Do you cook roti directly on gas flame? Know what it does to your body

In India, rotis hold an important place in the culinary landscape, serving as a dietary staple across every Indian household. Some people cook rotis on a tawa, while some people cook it directly over gas flame. A study has stated that cooking roti directly over gas flame may cause various health problems including cancer. It is dangerous and should be avoided. Here's what the study states.

Gas stoves and cooktops emit air pollutants

A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, states that natural gas stoves and cooktops emit air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that are considered unsafe for the health by WHO. Further, it was also reported that these gases link to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems and cancer along with other conditions.

How harmful are these gases?

The primary concern is carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is produced during incomplete combustion of fuels like natural gas or propane. 

When cooking on a gas stove with an open flame, the combustion process should ideally be complete, resulting in minimal carbon monoxide emissions. However, if the flame is not burning efficiently due to poor adjustment or lack of proper ventilation, there may be a higher production of carbon monoxide.

Additionally, other gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can be released during combustion, especially if the stove is not properly maintained or if there is insufficient ventilation. Prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Safer way to cook roti on a tawa

Place the tawa on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it's hot but not smoking. Carefully lift the rolled-out roti and place it onto the hot tawa. Let it cook for about 20-30 seconds on one side until you see bubbles forming. Using a spatula, flip the roti to the other side. Cook for another 20-30 seconds until you see light brown spots appearing.

Once both sides are cooked, remove the roti from the tawa and place it on a plate. 

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