Many people question the health benefits of grilling, as some associate it with cancer and other undesired health problems. In general, grilling is more beneficial than having a fried chicken deal at a world-class restaurant. With that said, is grilling a healthy way to cook?
Cooking with a grill or a pellet smoker is undoubtedly a fun experience, due to its engaging cooking method, lower fat and cholesterol levels, the smoky flavor of the meat, and the sense of accomplishment. There are plenty of cooking choices, one can easily tailor recipes in terms of one’s own liking and dislike.
Additionally, people around the world generally prefer grilling because there is no batter coating or grease dripping. As a result, there is less chance of falling prey to diseases as compared to frying and other related cooking ways. However, things are not as straightforward as they seem.
While any BBQ enthusiast, like me, can state a never-ending list of the benefits of grilling, there are several things that anyone should not ignore in this regard.
Let’s discuss those undesired or risky factors associated with grilling that everyone should consider before starting this amazing journey of cooking the best food for buddies.
What Are the Risks Associated with Grilling?
Like anything else in this world, grilling also has some potential downsides that arise, mainly, due to the negligence of foodies. Let’s discuss the most important ones among them:
The Issue of HCAs and PAHs
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are notorious chemicals associated with cancer. Unfortunately, some grillers are susceptible to the formation of these compounds during their cooking process due to their carelessness and unawareness.
It is easy to recall these compounds because of the way they form.
Similarly, when we expose red meat, poultry, or seafood to excessive temperatures, we may end up forming HCAs that are undoubtedly a factor that can be a cause of cancer. Nonetheless, no study has been able to generate any established link between these chemicals with cancer and its formation.
However, the formation of these chemicals is not something we see everywhere. Anyone can overcome these things by using high-end grills that are second to none when it comes to using standard material that prevents formations of any such chemicals.
Moreover, users need to be careful during the cooking process to eradicate any chance of the formation of these toxic chemicals. A BBQ grill with an efficient grease management system and reliable operational efficiency will help you the most during this process.
In addition, you can follow several tips to reduce the formation of unwanted materials to consume a more healthy diet.
Read Also: How long do you boil chicken before grilling?
Tips for a Healthier BBQ
There are many things that you can take care of to get rid of any potential health hazards attached to grilling and BBQ. The following are the most important ones among them:
Marination is the Hack You Are Looking For
Properly marinating the meat before grilling can eliminate the formation of unhealthy chemicals. A high-quality marinade not only infuses great flavor into the meat, but the health score of the diet also increases many times as it reduces the formation of HCAs and PAHs.
There are many possible alternatives when it comes to the selection of the favorite marinade. Based on your preferences, you can opt for lime juice, vinegar, a mixture of garlic and onions-my favorite, spices, and multiple varieties of sauces.
Using Leaner Cuts Is the Way Forward
Another thing that can significantly cut the formation of HCAs and PAHs is the utilization of leaner meat cuts during grilling. Yes, you heard it right! In this way, you’ll have very little fat dripping and causing problems.
Similarly, you should separate visible fat from meat which will ultimately help lower the production of cancer-causing chemicals.
Check these 7 Best Blackstone Grills.
Try Grilling Fruits and Veggies
Even though this might not be the most preferred choice of meat grillers, it still has many health benefits. Grilling vegetables is comparatively easier than searing meat at high temperatures and a much healthier way to cook since you won’t see any fat drippings and other issues related to grease management.
Consequently, vegetarians as well as people who are highly concerned about eating grilled meat, benefit from this.
Besides, you can follow the following things to obtain the desired results:
- Keep flipping the meat continuously to get rid of charring.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend grilling by pre-cooking the meat in ovens. It would result in lower chances of chemical formation via fat dripping.
- Reduce the quantity of processed meat for grilling. Stick to fresher and healthier meat.
Ensure that the grill is regularly cleaned. This will help in enhancing the performance and reliability of the grease management system of your grill.
Conclusion
HCAs and PAHs formed during grilling are undoubtedly highly risky chemicals when it comes to health-related issues. To avoid this problem, you should invest in a good grill that uses high-quality materials to ensure safety and health.
In addition, we have mentioned some time-proven healthy grilling tips that will certainly help you alleviate any potential risks associated with grilling and BBQ.