A shocking but true fact is that favorite potato chips are loaded with cancer-causing chemicals.

One of the most hazardous ingredients in potato chips is not intentionally
added, but rather is a byproduct of the processing.

Acrylamide, a cancer-causing and potentially neurotoxic chemical, is created when carbohydrate-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures, whether baked, fried, roasted or toasted. Some of the worst offenders include potato chips and French fries, but many foods cooked or processed at temperatures above 212°F (100°C) may contain acrylamide. As a general rule, the chemical is formed when food is heated enough to produce a fairly dry and brown/yellow surface. 

Hence, it can be found in:

  • Potatoes: chips, French fries and other roasted or fried potato foods
  • Grains: bread crust, toast, crisp bread, roasted breakfast cereals and various processed snacks
  • Coffee: roasted coffee beans and ground coffee powder. Surprisingly, coffee substitutes based on chicory actually contains 2-3 times MORE acrylamide than real coffee 

How to Avoid Heat-Induced Toxins in Your Diet?

Ideally, you should consume foods that are raw or minimally processed to avoid these types of toxic byproducts—the more raw food, the better. It may take you awhile to switch over to a less processed diet, but throwing out the most obvious culprits would be a great start.

These would include:

  • French fries and potato chips
  • All sodas (both regular and diet, as artificial sweeteners may be more problematic than fructose)
  • Doughnuts

Healthy Eating Made Easy

Apart from creating potentially toxic byproducts, cooking and processing also depletes the food of valuable micronutrients, which is another reason for eating as much raw food as possible.

Ideally, you should consume foods that are raw or minimally processed to avoid these types of toxic byproducts of high-heat cooking and processing. One should strive to consume at least one-third of your food raw to protect your health.

By opting for foods that will benefit your health, such as raw, preferably organic and/or locally-grown vegetables, healthy oils, dairy, nuts and seeds, you can change your health for the better.