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Grilled Meats and Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 1 min read

This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.

Published on August 16, 2019, a long-standing debate has surrounded the potential link between grilled meat and cancer.

Research suggests that when meat is cooked at high temperatures, amino acids, sugars, and creatines combine to form carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer, even when pan-frying.

The grilling process further amplifies this risk, as meat juices dripping onto flames create hydrocarbons that stick to the meat, elevating cancer risk.

Fortunately, several simple strategies can help mitigate this risk without compromising on summer barbecues with friends and family.

These include marinating meat, cooking at lower temperatures, managing flames and smoke, raising the grill rack, trimming fat, and avoiding processed meats.

For the most effective reduction in cancer risk, consider using a gas grill to minimize smoke and flames.

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