Why Fried Is Harmful

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Most people know about the bad effects of fried foods, thanks to many health articles and studies. The frying process is known to be extremely unhealthy and toxic.

But the question is, why fried food is harmful about us? What happens to foods during the frying process that makes them more unhealthy than others that are cooked, sauteed, baked, etc.?

The frying process uses fat that is heated to 200 degrees or more. Under the influence of high temperature, the structure of the product changes, but more dangerously, the structure of the fat itself also changes. As a result, free radicals are released, which have a very negative effect on the cells in the body, and often even make them ill. Gene mutations may also be observed, which is a serious risk factor for cancer.

Fried foods increase the fat content

In a study aimed at determining the cooking process that approaches the maximum amount of fat in the food, the defendants are baking, sautéing and deep frying. Not surprisingly, the baking process produces a small amount of fat, while the frying process approaches the maximum. The situation gets worse when frying food with dough around them, as this food tends to absorb more oil or fat for cooking.

Most restaurants tend to fry foods in butter, margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils that contain trans fats. Frying food in oilo leads to an increase in saturated fat in the diet. Potatoes are usually fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils and so they are bound to trans fats, which can lead to several health problems, including precancerous conditions.

Foods that are fried in vegetable fats, such as corn, saffron, soybeans or canola, are also unsuitable because these oils are susceptible to heat.

Keep in mind that there are other factors that play a role on the nutritional qualities of fried foods. It is very important whether new or used fat is used, whether you fry in a pan or a deep fryer. The amount of salt used in fried dishes should also be taken into account - the saltier a dish is, the more harmful it is.

The polyunsaturated fat chains contained in these oils tend to turn rancid when exposed to high temperatures and can lead to the release of free radicals in the body, leading to inflammation and other unhealthy reactions. Fried foods are bad for you if you want to lose weight. The frying process adds extra calories to the food.

Fried foods can form toxic compounds

It was found that several fried foods contain traces of a toxic chemical called acrylamide, which can cause cancer in the body. The high level of this chemical is found in deep-fried foods such as french fries, processed meats and even in roasted coffee powder, at a temperature higher than 120 degrees Celsius.

Lack of vitamins in fried foods

Although they are high in fat, fried foods are extremely poor of vitamins and in practice can be said to be devoid of them. During the heat treatment, the main antioxidants are destroyed - vitamins A and C. It is important to note that the same effect is observed during baking, but not as intensely as during frying.

Fried foods harm the heart

Fried food causes blockage of the arteries and significantly impedes the work of the cardiovascular system. Too frequent consumption of fried foods causes an increase in cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood, which can undoubtedly lead to a cardiovascular problem.

Is there a healthy way to fry food?

Foods fried in coconut oil have been found to be much less harmful than those fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils. Coconut oil remains stable even at high temperatures.

Frying food in olive oil is a relatively healthy choice. Olive oil does not contain saturated fats and is a source of beneficial fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Is there a solution?

As it turns out, common consumption of fried foods is a real scourge for the health of the body. The best thing we can do for our health is to completely limit the consumption of fried and fatty foods. The best ways to prepare food are stewing, cooking and baking.

Consumption of fried foods it is largely defined as a habit, so changing the way you prepare food will be more difficult at first, but only after a few weeks you will be able to successfully adapt your menu to the new way of eating.

Of course, it is not fatal to eat something fried sometimes, but when it comes to daily consumption of such foods, the harm to the body is too great.