Liberté Chan Instagram – HEALTH HACK ⬇️
Grilling season is here, and while you may love that smoky flavor of grilled meats, there’s an underlying health concern – the formation of carcinogens; specifically heterocyclic amines (HCAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs).
These harmful compounds can form when meats are cooked at high temperatures.
HCAs are found in the burned, crispy outside layer of cooked meat. PAHs come from the smoke and fire created by fat dripping on a hot surface. And when proteins and sugars are cooked at high heat and a browning reaction occurs (the Maillard effect), AGEs are produced.
When consumed in large amounts over time, these compounds can contribute to various health issues, including cancer.
However, pairing herbs and marinating your meat before you cook it may help!
ROSEMARY:
Rosemary not only enhances flavor, it also contains antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the formation of HCAs when meats are cooked. You can add a sprig of rosemary on your grill or use it in a marinade for your meats to help mitigate the risks associated with grilling. Dried or fresh rosemary can be used.
OTHER HERBS:
If you’re not a fan of rosemary, try other herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, mint and parsley, which are also high in antioxidants. Experts say it can’t eliminate the risk, but it may reduce it by lowering the formation of harmful compounds.
MARINATE:
Marinating meats with herbs, plus an acid like vinegar or lemon juice may also reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds. Keep in mind, using marinades high in sugars and oils can actually increase HCAs and PAHs…experts say reserve those marinades for the end, after removing the meat from the grill.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33443787/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19241593/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12963012/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33412921/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31799349/
#grillingseason #bbqseason #herbsandspices #herbsforhealth #healingherbs | Posted on 12/Apr/2024 20:29:42
