Fries and Potato Chips Aren't the Only Cancer-Causing Foods

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Fries and Potato Chips Aren't the Only Cancer-Causing Foods

 

 

While French fries and potato chips are the most well-known sources of

the carcinogen acrylamide, prompting a lawsuit by California's

attorney general, there are many other food sources of the chemical,

including black olives, coffee, bread, and breakfast cereal.

 

Present in 40 Percent of Calories

 

Acrylamide was once believed only to be the product of industrial

waste; it was not until 2002 that it was discovered to be almost

everywhere in the human diet. It is a tasteless, invisible byproduct

formed when foods -- particularly high-carbohydrate foods -- are fried

or baked at high temperatures.

 

The chemical is present in 40 percent of the caloric intake of most

Americans, although French fries and potato chips contain the highest

concentrations.

 

Universal Presence Affects Lawsuit

 

The almost universal presence of the chemical has led to some doubts

about the possibility of success in the California attorney general's

lawsuit against fast food companies and potato chip manufacturers.

 

The suit argues that the companies are required, under California law,

to warn the public about toxic chemicals in their food.

 

Eight Hundred Times the Safe Dose

 

The EPA considers acrylamide so dangerous that it has the safe level

for human consumption at almost zero; the maximum safe level in

drinking water is 0.5 parts per billion. A small serving of French

fries contains over 400 parts per billion of the chemical.

 

It is universally agreed that acrylamide causes cancer; however, no

one is certain exactly how much of the chemical represents a dangerous

dose.

 

Los Angeles Times December 19, 2005 Registration Required

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

It's somewhat ironic that the fact that this dangerous carcinogen is

present in so many foods -- not just French fries, potato chips or

meats -- makes California Attorney General Bill Lockyer's recent

lawsuit less likely to succeed.

 

So, because the problem is so widespread as to require immediate

action, it's likely that nothing is going to be done at all. Somehow,

this is not the kind of logic that makes me confident that your health

is being looked out for.

 

However, there are experts, including some respected scientists, who

believe the dangers of acrylamide are certainly worth your attention.

After all, do you really think it will improve your health when you

eat fries and potato chips?

 

To protect yourself from a chemical that is universally agreed to be

both a neurotoxin and a cause of cancer:

 

* Stop eating processed foods and retool your diet based on your

metabolic type.

* Increase your intake of raw and minimally cooked foods.

* Get rid of your Teflon-coated cookware today!

 

Related Articles:

 

New Research Supports the Link Between Cooking and Cancer

 

The Dangers of Over-Cooking Your Food

 

More Reports Confirm Carcinogen in Snack Chips and French Fries