Post by : Saif Rahman

In a significant health advisory, a dermatologist from Hyderabad, Dr. Pooja Reddy, has flagged the alarming risks associated with a common carbohydrate. She asserts that industrial starch, prevalent in numerous packaged and processed foods, could pose greater health threats than refined flour, sugar, or white rice. Dr. Reddy labeled industrial starch as the “topmost harmful carbohydrate globally” in an Instagram post aimed at raising awareness.

Dr. Reddy referred to this type of carbohydrate as “fake starch”, distinguishing it from the natural forms found in foods like potatoes and rice prepared at home. The extensive processing that industrial starch undergoes renders it readily digestible, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels—quicker than consuming sugar itself.

She clarified that starch is merely an extended chain of sugar molecules; however, once it is transformed into industrial starch, it loses its beneficial properties and becomes a nutrient-poor filler that enhances the volume and texture of food products. Furthermore, Dr. Reddy indicated that this synthetic starch can trigger inflammation, abdominal weight gain, fatty liver conditions, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, an issue already affecting millions in India. Reducing processed starch intake may mitigate these risks.

Industrial starch can often be found lurking in everyday products such as biscuits, sauces, soups, snacks, protein powders, and even those labeled as “healthy”. It may appear on ingredient labels under various names including corn starch, modified corn starch, modified tapioca starch, maltodextrin, or modified food starch. Dr. Reddy urges consumers to scrutinize labels and avoid any products containing these additives.

According to her, industrial starch serves no purpose other than being a cost-effective filler, enabling food companies to enhance texture or volume cheaply. She advocates for opting for natural food items whenever feasible and emphasizes the importance of homemade dishes using fresh, simple ingredients to sidestep industrial starch entirely.

Dr. Reddy’s warning underscores that many undesirable substances may unintentionally infiltrate our diets. While packaged foods may offer convenience, they frequently harbor hidden elements detrimental to long-term health. She cautioned that even seemingly healthy or premium products might incorporate industrial starch, making consumer vigilance essential. Small shifts, such as carefully reviewing ingredient lists and favoring less processed options, can significantly improve overall health.

#Health #Wellness