Good Living with Aprilanne

When it heats up outside use our healthy living guidlines when cooking on the grill!

When things starts heating up outside it’s our cue to fire up the grill and start cooking outdoors!  Now while I’m not aiming to be a total killjoy here - it is important to report that the process of cooking meat, poultry and fish on the grill has been proven to cause the formation of carcinogens known as HCAs (Heterocyclic Aromatic Aminies) and PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).  We all love to BBQ, and cooking on the grill is a quick, easy, and fun way to prepare meals - so here are a few steps you can take to decrease the cancer risk when grilling:

1. Use fruit marinades such as orange, lemon, lime, etc., and anti-oxidant rich herbs and spices such as cumin, rosemary, oregano, etc., and marinating meats and poultry at least an hour before cooking to reduce carcinogenetic damage up to 90%!

2. Using fresh foods such as garlic, onions, rosemary, tomatoes, etc. that contain antioxidants to protect one’s DNA from the carcinogenic damage caused by the Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines HCA’s and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – PAHs formed when grilling meats, poultry, and fish.

3. Cooking in tinfoil to prevent the fat drippings and subsequent production of PAHs that are deposited back onto the food by smoke and flare-ups.

4. Using smaller cuts of meat so they take less time to cook; flipping frequently to promote faster cooking and prevent HCAs from forming.

Ultimately you are in control when it comes to the foods you eat and prepare for yourself and your family so do take a few extra moments when grilling to include some of the ideas above to protect yourself and loved ones from the carcinogens created when grilling meat, fish, and poultry.  Carcinogen byproducts are not formed by the way when grilling vegetables - so be sure to include lots of great roasted veggies such as colorful peppers, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini and enjoy them all completely guilt free!  Enjoy - Aprilanne 

This information is offered to provide general good living tips and guidelines and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or illness.  Please check with your doctor or health care provider before starting any new heath  regimen.  Yours in good living, Aprilanne

Aprilanne Hurley, CN is a Certified Health Professional specializing in Public Nutrition Education and Weight Management in the Lifestyle.  Please forward your personal health and nutrition questions to Aprilanne @ info@insidelooktv.com.

Aprilanne’s Grilled Pizza Recipe
 

Check out CA Living’s Insider’s Guide to Paring Wine and the BBQ on CAInsider.com NOW!  And try marinading your meat in the Olive Salsa Verde