Why is there acrylamide in my french fries??

I recently saw a post on a friend's FB page that was a copy of the warning that's present at McDonald's regarding acrylamide in French fries (my favorite food).

So of course, I had to do a little research.  Acrylamide is not something that's added to our food but instead, a naturally occurring ingredient that formulates when foods that are naturally high in carbs and/or asparagin (an amino acid) are heated to high temperatures (baking, frying, broiling).  Although some studies suggest that french fries have the highest concentration of acrylamide, I was surprised to see how much food it's actually in.  Apparently, it's in coffee (watch out Starbucks drinkers - this label is there too), chocolate, almonds, french fries, crackers, potato chips, cereal, bread and even some fruits and vegetables.  It gets created when certain foods are heated.

Check out:  http://www.sustainable-living-today.com/articles/acrylamide-in-coffee-french-fries-and-other-commonly-eaten-foods/

At this point, no one suggests that you not eat certain items because they contain acrylamide - not the FDA or the World Health Organization, or even the folks at Sustainable Living Today.   There are even those that suggest that there is no proven danger from eating items that contain acrylamide (see www.acrylamidefacts.org) although at "high doses" acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in  some laboratory animals.  What concerns me the most though is that although the FDA and WHO won't say there's any danger, they have worked with companies to highlight ways to reduce acrylamide in our food.  That one has me shrugging my shoulder - if there's not danger, why do we need to do anything.  It seems like there will be more (possibly unnecessary) genetic engineering or substances created to reduce acrylamide which has been in our food since we stopped eating stuff raw.

At any rate, read and research for yourselves.  No one can say, how much is too much or puts you in the danger zone.  My philosophy is that information is power so the more information I have, the better decisions I can make (at least that's the theory).

Balanced, healthy, locally produced, organic - typically means a better choice.  Best to limit your intake of certain items that we KNOW are harmful to you.  Also, it's all about choices - if I'm looking at the list, I may make a choice to not have those Ginger Snaps (WTH???) but instead some healthier snack that contains less acrylamide.

As for Starbucks, well, I've already started weaning myself off coffee - I don't need the caffeine (especially since I'm eating healthier and working out).  I also would rather spend my $4 a day on Shakeology - something I know is good for me!

I almost forgot - in the spirit of my transparency and sharing my journey - I did have a burger and fries yesterday for "supper".  Now, it wasn't just any old burger and fries - there's this place in Sacramento that I found that I absolutely LOVE and since we were going through there for my nephew's football game, we stopped in.  Initially I was going to torture myself and have a salad.  BUT, I was lovingly encouraged to enjoy the experience and have a burger.  What would make me happier?  Definitely partaking but I also didn't want to feel guilty after eating (especially since I've been doing so well with my eating).  I only had 1/2 a burger and some fries and water (no soda).  In the scheme of what I've been eating, this was definitely ok.

Don't let your quest overtake your life.  You have to live and enjoy the things that you love.  Just be smart about it.  80/20 or 90/10.  If you do the right/best thing most of the time, you will be just fine.  Stay active my friends.