We thought that the new air fryers, air fryers, had done away with the problems caused by eating too many french fries. Well, thanks to this new tool, the amount of oil consumed decreased. However, a new element seems to have appeared that forces us to leave the fries aside. And we should do it now! This substance is acrylamide Didn't you know her? Well, don't worry, we'll tell you all about it.
What is it?
Acrylamide is a chemical that serves as the basis for so-called copolymers. These are used in many industrial processes in the production of paper, dyes and plastics. Is a organic compound having higher probability of appearance in the elements at temperatures above 120ºC . That is why it is also found in consumer products such as tobacco, in its smoke. It also appears on a large scale in starchy foods.
This last point is where we find the biggest problem. Well, within this group there is a large number of foods: potatoes, cereal derivatives and bread. A WHO report has stated that French fries are the food that contains the most acrylamide. followed by coffee and products for breakfast such as crackers and toasted flake cereals. Although, to a much lesser extent, they can be found in roasted nuts, black olives, roasted vegetables and dehydrated fruits.
But why is this component a problem? To answer this question we have to go back to 2002. The year in which research began on its possible carcinogenic effect. However, it was not until 2015 when the European Food Safety Authority concluded and confirmed that people who ingest more acrylamide have increased risk of cancer.
How to avoid the consumption of acrylamide?
As we have said before, high temperatures favor the appearance of acrylamide. So if you reduce cooking at this temper you could avoid the negative consequences of this substance. On the other hand, if what you want is to continue eating fries don't worry! there are tricks. The first thing we can recommend is that try boiling them. If you don't like it that way, fry them, but make do with leaving them white or, at best, until they have a soft golden brown.
And if you still don't seem convinced by these tips, try making your fries as you usually do. Yes indeed, before adding them to the pan, cut them and soak them for a while in water. In this way you will be able to reduce the amount of acrylamide. And you? Did you know this information?
