Now that the warmer weather is (supposed to be) upon us, people's thoughts are turning to a traditional summer favourite - the barbecue.I have yet to go to a barbecue where a burnt sausage, burger or piece of chicken wasn't offered to the guests. However, what you may not know is that food cooked on a barbecue can be harmful to your health if not cooked in the right way.
Meat cooked on a barbecue is cooked at a high temperature and this can cause the meat to be over-done or burnt on the outside. This 'charring' of the meat can cause chemicals known as 'carcinogens' to form. These carcinogens are formed in two ways - firstly (this is the technical bit!) from the breakdown of amino acids, and secondly from fat dripping from the meat on to the coals below, creating chemicals in the smoke which can then land back on the meat.
Carcinogens are known as cancer-triggering chemicals - prolonged exposure to them can damage the cells in the body and leave it less able to repair itself.
Here are some tips to help you to reduce your consumption of these chemicals when barbecuing:
- Choose lean cuts of meat so less fat will drip on to the coals;
- Trim excess fat from the meat before cooking;
- Pre-cook meat before putting on the barbecue, so it then requires less cooking time over the coals;
Meat cooked on a barbecue is cooked at a high temperature and this can cause the meat to be over-done or burnt on the outside. This 'charring' of the meat can cause chemicals known as 'carcinogens' to form. These carcinogens are formed in two ways - firstly (this is the technical bit!) from the breakdown of amino acids, and secondly from fat dripping from the meat on to the coals below, creating chemicals in the smoke which can then land back on the meat.
Carcinogens are known as cancer-triggering chemicals - prolonged exposure to them can damage the cells in the body and leave it less able to repair itself.
Here are some tips to help you to reduce your consumption of these chemicals when barbecuing:
- Choose lean cuts of meat so less fat will drip on to the coals;
- Trim excess fat from the meat before cooking;
- Pre-cook meat before putting on the barbecue, so it then requires less cooking time over the coals;
- Wrap the meat in foil as this will help to prevent the outside being over-cooked;
- Wait until the flames have died down and the coals are glowing red before putting your meat on the barbecue;
- Wait until the flames have died down and the coals are glowing red before putting your meat on the barbecue;
- Ensure you effectively clean your grill between each use, to prevent the build-up of fat.
Great tip!
Place chopped fruits and vegetables on the barbecue (such as chunky peppers and onion), chop the meat in to pieces, and make them in to skewers - this means you are consuming less of the meat, and fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients so this is a healthier alternative to a traditional barbecue meal.
Overall meat is best cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Please remember it's important to ensure it is cooked through before eating, particularly when cooking chicken, as undercooked meat contains bacteria which can cause food poisoning. Ensure all juices run clear and white meat should not have any pink parts remaining.
Happy (and safe) barbecuing!
(image courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987)
Great tip!
Place chopped fruits and vegetables on the barbecue (such as chunky peppers and onion), chop the meat in to pieces, and make them in to skewers - this means you are consuming less of the meat, and fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients so this is a healthier alternative to a traditional barbecue meal.
Overall meat is best cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Please remember it's important to ensure it is cooked through before eating, particularly when cooking chicken, as undercooked meat contains bacteria which can cause food poisoning. Ensure all juices run clear and white meat should not have any pink parts remaining.
Happy (and safe) barbecuing!
(image courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987)
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