| For years there has been a controversy whether | | | | 2. Marinating meats before grilling may significantly |
| grilled meats cause cancer . A few research studies | | | | reduce the amount of HCAs. . A marinade is usually |
| have found that grilling and broiling cause meats (red | | | | acidic and always flavorful. The Acids in marinades do |
| meat, poultry and fish included ) to produce | | | | not tenderize meat. However some store bought |
| cancer-causing compounds. These compounds known | | | | marinades will tenderize meat because they contain |
| as HCAs (heterocyclic amines), have been shown to | | | | enzymes. |
| cause tumors in animals and possibly increase the risk | | | | 3. One of the most important tips is to clean your grill |
| of cancers of the breast, colon, stomach and | | | | thoroughly. Scrape the burned bits off the grates |
| prostate in humans.This was confirmed officially by | | | | using a grill brush or even a paint scraper. The residue |
| The National Institute of Health, Dept. of Health and | | | | left on the grill often contains high does of |
| Human Services in January 2005 when it added | | | | HCA’s. |
| heterocyclic amines in it's hit list of cancer causing | | | | 4. PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are |
| agents. | | | | cacogenic substances which are formed when fat |
| Does this mean grilling is a big no ? Not always. Large | | | | from meats comes in contact with coal and other |
| doses of meat especially red meat has never been | | | | hot objects. These chemicals are deposited on your |
| recommended by doctors. According to most | | | | food during flare ups and during evaporation. Avoid |
| researchers, grilled vegetables and fruits, burnt toast | | | | letting juices drip into the flames or coals, which |
| and dishes in which only the seasoningis charred | | | | causes smoke and flare-ups. Use tongs or a spatula |
| present a substantially lower risk of cancer.You can | | | | to turn foods, instead of piercing meat with a fork. |
| still eat meat but make sure to eat it in moderation. | | | | Covering the grill with punctured aluminum foil, not |
| Below are 7 tips you can implement right away to | | | | placing meats directly over coals and keeping a spray |
| make your grilling safer and free from cancer causing | | | | bottle of water on hand (to control flare-ups) are |
| agents. | | | | other ways to reduce drips. |
| 1. A good idea is to grill vegetables instead of meat | | | | 5. Flip frequently. Recent research has found that |
| always. Try grilling marinated vegetables on skewers, | | | | cooking hamburger patties at a lower Temperature |
| a grilling tray or wrapped in foil. Other healthy | | | | and turning them often accelerates the cooking |
| barbecue choices are veggie burgers, tofu or | | | | process, helps prevent the formation of HCAs and is |
| quesadillas and even tortillas. | | | | equally effective in killing bacteria. |