The World
Health Organization recently made headlines with their conclusion that processed
meats are cancer-causing and their classification of red meat as “probably
carcinogenic”. A new study published in the journal Cancer finds the cooking techniques used to prepare meat may play
into this risk.
The new study
found that high-temperature cooking methods may increase the risk of kidney
cancer if you consume high amounts of meat. Additionally, other studies have
found high consumption of well-done meat is associated with an increased risk
of many other types of cancer including colorectal cancer, pancreatic and
prostate cancer.
As you cook a
piece of meat the outside first begins to heat and brown, followed by the
inside. As the meat is heating it goes through multiple reactions to create
flavor and aroma compounds, called cyclic amines. The longer the meat is
exposed to heat, the more reactions take place and more compounds are
created. One of the compounds created is heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs have
been found to be mutagenic, meaning they can cause changes in DNA that may
increase the risk of cancer.
To evaluate
the association between cooking techniques and cancer risk, the researchers at The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center documented the eating and cooking
habits of people who had been diagnosed with kidney cancer. They then compared
the kidney cancer patients' habits with the habits of healthy, cancer-free
individuals.
The
researchers found that those with kidney cancer consumed more meat overall and
were more likely to cook it at higher temperatures. This includes cooking
methods such as pan frying, grilling, or cooking meat until well-done or
charred.
Bottom Line: A growing amount of
research documents the health risks associated with consuming large quantities
of meat, especially when using high-heat cooking methods to prepare the meat.
Try incorporating at least one meat-free day into your week to cut down on meat
consumption. Sources of plant-based protein include beans, seeds, nuts, grains
and edamame. If you do cook meat, research suggests that baking, broiling, sous vide or using a
Crock Pot are the safest cooking methods to use.
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