Fries, grilled meats, crisps…. Warning food danger! The over-cooking of these foods would lead to premature aging, recalls the Academy of Pharmacy.
The glycation of proteins (fixation of glucose on proteins) known as the “Maillard reaction” is at the origin of a class of products (AGE) which forms spontaneously both in nature and in living organisms or during preparation and manufacture of food under theeffect of high heat. French fries, crisps, toast, biscuits, cereals are affected by this phenomenon.
The Academy challenges the public authorities
“For around three decades, the study of these compounds has shown that they have a deleterious effect by accumulating in the body, particularly in the event of diabetes, renal failure and during ageing. The effects are especially marked at the vascular, ocular and renal level ”recalls in a press release the Academy of Pharmacy.
But today “the debate on AGEs is currently hampered by the lack of precise classification of AGEs and above all by assay techniques which are not the subject of an international consensus” explains Professor Jean- Pierre Foucher, President of the National Academy of Pharmacy. The Academy of Pharmacy also wishes to “rapidly define the normal values of the biomarkers of these compounds in the blood and in the urine, as is the case for blood sugar or cholesterol”.
The recommendations of the Academy of Pharmacy for individuals
“In addition, these effects are still largely unknown to the general public”, acknowledged Professor Jean-Pierre Foucher. “It is therefore important to advise them”.
To guard against the dangers of this phenomenon, the Academy reminds the individual that it is imperative “to reduce the consumption of foods containing potentially toxic glycation products (acrylamide, heterocyclic amines, carboxymethyllysine, hydroxymethylfurfural, etc.”). It is also necessary to monitor the frying or cooking oil, so as not to leave it overheated, avoid browning the food excessively, avoid consuming the most browned areas during cooking which are richer in acrylamide. It is also imperative to favor a diversified and balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and moderate in fatty and fried foods. Steam cooking is also better health than those in the microwave, grilling and frying.
