Did You Know?

Oh no…now it’s risky to have toast for breakfast?!

While starting off the day with a carb is not the greatest idea, that’s not the risk.  But well-toasted toast is! There is a substance that forms on carbohydrates during cooking at high temps called acrylamide.

The U.S. National Toxicology program has it listed as “reasonably anticipated” to cause cancer in humans…right alongside things such as lead, ultraviolet radiation and chloroform!

It forms on all varieties of starchy foods, both fresh and processed that are crispy, crunchy, toasted, baked, and fried. For example, potatoes, parsnips, cake, cookies, pretzels, and bread. It’s also been linked with barbecued or charred foods like steaks and burgers.

And because acrylamide isn’t used as an ingredient in foods, but rather, forms as a byproduct of cooking and manufacturing,  you won’t find it listed on any labels.

So how do we protect ourselves (since no governmental agency is)?

Cook starchy foods to a golden color rather than to toasty brown. Possibly the worst offenders are French fries and potato chips. Also remember to turn down your toaster setting so your toast doesn’t go beyond a light brown color.

Boiling (with the skin on) is a much safer way to make potatoes. If you plan to roast or fry them, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before you cook them.

Rosemary isn’t just for seasoning lamb and stimulating memory!

Acrylamide can also form during the baking process of bread. However, studies in Denmark have found that adding the herb rosemary to your dough will significantly lower levels of the chemical (and it smells great!). While using the herb to reduce acrylamide in potatoes doesn’t appear to have been studied, the combo is delicious, and it may very well have the same results as in bread. I love the taste of potatoes made with olive oil and rosemary.

Cold cereals too?

Yes, even those toasted cold cereals contain a dose of this chemical. Your best cereal bet in the morning looks to be a bowl of good old-fashioned oatmeal!

Good…better…best…It’s good to embrace a healthy style of eating as well as lifestyle and do your best without stressing yourself about it (‘cause stressing out about it will cause a whole other set of issues!)

(excerpted from Health Sciences Institute)

Do share these important findings with everyone you know. It’s a blessing to be able to help one another.

Until next time…stay healthy, think peace, be love and see love in everyone!

Andrea

 

Andrea Candee is a master herbalist for over 25 years with a consultation practice in South Salem, NY. She lectures throughout the country and at corporate wellness centers about taking charge of your health naturally. Media expert and author, her award-winning book, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), received The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval. Andrea is noted nationally for her unique and successful approach to Lyme Disease and works with clients and their pets anywhere in the country. Also available in hard copy or in PDF format are her booklets: Herbs, Recipes & Guidance to Winter WellnessSparkling Home, Healthy Planet, Clean Green, and The Cell Phone Dilemma…options for wellness in an unseen world. Her DVD, The Healing Kitchen, brings the enthusiastically received workshop to you.

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    Andrea Candee

    This Simon & Schuster publication offers parents a guide to child-friendly herbs and other natural remedies for common ailments and injuries. Awarded The Seal of Approval by The National Parenting Center. All remedies may be used by adults as well! For more information, click here.

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    All publications can be ordered via email. Booklets are also available in PDF format.

    Gentle Healing for Baby and Child

    A Parent's Guide (Simon & Schuster) Awarded The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval...266 pages

    How Do I Get My Family Through the Winter

    Herbs, Recipes and Guidance for Winter Wellness...28 page booklet

    The Cell Phone Dilemma

    Options for protection in an unseen world...45 page booklet

    Sparkling Home ~ Healthy Planet ~ Clean Green

    46 page booklet