However, did you know that grilling can also create toxic compounds that are linked to adverse health effects that range from headaches and respiratory irritation to many forms of cancer?
Don’t worry: You don’t need to retire your grilling utensils. But you should consider incorporating the tips below on how to avoid cancer-causing chemicals and other toxic compounds while continuing to enjoy the flavorful goodness of a grilled meal all summer long!
1. Avoid “well done” burgers and steaks.
Yes, I’m crying a little inside too. I only like my meat cook well done or I won’t touch it but here’s why you shouldn’t:
Cooking meats until they are well done poses two issues: By maximizing the cooking time, meat is exposed to high temperatures for longer (creating more HCA-laden char), and there is a greater opportunity for fat and juices to drip off (creating PAH-contaminated smoke). In 2005, a study from the National Cancer Institute found that “very well done meat was positively associated with prostate cancer risk.”
2. Get informed about marinades.
Marinades with acidic elements, such as beer, wine, vinegar, or lemon juice, prevent PAHs from sticking to cooked meats. Marinades that contain sugar, such as barbecue sauce, should only be used in the last few minutes of grilling, as they encourage charring. In fact, years ago, a study found that using barbecue sauce caused an increase of toxic chemicals that are formed during the grilling process. Mind BLOWN.
3. Trim the fat.
Trimming meats will reduce the amount of fat that will drip into the grill, which forms PAH-contaminated smoke. This will reduce toxicity of your meats! Yes, less fat on my meat means less fat on me!
4. Use a drip rack, or wrap foods in a foil packet.
Wrapping foods in a packet serves a similar purpose to trimming the fat: Less fat, juices, and smoke will contaminate meat with PAHs.
5. Turn the meats often
Scientific studies have found that continuously flipping the protein over high heat can reduce the formation of HCAs, in comparison to simply leaving meat on the heat source.
6. Remove the charred portions
Charred bits contain HCAs in their purest form, so eliminating them from your meal is a high-impact way to make grilling safer. No more char marks for me sadly.
7. Incorporate more veggies
HCAs form when amino acids and creatine — a chemical found in muscle tissue — react at high cooking temperatures. According to experts, since vegetables don’t contain creatine, grilling vegetables and fruits is healthier than grilling meats. Plus, many vegetables have cancer-fighting and immune-boosting properties.
8. Keep your grill clean
Charred, carcinogenic residues that contain high concentrations of HCAs can stick to the grill after each use and contaminate future meals. Research “nontoxic ways to clean a grill” online for healthy ways to remove these charred bits. It can be as easy as using aluminum foil and vinegar.
9. Choose thinner cuts of meats
Thinner cuts of meat will require less cooking time, which will reduce the meat’s exposure to high temperatures, and therefore, carcinogenic chemicals.
10. Reduce your use of lighter fluid
If you’re using a charcoal grill, remember that petroleum-based lighter fluid has been found to release VOCs, which can be inhaled and contaminate your food. Healthier fire starters include chimney and electric charcoal starters.
Now that you know everything you shouldn’t do, here are some tasty recipes to lit that grill up!