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Grilling Season: Two Risk Factors to Keep in Mind
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Dana-Farber nutritionist offers tips to reduce cancer risk while grilling The arrival of summer means it’s time for picnics, parties and the kick off of outdoor grilling season. But before taking that first juicy bite, there are a few things to know about barbecuing safely. All that sizzling and flipping on the gas or charcoal grill may also be cooking up cancer-causing chemicals, warn experts at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. And surprisingly, those chemicals have been linked to breast, stomach, prostate, and colon cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, But Stacy Kennedy, a Dana-Farber nutritionist, says that doesn’t mean giving up those tasty summer time treats like burgers, steaks, and ribs. “It’s really about planning ahead and making wise choices.” There are two risk factors to keep in mind. First, research has shown that high-heat grilling can convert proteins in red meat, pork, poultry, and fish into heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These chemicals have been linked to a number of cancers. “What happens is that the high temperature can change the shape of the protein structure in the meat so it becomes irritating in the body and is considered a carcinogenic chemical,” explains Kennedy. Another cancer-causing agent, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is found in the smoke. PAHs form when fat and juices from meat products drip on the heat source. As the smoke rises it can stick to the surface of the meat. “That’s where the main cancer causing compound occurs in grilling,” says Kennedy. “So you want to reduce the exposure to that smoke.” How to lower the risk? Here are some tips.
Prep the Meat
• Choose lean cuts of meat, instead of high-fat varieties such as ribs and sausage. • Trim all excess fat and remove skin. • When using marinades – thinner is better. Thicker marinades have a tendency to “char,” possibly increasing exposure to carcinogenic compounds.
• Look for marinades that contain vinegar and/or lemon. They actually create a protective barrier around the meat.
Limit time – limit exposure
• Always thaw meat first. This also reduces the cooking time. • Partially cook meat and fish in a microwave for 60 to 90 seconds on high before grilling and then discard the juices. This will lower cooking time and reduce risk of cause smoke flareups.
Grilling techniques
• Flip burgers often - once every minute – to help prevent burning or charring. • Place food at least six inches from heat source. • Create a barrier to prevent juices from spilling and producing harmful smoke. Try lining the grill with aluminum foil and poking holes, and cooking on cedar planks.
Plan ahead and choose wisely
• Lean meats create less dripping and less smoke. • Choose smaller cuts of meat, like kabobs, as they take less time to cook. • Try grilling your favorite vegetables. They do not contain the protein that forms harmful HCAs.
Farmers Market at Canandaigua VA The Canandaigua VA Medical Center is hosting a weekly farmers market. It takes place from 1:30 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 8. Local vendors sell fresh fruits and produce in the Andrew Jackson Parking Lot, located in front of Building #1. The Farmers Market is open to the general public. For more information, please contact Debbie Brahm, at 585-3937803. The Canandaigua VA Medical Center is located at 400 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua. July 2013 •
African-Americans
are under-represented in health research. You can help change that.
Every day, clinical trials and studies are helping to find better ways to treat and prevent disease. But there’s one problem: AfricanAmericans don’t participate in health research as much as others do. And that means we don’t know enough about the best ways to keep you healthy. There’s something you can do to change that: Consider participating in a clinical trial or study to improve treatments for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. To learn more, visit RocHealthResearch.urmc.edu or call (585) 758-7877.
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