Roti, an emotion
Roti is an important part of the culture and cuisine of India. It is a type of flatbread but for Indians, roti is no less than an emotion. Roti is made out of wheat. India is one of the largest producers of wheat in the world. It is grown in many parts of India. Roti can be served with a variety of dishes such as curries, vegetable and chutneys. Even though roti is made in every other house of India, a recent study stated that roti can cause cancer if cooked on direct flame.
How is it possible for roti to cause cancer?
Though there has not been any scientific proof on this topic, still according to recent studies it can be said that roti can cause cancer if cooked on direct flame. The issue lies in the process of making roti, to cook roti, the tawa is heated until it’s hot and then the dough rolled into a circular shaped is placed on the hot tawa
Then it is cooked on both sides, roti is then removed from the tawa and is placed on flame till it gets puffy. Later the roti is kept warm in a covered container until ready to serve.
It is a simple process but can be considered deadly in long term. according to recent studies when roti or wheat gets in direct contact with flame then it can produce various chemical compounds, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and small amounts of carbon monoxide.
If roti is cooked on high flame directly, it can potentially produce harmful compounds such as acrylamides and heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are linked to an increased risk of cancer.
It can also produce a complex mixture of compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful chemicals.
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. PAHs are a group of chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of organic materials, such as coal, oil, and wood. They can also be formed during the cooking of certain foods, including meat, fish, and grains, especially when they are grilled or charred.
Exposure to high levels of PAHs has been associated with an increased risk of lung, skin, bladder, liver, and other types of cancer. The risk of cancer associated with PAH exposure also depends on the level and duration of exposure.
Exposure to some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. VOCs are a group of chemicals that are released into the air from various sources, including paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and certain types of building materials.
Conclusion
It is important to note that consuming roti as part of a balanced diet can provide a lot of health benefits. It is rich in fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Roti is low in fat, yet it provides complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy and help to stabilize blood sugar levels. It also contains essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are important part of our diet.
Instead of cooking roti directly on flame one can cook it on low heat and then press it with a cloth, in that way it will be puffy and will get cooked perfectly. It is beneficial to health; it is consumed with vegetables or curries that are good for health as well. The perfect wholesome meal can’t be complete without roti. It’s better to make roti in a healthier and better way and not remove it completely from our diet.
Lastly, it is important to keep other factors that can cause cancer in mind. One should quit alcohol, smoking and should start eating healthy food. Roti, without any doubt is the healthiest option one can consider eating.
