What is industrial starch?
An orthopaedic surgeon has warned against the health risks of industrial starches, such as maltodextrin and high-fructose corn syrup, found in processed foods. He claims these ingredients contribute to insulin resistance, diabetes, and inflammation more significantly than traditional carbohydrates.
Why it matters
As processed food consumption rises globally, understanding the metabolic impact of hidden industrial additives is critical for public health awareness.
Carbohydrates are often blamed for a host of health problems, with foods such as sugar, bread and rice frequently singled out as dietary villains. However, the bigger concern may not be traditional carbohydrate-rich foods themselves, but the highly processed starches hidden in many packaged products. These ingredients are widely used by the food industry to improve texture, shelf life and consistency, yet many consumers may not realise how often they appear on ingredient lists or what their metabolic effects could be. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. In a recent Instagram video, orthopaedic and sports surgeon Dr Obaidur Rahman of Delhi's Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital challenged common beliefs about carbohydrates, warning people against what he described as "the most dangerous carbohydrate".
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