Biscuits are a popular snack enjoyed by people of all ages, and a wide variety of flavored biscuits are constantly appearing on the market. However, a recent news report about biscuits with an oil content as high as 24% that can be ignited has raised consumer health concerns about biscuits. What does a high oil content in biscuits actually mean? Can it have adverse effects on people's health?
According to Zeng Jing, Deputy Director of the Nutrition Department of the Guangdong Provincial Corps Hospital of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, the oils in biscuits are mainly palm oil and hydrogenated oil. Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil that is high in saturated fatty acids, and long-term consumption can affect the body's blood lipid metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Some studies also suggest that trans fatty acids in hydrogenated oil may cause problems such as tumors, cardiovascular issues, and even reproductive health problems.
From a nutritional perspective, during the production process, biscuits often use food additives such as preservatives, colorings, and flavorings to improve their texture, which is not beneficial to health over the long term. During baking, the structure of the starch in biscuits changes, and with the addition of refined sugars, this can easily cause blood sugar fluctuations after consumption. Biscuits are a high-energy-density food, and people who frequently eat them are most likely to experience problems such as obesity, "internal heat" (a concept in traditional Chinese medicine), and acne.
Zeng Jing stated that the general oil content of biscuits is between 13% and 30%. The biscuits mentioned in the news with an oil content as high as 24% refer to a specific, small category of biscuits. The fact that biscuits can be ignited is related not only to their oil content but also to the fiber in them, which is also flammable. Therefore, consumers do not need to be overly concerned about the "ignition" issue.
Experts suggest that from the perspective of a balanced diet, biscuits can only be regarded as a convenient, leisurely snack or convenience food and should never be consumed as a staple food long-term. For consumers who particularly enjoy flour-based foods, it might be better to quit eating biscuits and try healthy yet delicious wheat products such as whole wheat bread, buns, or steamed buns.