Do Fried Foods Really Cause Cancer and Other Hazards: Expert Insights and Healthier Alternatives

January 24, 2024

Many people often say that eating fried foods not only leads to weight gain, but also causes cancer. Is this true? Let's see what experts have to say.


Do fried foods really cause cancer?

(1) It is advisable to avoid cooking methods that involve high-temperature frying with oil, as the high temperature can destroy vitamins and denature proteins in fried foods.

Repeatedly heating edible oil at high temperatures can lead to oxidation, hydrolysis, and thermal polymerization, resulting in the formation of harmful substances such as aldehydes, low-level fatty acids, oxidants, and epoxy compounds.

These substances can damage the body's enzyme system and accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to cancer.

(2) High-temperature frying also produces harmful free radicals, which can damage essential fatty acids in food and cells in the body, increasing the risk of cancer.

Therefore, it is recommended to minimize the use of frying and other cooking methods that involve excessively high oil temperatures, and instead opt for steaming, boiling, and stewing to reduce the likelihood of harmful substance formation and nutrient degradation in food.


What are the other hazards of eating fried foods?

1. Susceptibility to gastric problems

Fried foods are not easily digested, and excessive consumption can lead to gastric problems.

Oils heated at high temperatures can produce a substance called "acrylic acid," which is difficult to digest.

Eating fried foods frequently can cause chest discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.

2. Vitamin B1 deficiency

Fried foods are often coated with a layer of flour paste before frying.

During high-temperature frying, vitamin B1 in the flour is completely destroyed, leading to a deficiency of this vitamin in the body when fried foods are consumed over a long period of time.

3. Increased risk of obesity

According to guidelines, the energy provided by fat in the daily diet should account for 25% to 30% of the total energy intake.

However, frequent consumption of fried foods exceeds this limit, leading to a higher intake of fat-derived energy and an increased risk of obesity.


Eat these foods for better health

1. Avocado

Prevents heart disease and improves blood lipid levels.

2. Garlic

Anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

3. Spinach

Eating more spinach helps prevent cancer and boost immunity.

4. Broccoli

Eating more broccoli helps moisturize the lungs and relieve coughing.

5. Lemon

Lemon is known for its blood pressure-lowering properties and has a good therapeutic effect.

6. Salmon

Salmon helps prevent heart disease and cancer.

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