Hyderabad Expert Sounds Alarm Over Harmful Industrial Starch

Post by : Saif Nasser

A dermatologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Pooja Reddy, has raised a crucial alert about a carbohydrate that is commonly consumed without awareness. She identifies industrial starch, prevalent in many processed foods, as potentially more harmful than refined sugar, flour, or rice. On her Instagram, Dr. Reddy dubbed it the “most dangerous carbohydrate globally.”

Dr. Reddy explained that industrial starch is often referred to as “fake starch.” Unlike the natural starch found in staple foods like rice or potatoes, industrial starch undergoes significant processing through heat and chemicals, making it rapidly digestible. This quick breakdown can cause blood sugar levels to spike even more dramatically than a spoonful of sugar.

She clarified that starch consists of long chains of sugar molecules. However, once transformed into industrial starch, it loses its nutritional value and essentially becomes a harmful filler that adds bulk without offering any real benefit. Furthermore, Dr. Reddy indicated that this starch type is linked to inflammation, central obesity, fatty liver disease, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes—a condition already affecting millions in India. Reducing intake of processed starches could mitigate this risk.

Industrial starch lurks in various everyday items, including biscuits, sauces, soups, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and even foods marketed as “healthy.” On labels, it may appear as corn starch, modified corn starch, modified tapioca starch, wheat starch, maltodextrin, or modified food starch. Dr. Reddy stressed the importance of scrutinizing ingredient lists and returning products to the shelf if any of these ingredients are found.

She explained that the objective of industrial starch is not to enhance nutrition or flavor but rather to serve as an inexpensive filler for food manufacturers, allowing them to thicken their products without utilizing quality ingredients. Dr. Reddy encourages individuals to opt for whole foods and minimize their consumption of heavily processed items. Preparing meals at home with fresh ingredients can effectively eliminate industrial starch from one’s diet.

The cautionary message from Dr. Reddy serves as a vital reminder of how harmful substances can unknowingly infiltrate our diets. Despite their convenience and appeal, packaged foods can harbor ingredients detrimental to long-term health. She advises vigilance, particularly with items labeled as healthy or premium, as they too can contain industrial starch. Making small dietary adjustments, like reading labels and selecting less processed choices, can significantly enhance one’s overall well-being.