Hidden Cooking Hazard Harms Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 7, 2024
Cooking can be a joy, right?
First of all, whether you’re whipping up a wicked stir-fry or making a batch of your killer stuffed burgers, cooking is a creative outlet.
Plus, you get a warm, satisfied feeling from providing vital nourishment for you and your family.
But it turns out what you’re cooking IN could be wreaking havoc on your health every time you make a meal.
A new study revealed that cooking—especially when it involves frying or sautéing in a pan—can produce nasty little particles called brown carbon aerosols (BrCOA).
BrCOA are microscopic bits of gunk that get released into the air when you don’t completely burn off all the oils and fats in your cooking. Experts warn that they can harm indoor air quality AND your health.
In a study published in the journal Environmental Science: Atmospheres, researchers investigated whether BrCOA produce harmful compounds when cooking. What they found was disturbing.
It turns out the particles can create something called singlet oxygen, a super-reactive form of oxygen that can damage cells and tissues.
Even worse, singlet oxygen can linger in the air long after it forms, giving it plenty of time to react with and potentially oxidize other compounds in your home.
BrCOAs are just the latest in a long line of indoor air quality issues, joining the ranks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaning products, and furniture; mold and mildew growth due to excess humidity; dust mites and pet dander allergies; secondhand smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products; and even radon gas seeping in from the ground.
So, what does this mean for those of us who love cooking but also want to be healthy?
There are some simple things you can do to reduce your risks:
- Make sure you have good ventilation in your kitchen. Open a window or two while cooking to let that nasty air out.
- Turn on your exhaust fan! This will help suck up those pesky brown carbon aerosols before they have a chance to cause trouble.
- To minimize the formation of these particles, use oils with a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, when cooking food in a frying pan..
- Invest in high-quality HEPA air filters to help remove these contaminants from indoor air.
With a few simple changes to your cooking routine, you can maintain better indoor air quality and shield your cells and tissues from more harm.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
“Golden Elixir” Dodges KILLER Dementia”
A new study reveals a surprising link between one common kitchen staple and a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia.
The Produce Problem Putting YOU at Risk
Consumer Reports recently released details from a jaw-dropping pesticide exposure investigation. Here’s what you need to know.
Better Mental Health with the Belly-Brain Bond
It’s time to pay more attention to what’s going on in your gut because it can affect your mental health. Researchers say THESE bacteria can help.
Live Longer with THIS Exercise Hack
Slash your risk of premature death, chronic diseases, and health complications by 20% simply by doing something you ought to be doing anyway.
Waking Up Stiff and Achy? Here’s Why
Learn the likely cause of morning aches and joint complaints and discover 10 potent natural solutions to erase the pain.
“Nutrient Cocktail” Slows Brain Aging to a CRAWL
Keeping your brain in tip-top shape just got easier. New research reveals that certain nutrients could be the key to a sharper mind as we age.
5 Natural Solutions to Silence the Ring of Tinnitus
Tinnitus, a condition in which you hear phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, affects millions. Here’s how to tackle it naturally.
P.S. Common cooking oil WARPS your brain!?
Source:
Nadine Borduas-Dedekind, et al., Singlet oxygen is produced from brown carbon-containing cooking organic aerosols (BrCOA) under indoor lighting, Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2024, [DOI: doi. org /10. 1039/D3EA00167A]
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...