Reducing Harmful Compounds While Grilling Meats

by Lois Breneman

We've all heard how grilling meats can be unhealthy for us, but there are ways to make it work for our good health.

Marinating meats for hours beforehand in liquid mixtures that contain rosemary and other herbs and spices can dramatically prevent harmful compounds that can form while grilling meats at high temperatures. 

The simple and tasty solution is to marinate meats in antioxidants such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, oregano and/or other spices before grilling to drastically reduce any harmful effects that normally would form when grilling meat.

Even essential oils of rosemary, thyme and oregano can be used to replace the actual herbs for adding delicious flavor and good health, but go easy.  Only a drop or two of each is needed.  Not every brand of essential oils is safe to ingest, so check into that first.  I keep my essential oils for cooking in my kitchen cabinet, along with others that I use when making smoothies.

Excellent essential oils to use in grilling are rosemary and thyme.  Garlic, oregano, and others also add to your good health.

Charred meats are a real health problem, so be sure to keep the temperature lower and be careful not to burn the meat.  If you do, remove those burnt parts before consuming.

So why not give your meats extra flavor as well, while you treat yourself and your loved ones to better health!