Sunday, August 03, 2008 Paquiao: Out of the frying pan By Calixto S. Paquiao fitness & you
MANY of us love to eat fried foods.
We love to fried rice, fried chicken, fried fish, pork, bacon, eggs, etc. But did you know that what we do to food in the kitchen can alter the balance between nutrients and anti-nutrients?
Frying food in oil produces what are known as free-radicals, highly reactive chemicals that destroy essential fats in food and can damage cells increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature aging as well as destroying the very nutrients such as vitamins A and E which protect us from these dangerous substances.
The damaging effects of frying depend on the oil the temperature and the length of time. Ironically, it is the good polyunsaturated oils that oxidize most rapidly becoming undesirable trans fat. Polysaturated fats called linolic and linolenic acid or omega-6 and omega-3 oils are vital for the brain and nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system and skin: a common sign of deficiency of these substances is dry skin.
Pumpkin and flax seeds are rich in linolenic acid while sesame and sunflower seeds are rich in linolic acid (also found in mackerel, salmon and tuna). These essential fats are easily destroyed by heating or exposure, to oxygen so having a fresh daily source is important. That’s why grilling (not charred), steaming, boiling or baking lower are better cooking methods that any form of frying.
Beware
We want to be as healthy as possible. That’s why we are very careful in selecting the food we eat and drink.
I was so alarmed when I encountered in my research the substance used to soften plastics. These substances, according to the findings, found to be a hormone disrupting chemicals and found to have a significant levels of Bisphenol-A. These findings were conducted a long time ago, in 1990. It was published in the book entitled The Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Halford.
Bisphenol-A is a substance found in soft plastic, which was some 27 times higher than levels known to cause breast cancer cells to proliferate.
These hormone-disrupting chemicals find their way in the food chain. If you notice fresh products are usually wrapped in soft plastics. Also there are lot of drinks in cartons which contain inner plastic lining.
So far now the best advise is to take a second thought: whether you take the risk or avoid buying food or drinks wrapped in soft plastics.
(Coach Paquiao Wellness and Fitness Center, 2nd Floor JY Square Discovery Mall, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City/ 234-2811)
