Shikha Singh, 28, decided to flip the new leaves to lose weight and beat other blood markers that were elevated in routine tests. To transition to her healthier lifestyle, she chose her version of a favorite indulgence diet. For her home cooking, she chose deep-frying over frying. However, no improvement was seen in the measurements after 3 months. That’s because what she thought was her healthy choice turned out to be less healthy.
“What most people don’t realize is that in the end, processed foods remain processed foods. Rather than actually removing components, they simply replace them. Minimizing this means adding another ingredient to maintain texture and flavor. Ultra-processing of food also harms gut health.Packaged products may be sugar-free, but replicating desired satiety levels means adding that extra ingredient or additive.” says Dr. Priyanka Rohagi, chief nutritionist at Apollo Hospital.
What you may not know about air frying or high heat roasting.they generate the age molecule
The processed food industry always insists that low-calorie products are puffed, roasted and baked. However, these are done at high temperatures which form AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). Simply put, this means that at high temperatures, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates fight each other, producing complex products that are toxic to the body. It is produced when it binds to lipid molecules.The body can now process some amounts of AGEs, but daily exposure to high levels is bad for health. , is a biomarker for the development or exacerbation of many degenerative diseases such as chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer’s disease,” adds Dr. Rohatgi.
Some AGEs are produced as a result of normal metabolism, but can be pathogenic in excess. Scientifically speaking, they “promote oxidative stress and inflammation by binding to cell surface receptors or by cross-linking with the body’s proteins, altering their structure and function.”
Common Substitutes and Their Potential Toxicity
Your food may be low calorie, but adding sodium and sugar additives increases your sinful burden. Many packaged frozen foods contain potato starch and maltodextrin. It is tasteless and odorless, readily soluble in water, and is used as an additive to improve the texture, flavor and shelf life of foods. “Powder may claim to be derived from natural products. Maltodextrin also negatively affects blood sugar levels with a glycemic index ranging from 95 to 136. Table sugar itself has a glycemic value of 65. Therefore, it is not recommended for diabetics. Layering foods high in maltodextrin can actually raise blood sugar levels.It’s sweet and works like cocaine.Your threshold for it rises. The reason micronutrients are not properly absorbed is that sugars are processed first,” says Dr. Rohatgi.
“Potato starch produces acrylamide at high temperatures, which is a strange cancer-causing carcinogen. Acrylamide is produced during high-temperature cooking such as frying, roasting, and baking. You shouldn’t, and it’s better to cook it a little less fat.
In fact, there is ample research to show that zero-calorie foods with substitute fats and artificial sweeteners interfere with the body’s metabolism and actually lead to weight gain. The sweetness prepares the body to receive calories, so if the calorie load isn’t enough, the body gets confused, triggers hunger hormones, and runs for snacks and refreshments to make up for the deficit. As you know, processed foods are high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), so you should reduce sugar and salt, not substitutes,” Dr. Rohatgi adds.
Avoid Diet Sodas, Sweeteners, and Diet Chidwa
Sweeteners may be safe in extremely low doses. But it’s not. Additionally, in his Nature report published September 17, 2014, three common sweeteners (saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame) increase glucose levels, possibly by altering the composition of gut bacteria. It has been proven that it can be done. This research was conducted by Johns Hopkins University. “According to standard guidelines, aspartame should not be given to children under the age of 16 and pregnant women. But this is a group that is addicted to artificial sweetener products. Food-grade phosphoric acid in food has an impact on bone and tooth health,” says Dr. Rohatgi.
On the way back from overseas trips, I often buy imported sweets or buy them at duty-free shops. “What many users don’t realize is that they use hydrogenated palm oil, which is a bad fat but ensures a long shelf life,” he says Dr. Rohatgi. Also, if you believe Diet Chidwa or Diet Bell are safe, read the food label carefully. “Each 100 gm packet contains 30 percent of her fat, giving it a crispy texture,” she adds. Industrial mechanisms during manufacturing are often questionable as well. “Food cooked in stainless steel is safe. But if there are traces of heavy metals in the container, they can leach into the food,” she warns.
Why Food Apps Can’t Be Trusted
Even for children, a simple home-cooked meal can look bland in front of fried or processed foods loaded with sugar and salt that arrive within 30 to 40 minutes. “According to a survey (August 2021) on food delivery apps in India conducted by Rakuten Insight, most respondents ordered once or twice a week. Higher daily ordering frequency compared to strata Obesity, self-esteem problems, acute and chronic diseases are some of the consequences of regularly consuming unhealthy junk/processed/ordered foods. Given the fact that we don’t understand food variations and their impact on health, we are drawn to the colorful and diverse foods available in the market,” said Swathi Chikkala, Ph.D., School of Humanities and Social Sciences & Convener, Women Empowerment) said. Cell, GITAM (Deemed University), Visakhapatnam.
“How many people know that one fast food meal can add 160 to 310 calories to the daily caloric intake of teenagers and young children? Many Consuming unhealthy foods containing additives and preservatives leads to deficiencies of vitamins such as vitamins A and C, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium, leading to deficiencies, osteoporosis, and tooth decay due to increased sugar intake. .
Studies have shown that eating processed and packaged foods four to six times a week can cause sleep problems. Decreases mathematics and reading comprehension. Increases chances of constipation and junk food addiction. High blood sugar lowers academic performance and causes mood swings and attention deficits. Affects physical and mental health. A lack of essential fatty acids affects self-esteem, social relationships, and hyperactivity. “In 10 years, this will double as generations one, two and three of our families gradually prefer the food we order regularly. In his TED talk on Food, he said that parents’ food choices doom their children to live shorter lives. This just demonstrates the need to pause and reconsider our choices,” she says.
