The stereotype that fried food is a priori more harmful than boiled or baked is firmly entrenched in the public consciousness. Many people believe that such food can in no way be healthy and proper. However, is it really so? Let’s find out together with fitness blogger and trainer Sergey Yeti.
Is fried food so harmful?
The trainer claims that fried food is harmful first of all because when food is heated exactly in the frying pan, carcinogens are released. These substances can affect DNA and lead to the formation of tumors.
Many nutritionists also believe that it is fried food that increases the risk of fatal diseases and can also cause cardiovascular problems. In addition, during frying food loses liquid. And protein products absorb up to 20% of the oil from the pan, which also increases the caloric content of the dish.
You should be especially careful in restaurants, where fried food is definitely not beneficial and can even be harmful. Some unscrupulous cooks often do not change the oil for a long time, which leads to the formation of trans fats. Moreover, many foods are cooked in deep fryers. Therefore, if you really want fried meat for dinner, it is healthier to cook it at home.
How much healthier are baked dishes?
During baking, slightly different processes take place. Of course, the difference is not so obvious and you can not see it with your own eyes. Although a dish cooked in the oven is much healthier than the fried alternative, and this method has disadvantages.
Baking is accompanied by the formation of CRP – the end products of glycation. The higher the temperature, the more CRP. You can’t call it a healthy diet either. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the fat drains onto an additional tray, so that it does not accumulate on the food itself. And it is best to cook in the “grill” mode – such a dish will turn out the most useful.
What to choose?
Both frying and baking are not the most useful ways of cooking. Moreover, the released in the second case of CRPs negatively affect not only the figure, but also the skin: destroy the structure of collagen, contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and, as a consequence, rapid aging.
If possible, you should avoid both fried and baked food. The most useful options will be stewed and boiled dishes. Thus, when boiled, meat loses fat, and its energy value decreases.
However, frying can also be made healthier. For example, do not use sunflower oil, but alternatives: coconut oil, corn oil, linseed oil, olive oil. Or avoid it altogether by buying a non-stick frying pan. Also try to limit the amount of sugar and salt – then the dishes will become even healthier.