Is Burnt Food Unhealthy? Understanding the Risks of Charred Food

Question
hi george!
is eating burnt food (for example an over-toasted bread slice that has turned black)unhealthy. and if so, why?
thanks!

Answer
Hello Jamie!

  Nice to hear from you.  It is not healthy to eat burnt food because they produce a group of cancer causing substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)  When cooking it's best - wherever possible- to use relatively low temperature methods such as steaming, boiling, poaching, stewing, casseroling, braising, baking, stir frying, microwaving or roasting.  Hope this helps.

-George Rapitis, Nutritionist