Hyderabad Physician Sounds Alarm on Industrial Starch Risks

A physician based in Hyderabad has raised significant concerns regarding a carbohydrate that many unknowingly consume daily. Dr. Pooja Reddy, who specializes in dermatology, indicated that industrial starch, prevalent in numerous packaged and processed foods, could pose a greater health risk than sugar, refined flour, or white rice. She expressed her concerns in a recent Instagram post, labeling industrial starch as the “most perilous carbohydrate on the planet.”

Dr. Reddy described industrial starch as “fake starch” because it differs from the natural starch found in whole foods like rice or potatoes. This starch undergoes extensive processing in factories, resulting in a product that the body can break down rapidly. Consequently, consuming foods containing this starch can spike blood sugar levels much quicker than ingesting sugar directly.

She clarified that starch consists of long chains of sugar molecules; however, industrial starch lacks any inherent benefits and serves merely as a harmful filler that adds volume and thickness to food without providing nutritional value. Furthermore, she cautioned that this variant of starch can lead to inflammation, abdominal weight gain, fatty liver, and an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. With diabetes already impacting millions across India, she emphasized that reducing processed starch intake could mitigate the risks.

Industrial starch is often obscured in a variety of daily grocery items, including biscuits, sauces, soups, instant mixes, snacks, protein powders, and even those promoted as “healthy.” On ingredient labels, it may appear as corn starch, modified corn starch, modified tapioca starch, wheat starch, maltodextrin, or modified food starch. Dr. Reddy urged shoppers to examine labels closely and return items to the shelf if any of these ingredients are present.

She elucidated that the primary purpose of industrial starch is not to enhance nutrition or flavor; rather, it serves as a low-cost filler used by manufacturers to thicken products or increase their size without investing in real ingredients. She advocated for a diet consisting of natural foods and emphasized the importance of minimizing consumption of heavily processed items. Home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients can help entirely eliminate industrial starch from one’s diet.

Dr. Reddy’s message serves as a vital reminder of the unsuspecting harmful substances that may infiltrate our diets. While packaged food offers convenience and flavor, it can harbor hidden ingredients detrimental to long-term health. She highlighted the fact that even seemingly healthy or premium products may contain industrial starch, prompting consumers to remain vigilant. Making modest adjustments, such as scrutinizing ingredient labels and opting for less processed foods, can significantly enhance overall health.