How Do Burnt and Overcooked Foods Affect the Nervous System and Health?

Overcooking food can change not only its taste but also its potential effects on health. According to researchers at Stockholm University, removing burnt parts of bread may be more than just a habit and could serve as a precautionary measure.

When bread, potatoes, coffee, and grain products are heated above 120 degrees, a chemical substance known as acrylamide can form. It is produced when naturally occurring sugars react with the amino acid asparagine. This process also contributes to browning and the characteristic aroma and taste of cooked foods.

Scientific studies are examining the possible harmful effects of acrylamide on the nervous system. Researchers suggest that the substance may damage protein structures inside nerve cells or interfere with mechanisms that help protect cells from inflammation.

For this reason, it is recommended to avoid overcooking food and to refrain from eating heavily burnt portions.