Many people enjoy a tender grilled chicken breast, sirloin steak, or filet of fish, and nothing says summer quite like a good old fashioned barbecue. But if you aren't careful, a summer of enjoying barbecued cuisine can prove deadly to your health.
It has been well documented that undercooking meat can cause a variety of food borne diseases. But it's now apparent that overcooking can be just as bad, if not worse, as studies reveal that it can cause cancer.
The true culprit is charred meat, the portion of the meat that's essentially turned into charcoal due to overheating. Scientists found that charred meat produces a compound called PhIP, which has been shown to cause various types of cancers in rats.
The findings were revealed at a conference for the American Association for Cancer Research in April, wherein they showed that when PhIP was mixed in with rats? food, their spleens, prostates and intestines underwent cancerous genetic mutations after four weeks.
If this isn't bad enough, other evidence suggests that PhIP isn't the only malignant compound that's produced when meat is charred. Another compound called heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, can increase the risk of various cancers in humans, including prostate, colon, stomach and breast cancer.
Yet another compound worthy of concern is called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. PAHs form when fats from chicken, steak and types of fish are re-deposited onto the barbecued slab, due to the high heat and smoke brewing from the hibachi, after the fatty oils have dripped on the hot coals below.
So, do findings like this mean you should swear off barbecuing forever? Certainly not. And even if it did, it's not likely that the thousands of Americans who barbecue regularly even would. However, caution can and should be taken when eating and preparing for a barbecue:
Get the Grill Goin??If you haven't used the grill for awhile, its best to give it a good clean by turning up the heat to high and closing the lid for about 10 minutes. This will remove the caked oil and grease from past grilling
Cut the Fat?Not only does trimming the fat off meat reduce saturated fat content, it also greatly reduces the likelihood of PAH compounds forming
Remove Charred Meat Portions from the Meat Before Serving or Eating
Marinade Meat?Marinating does mean extra preparation, but scientists believe that the ingredients in marinades act as a sort of shield for the meat, reducing the chances of carcinogenic compounds forming significantly
Wash Your Hands?This is common sense, but cleaning your hands thoroughly?for at least 20 seconds'is essential when handling raw meat
Avoid Cross Contamination?The easiest way to avoid this is to use two different plates when handling food: One plate for raw meat, another plate for cooked meats. The same standard should apply for cutting raw and cooked meat products (i.e. different utensils and cutting boards)
Pre-cook Meats?Boiling chicken wings or heating up pieces of swordfish or steak in the oven prior to grilling is a great way to ensure it's fully cooked
Flip Frequently?Once you've made it to the grill, don't just leave it alone only to flip the burger once or twice. Research indicates that flipping frequently at a low heat hastens the time it takes to get the barbecued fare from the grill to the dinner table.
Exercise Portion Control?The thicker the meat, the longer it takes to cook thoroughly. Keeping the cuts small will fix this
Keep a Thermometer Handy?Judging whether or not meat is cooked thoroughly enough shouldn't be done just by examining its inner color. The U.S. Department of Health advises that chicken should be cooked to at least 165 degrees, hamburger to 160 degrees, pork to 150 degrees and hot dogs to at least 140 degrees. Steak should be cooked to 145 degrees for medium rare and 160 degrees for medium
Following these 10 tips will help provide you with yet another fun, safe and delicious season of barbecue bonanza.
The use of ventless fireplaces has become very popular in new homes and when rehabbing older homes. The reasons for their popularity are many. The primary reasons though have to do with ease of installation and the flexibility that you get when you don't have to worry about flues and chimneys. For multi-unit buildings such as condos, being self contained is a real advantage and very cost effective. It makes individual fireplaces practical when you don't need chimneys and flues for each unit.
They are also very popular when remodeling or rehabbing a home. They can easily be added to bedrooms, studies, dens or other rooms. But there are potential hazards that should be considered. We all know that when natural gas burns carbon monoxide is generated. That's why all gas furnaces and water heaters are vented through a chimney. So how is it that we can burn the same natural gas in a ventless fireplace and not worry?
Well part of the reason is that the technology of the burners is much better and burns cleaner than in your furnace or water heater. The amount of carbon monoxide is far less with a ventless fireplace. Nonetheless, since the fireplace is ventless, carbon monoxide and other gases are vented directly into the room instead of up a chimney to the outside.
The burning of natural gas has as a by-product the production of water. The water that is produced when a gas ventless fireplace is in use is released into your home in the form of water vapor. Most of us won't complain about added humidity in the dry winter months, but too much of anything can cause problems. In this case mold and mildew can form. If this warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as in the attic or behind walls other hidden damage can result.
There is a way to protect your home and family from these hazards and still have that ventless fireplace anywhere you want. There are two types of ventless fireplaces that eliminate the toxic carbon monoxide and the excess water. The answer lies in the gel fuel fireplace or the electric fireplace. Both of these are safe, clean fireplaces that give the look of a real fire without all the potential hazards.
The gel fuel fireplace burns an alcohol based fuel in a can. It is clean burning and odorless. It will give you a real flame and the sound of a crackling fire. The best part is that this fireplace is portable with easy installation and very little maintenance. The fire while real won't give off much heat so don't count on this as an alternative heat source.
The electric fireplace is another great choice. With easy installation and little maintenance they are perfect for any room or office. Most models will come equipped with a heating unit and fan or blower for circulating warm air throughout the room. While that won't replace your primary source of heat they will warm a small room. The biggest disadvantage with these is the lack of a real flame. If you miss the crackle of a real fire, this probably is not the type for you. But they do come in a wide variety of styles and finishes making them a truly spectacular addition to the home.
With all these alternatives why risk the potential hazards of the gas ventless fireplace. Protect your home and family and enjoy that fireplace you've always wanted. These fireplaces will look beautiful and give you years of care free service.
Both Frank Mangano & John Stoner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Frank Mangano has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mental Health, Anger Control and Nutrition. Frank Mangano dedicates his life to finding solutions for people interested in reducing their risk of health problems and improving their overall quality of life naturally without the use prescription medication. To learn more, visit one of the most compr. Frank Mangano's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
John Stoner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Koi Fish Pond, Family and Home Management. John Stoner is the owner of a website featuring decorating tips and ideas for the home, patio, deck and garden. Here you'll. John Stoner's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.