Most recently I’ve grown increasingly aware of and concerned about this little known chemical compound referred to as Acrylamide. In my discussions with my small circle of Vegan Foodist friends, I’ve come to learn that most of us are completely oblivious to this toxicity we are unknowingly ingesting on a pretty regular basis.
The first question and response that comes to mind is generally something to the effect: “Is it something found in processed foods? Cuz I only eat processed foods sparingly.” Great question, great thought. But it’s nearly inescapable for us all – whether carnivorous or herbivorous – simply due to Acrylamide’s chemical make-up.
So what is it? What foods is it found to be present?
As simply put as possible, I shall quote the authorities responsible for the management of food inspection and food safety: the FDA. “Acrylamide is a chemical that can form in some foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, and baking…Acrylamide is found mainly in foods made from plants, such as potato products, grain products, or coffee. Acrylamide does not form, or forms at lower levels, in dairy, meat, and fish products. Generally, acrylamide is more likely to accumulate when cooking is done for longer periods or at higher temperatures.”
So stop baking, frying and roasting my plant foods, right?
According to the FDA, that is not advisable, despite the logic in eliminating baking/frying/roasting as a cooking regimen. In fact, the FDA’s “best” advice is to follow that which is mapped out in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2010.asp). In turn, it stirs the question:
Should I be *cooking* food at all?
Considering that Acrylamide caused cancer in animals in studies where animals were exposed to acrylamide at very high doses and has been viewed as a significant human health concern for the past 4 years, I lean toward that being a *very* valid question! And if you’re already a vegan, exactly how hard would it be to transcend to a RAW vegan lifestyle?
It important to note that the Governmental Administrator for Food states that “food packaging is not a source of formed acrylamide,” to later advise that “Acrylamide is produced industrially for use in products such as plastics, grouts, water treatment products, and cosmetics. Acrylamide is also found in cigarette smoke.” I find that to be rather contradictory, as food packaging in America is *primarily* encased with Plastic… Just pay close attention at your next grocery shopping visit, and you will discover the truth in my statement!
Now I know and recognize the array of questions this chemical compound coined as Acrylamide brings to the surface of light. If you’re wondering what is being done to remedy the exposure of acrylamide in our foods in America, I can tell you that the government isn’t doing much at all. There are some manufacturers who are seeking ways to reduce acrylamide in their products, but it appears research has remained stagnated on that topic for more than 7 years.
My best personal advice is to do the following:
- Start limiting your intake of baked, fried and roasted foods in general, to of course include potatoes (including chips), fruits, and grain (products).
- Avoid “browning” foods – keep potatoes golden in color, as well as work on just warming bread rather than “toasting” it.
- Eat all cooked foods in moderation.
- Transition to Yerba Mate in place of coffee. It’s cheaper, anyhow!
- Gradually transcend to a fully RAW Vegan Lifestyle.
Cooking at temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Celsius (248 degrees Fahrenheit), will likely result in exposure to Acrylamide at a dose that’s just unacceptable if you’re proactively avoiding putting yourself at risk of accumulating Cancerous cells within the body.
For more info, I highly recommend visiting: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2009-08-26/html/E9-20495.htm AND http://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/chemicalcontaminants/ucm053569.htm
Doing an independent search is crucial to keep yourself as well informed as possible.
Paint the Organs with Life
Not Acrylamide.
Work to Transcend to a Raw Vegan Lifestyle
And Allways Be on The Journey to
Achieve Health As Wealth!
Healthily Wealthy 
Very informative piece; thanks for sharing. Beyond the question of cooking, the implications behind the formulation of acrylamide call other common industrial processes into question. Every aspect of modern living should now be re-evaluated, by considering their physiological & ecological effects, to avoid the possibility of us doing the planet (and ourselves) irreparable damage as a species.