Study States Well Done Meat has this DEADLY Secret! – Inner Strength Massage & Bodywork

By Gillian B

In our modern world, we want everything to be fast, convenient and easy. With the sped up pace, we end up cutting corners, in an effort to squeeze more into our days. However research on cooking meats at high temperatures is of great concern and only confirms the ancient Ayurvedic premise that all foods should be cooked gently or ‘low & slow’ (2).

The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health reported on the cancer risks from cooking meat at high temperatures. When meat from the muscle of beef, pork, fish and poultry are cooked using high temperatures, cancer-causing heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed. (1)

Which makes this look a lot less appealing.

HCAs and PAHs are mutagenic – meaning, they cause DNA mutations that may increase the risk of cancer. (2) While further research is warranted to qualify harmful levels of exposure, The National Cancer Institute reports: “Researchers found that high consumption of well-done, fried, or barbecued meats was associated with increased risks of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer”.

Meats cooked at high temperatures, especially above 300 degrees Fahrenheit (such as when grilling or pan frying), or that are cooked for a long time (well done) tend to form more HCAs. For example, well-done, grilled, or barbecued chicken and steak have higher concentrations of these cancer-causing compounds. (1)

HCAs form when amino acids, sugars, and creatine react at high temperatures. A similar process also takes place when cooking plant-based foods, which creates a dangerous compound called acrylamides. (1)

PAHs are formed when fat and juices from meat grilled directly over an open fire drip onto the fire, causing flames. These flames then contain PAHs that then adhere to the surface of the meat. (1)

While HCAs are not found in significant amounts in foods other than meat cooked at high temperatures, PAHs can be found in charred and smoked foods, as well as in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes. (1)

Here is what The National Institutes of Health suggests for avoiding these cancer-causing chemicals: (1)

HCA and PAH formation can be reduced by avoiding direct exposure of meat to an open flame or a hot metal surface.
Reduce the cooking time to avoid eating well-done meat.
Turning meat over while on a high-heat source can substantially reduce HCA formation.
Remove charred portions of meat and refrain from using gravy made from meat drippings.

Dr. John Doullard states: “According to Ayurveda, we should cook all foods over a low flame and never eat burned or charred foods. Boiling meats in a stew is a traditional method that minimizes the high temperature risks of burning or overheating the food.”

In conclusion, if you are going to eat meat and really get the maximum nutrition with the least risk, it is safer to opt for baking, roasting, braising, boiling and slow cooking your animal products at temperatures lower than 300 F.

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