Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
A physician based in Hyderabad has raised an urgent alert concerning a carbohydrate prevalent in many diets today. Dr. Pooja Reddy, a noted dermatologist, emphasizes that industrial starch, commonly found in packaged and processed foods, could be more detrimental to health than refined sugar, flour, or white rice. Her caution was shared via Instagram, branding industrial starch as the “most dangerous carbohydrate globally.”
Often referred to as “fake starch,” this substance differs significantly from the natural starch present in homemade foods like rice or potatoes. Its heavy processing in factories makes it highly digestible, leading to rapid increases in blood sugar levels—faster than simply consuming sugar.
Dr. Reddy clarified that starch consists of long chains of sugar molecules, but industrial starch loses all natural advantages, becoming a harmful filler that adds bulk without nutrition. She highlighted its detrimental role in causing inflammation, abdominal weight gain, fatty liver, and a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes. Given the alarming prevalence of diabetes in India, she advocates for reduced consumption of processed starch to minimize associated risks.
This industrial starch is often hidden in everyday products such as biscuits, sauces, soups, instant mixes, snacks, and even those labeled as “healthy.” On ingredient lists, consumers are likely to find it categorized as corn starch, modified corn starch, modified tapioca starch, wheat starch, maltodextrin, or modified food starch. Dr. Reddy urges shoppers to scrutinize labels and avoid products containing these ingredients.
She pointed out that the function of industrial starch is not to enhance nutrition or flavor but to serve as an inexpensive filler, allowing manufacturers to thicken products without investing in genuine ingredients. Dr. Reddy advocates opting for natural foods and limiting heavily processed items. Cooking at home using fresh ingredients can help eliminate exposure to industrial starch.
Dr. Reddy’s caution serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden dangers in our diets. While packaged foods may appear convenient, they can conceal ingredients that undermine long-term health. Notably, even items that seem healthy or premium might still contain industrial starch, making consumer vigilance essential. Small dietary adjustments, such as carefully reading labels and selecting less processed options, can significantly improve overall health.
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