In every household, the method of cooking roti varies. Some use a griddle while others directly expose it to the flame. There are claims that cooking roti directly on the stove flame may pose a risk of cancer and other diseases. Let’s explore the expert opinions on the different methods of cooking roti.
Is it dangerous to cook chapatis directly on the flame?
According to experts, there is currently no scientific evidence suggesting that cooking roti directly on the flame causes cancer. Studies indicate that during the process of cooking roti, the levels of carcinogenic compounds decrease posing no significant health risks.
Dr. Shyam Agarwal, a specialist from an Indian hospital states that there is no direct link between cooking roti on the flame and cancer. Carcinogens like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are responsible for converting human DNA but they are generated at high temperatures during cooking and the human body has natural mechanisms to repair and eliminate them.
Celebrity nutrition expert Shweta Shah suggests that in the past, rotis were cooked by pressing them with cloth-covered griddles. Although this method took a little more time, it ensured that the chapati was evenly cooked from all sides. Nowadays, people cook roti directly on the flame to save time but certain precautions must be taken in this process.
She mentions that sometimes, rotis are not cooked evenly and some parts may get burnt. Additionally, since it’s cooked directly on the flame, it can pick up all the particles of gas stuck on the stove which can be harmful to health. Therefore, it’s better to cook roti on a griddle covered with cloth instead of directly exposing it to the flame even though it saves time.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that cooking roti directly on the flame causes cancer, it’s important to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions for a healthier cooking method. Using a griddle covered with cloth may take a little more time but it ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of exposure to harmful gases.
