, toasting, and roasting.
What’s Wrong With Toasting And Roasting?
If you LOVE having some toast with your coffee in the morning, or live for the savory goodness of roasted potatoes, you might be wondering what could possibly be wrong with these breakfast staples. Cooking starchy foods with high heat leads to the creation of acrylamide, a chemical that has been shown to have the potential for causing cancer.
As with most things, the mere consumption of a roasted potato or piece of burnt toast isn’t going to give you cancer. However, eating foods high in acrylamide on a regular basis over the course of a lifetime could indeed increase your risk.
How To Avoid The Risk Of Acrylamide
The good news is that you don’t have to give up roasted and toasted foods altogether. You just have to be extra vigilant when baking, frying, grilling, toasting, and roasting starchy foods to minimize the creation of acrylamide.
Do this by:
- Aiming for a golden yellow color when toasting or roasting, instead of brown or black
- Following on-package instructions when fying or oven-heating prepared starches such as french fries, roasted potatoes, and parsnips
- Eating a variety of vegetables, not just starches
- Keeping raw potatoes in the pantry rather than fridge (according to the Foods Standards Agency, Storing raw potatoes in the fridge can increase overall acrylamide levels)
Medics USA Is Your Resource For A Healthy Lifestyle
While many people visit Medics USA urgent care clinics because of a sudden and unexpected health issue, we’d like to remind you that we also provide primary care as well. If you have questions about how to change your cooking or eating habits for optimal health, our doctors and nurses can be a great resource for you.