Reheated oil and their potential health risks

Most of us enjoy eating fish and chips from time to time, and why wouldn’t we treat ourselves? But have you ever thought about how they are cooked? Depending on the type of oil used and whether it has been reheated multiple times could mean that you could be exposing yourself to high levels of toxic aldehydes. These are chemicals that are known to cause neurodegenerative disease and cancer. You also need to be mindful of the oil you use at home. There has been research that has found that some of the popular cooking oils, such as soybean and sunflower oils, tend to generate high levels of toxic aldehydes when heated and then reheated again.

Reheating oils

Some cooking oils when they are reheated go through significant degradation of their fatty acid content. When this happens to the oil it makes way for the production of toxic aldehydes. In particular 4-hydroxy-[E]-2nonenal, 4-oxo-[E]-2-decenal, and 4-oxo-[E]-2-undecenal. The last two of these were not known until a study was done on the reheating of oils. Some of these aldehydes will dissipate after being produced in cooked oil. However, many of the others do not. They then start to accumulate making the oil more unsafe for use.

Consumption of these toxins

When we consume these toxins, they will react with the proteins we produce naturally. They also react with our enzymes, and hormones. This then leads to some serious health problems. The reason for the research into the cooking oil was due to the fact that it was already known that when oil reaches frying temperature it releases aldehydes. These then pollute the atmosphere and can be inhaled by us. This is what prompted the research to find out if the toxins remain in the oils after they are heated. Which of course we now know they do.

Symptoms of aldehyde toxicity

When we ingest the aldehydes, it can enter the blood and cause damage to your membranes and possibly cause scar tissue. It may cause you to have a faster heartbeat, a headache or an upset stomach. The brain is most affected by aldehyde poisoning. It causes problems with brain activity and can cause memory issues.

So next time you want to head for your local fish and chip shop you should just be mindful that the oils they are using may be more toxic for your health than you realise. Make sure you use the right oils for cooking. Some oils are never meant to be heated. Consult your nutritionist to find a list of which you can heat and can’t and stick to it. You will be much healthier for it. Anyone wanting a list I can email you one. Please message or email me through Facebook or my website and I will return send.

Are Causes of Alzheimer's Disease Known?

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not fully known, however, there are things that have been shown to create a higher risk. Insulin resistance is a commonly talked about factor when it comes to you getting Alzheimer's, although it isn’t the only factor. Processed foods and foods high in sugar cause insulin resistance. This is due to processed foods containing ingredients that are not good for you and they can affect your brain. These ingredients can include vegetable oils, genetically engineered ingredients, gluten and pesticides. If you have high blood sugar it is best to avoid as much of these as you can. Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh foods is best.

We need to remember to look at the fats in the foods we are eating and concentrate on healthy fats. Healthy fats include saturated animal fats and animal-based omega-3, these are critical for optimal brain function but you should not overdo them. They are found in foods such as avocados, grass fed meats, eggs, and raw nuts. We need to avoid bad fats such as trans fats or hydrogenated fats, which are found in margarine, vegetable oils and various butter-like spreads.

Factors for putting you at higher risk

Alcohol can put you at higher risk of developing dementia. These risks are easily removed when you limit your alcohol intake.

Vitamin D deficiency can make your risk higher also. Studies have shown this link. Vitamin D plays a major role in brain health, immune function, gene expression and inflammation. These are all things that can influence Alzheimer's. Vitamin D levels can boost brain chemicals and help protect brain cells by increasing the effectiveness of glial cells in nursing damaged neurons back to health.

Omega-3 level is a crucial component for optimal brain health in general. People with higher omega-3 levels tend to have increased blood flow in areas of the brain associated with memory and learning.

There are several genes that predispose you to Alzheimer's. The most common gene associated with late onset Alzheimer's is the apolipoprotein E or APOE gene. The APOE e2 form has been thought to reduce your risk while the APOE e4 form may increase it. Although, some people never develop the disease even though they've inherited the APOE e4 gene. So, when it comes to genes, while they can be a risk it is not a direct or inevitable cause. Risk for early onset Alzheimer's can also be found through genetic testing.

Getting regular exercise can help to reduce your risk. Exercise has been shown to protect your brain from Alzheimer's and other dementia. It can also improve your quality of life if you've already been diagnosed.

Arterial stiffness is associated with the process of Alzheimer's because of the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque in your brain. There's a strong link between hypertension and brain diseases such as vascular cognitive impairment, which is loss of brain function caused by bad blood flow to your brain, and dementia. To reduce the risk address high blood pressure and risk factors for heart disease.

This clinic can help you reduce all of the above, get on a healthy eating plan and motivate you to a better lifestyle. Check out our website at www.stressfreemanagement.com.au and give us a call today.