Pre-reading questions:
- Have you ever burned food while cooking? If so, what was it, and how did you handle the situation?
- Do you think burning food is a common problem? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- shed light on (something) /shed lahyt on/
- chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/
- link /lingk/
- harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/
- risk /risk/
[idiom] – to help to explain a situation
The professor’s presentation helped shed light on the topic and clarified some of the confusing aspects that we didn’t understand before.
[noun] – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules
The chemist mixed several chemicals together to create a new compound that could be used in the production of medicines.
[verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas
The study aims to link the consumption of sugary drinks to the rise in obesity rates among teenagers.
[adjective] – causing harm
Smoking cigarettes can be harmful to your health, and it may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
[ risk] – the possibility of something bad happening
Swimming in the deep end of the pool without a life jacket poses a risk of drowning.
Article reading:
Burned food can produce a chemical called acrylamide, which has been linked to cancer in animals. However, the levels found in burned food are much lower than those used in animal studies, and human studies have not found a conclusive link between acrylamide and cancer. On the other hand, burning food can cause the formation of harmful compounds such as PAHs and HCAs, which have been linked to cancer and other medical issues. However, the risk of exposure to these substances from burned food is relatively low compared to other sources. While the health risks associated with burned food may be relatively low, it is important to remember that it can taste bad and may contain toxins that can make you sick.
In conclusion, while the research on the health risks of burned food is still ongoing, it is clear that the risks are relatively low. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and to take steps to reduce your exposure.
Comprehension questions
- What is acrylamide, and where can it be found?
- Have human studies found a conclusive link between acrylamide and cancer?
- What are PAHs and HCAs, and how are they formed?
- Are the levels of PAHs and HCAs in burned food higher or lower than those in other sources?
- Besides potential health risks, what are some other reasons why it is important to avoid burned food?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever eaten burned food that tasted bad or had toxins in it that made you sick? If yes, could you tell me about it? If not, what would you do if you experienced it?
- Based on your personal experience, how do you balance the health risks associated with burned food against the taste and enjoyment of eating it?
- Do you agree that it is ultimately up to individuals to decide how much burned food they are willing to tolerate?
- What is your personal opinion on the health risks associated with burned food? Do you believe that the risks are overblown or that they are a serious concern?
- In your opinion, should cooking methods be adjusted to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful compounds? Please elaborate on your answer.