 |
| Credit: Veva Kratochvil |
Everyone wants bread. It is one of the most
consumed food products in the world. However, have you asked yourself if it is
good for you? While not all breads are unhealthy, some breads contain potassium
bromate. As you know, bromine is a toxic chemical especially for your thyroid
gland. With that being said, in this post, you will read about facts and the dangers
of bromine contents of bread. Aside from
that, you’ll also find out how to choose bromate-free bread products. With
that, if you find this interesting, just read further.
The danger
of bromine contents of bread
Bromine, as you know is under the 2B carcinogens
group. What does this mean? This basically means that this chemical has been
found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. However, there is no substantial
evidence that it can cause cancer in humans. Nonetheless, awareness should
still apply when dealing with products containing bromine. This is because one
doesn’t develop cancer overnight but gene mutations can still occur. You’ll
further understand this by reading the article I wrote about how a person develops cancer.
Another problem with bromine is that it disrupts
iodine production. This is because bromine and iodine have similar chemical
structures. Hence, these two elements will consequently compete for the same
receptors. Furthermore, bromine also increases iodine elimination. Remember,
iodine is vital for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are
essential for your growth and metabolism. Lastly, hypothyroidism will also
develop due to low iodine levels in your body.
 |
| Credit: Fran Hogan |
Why bakers
use potassium bromate?
Potassium bromate is added in flour to strengthen
the dough. In addition to that, it is also added for the dough to rise swiftly
during the baking process. This not only results in lesser time consumed while
baking but less production cost as well. However, as mentioned earlier, this chemical
can endanger one’s health. Although, several claims stated that the bromine
contents of bread is destroyed during the baking process, tests have also found
out that not all bromine is evidently destroyed. For that reason; China, Canada
and other European countries have already banned the use of potassium bromate as
a food additive. The problem is that not all countries have done this. Some are
encouraging bread manufacturers to include it in their packaging labels. Others
have only advised manufacturers to limit the use of this chemical. So, what
now?
 |
| Credit: George Hodan |
Recommendations
To ensure that your bread is perfectly
healthy and safe, your best option is to grind your own flour and bake your own
breads. In doing this, you should opt for organic wheat grains or flour. But,
if baking is not convenient for you, you should only opt for bread products
that have “bromine-free” labels. If no labels are available, you can either ask
the baker or opt for other products instead. As of today,
many commercialized breads have iodine contents. You may also opt for this
product to cope with iodine deficiency. With that, you should always be
cautious of the products you consume. This is not only applicable for the bromine contents of bread. Other
commercialized products may also contain chemicals that can harm your body. For
that reason, always update yourself especially about any foods or products you
consume or use.
No comments:
Post a Comment