We’ve always been big fans of science and food, but when science comes along and proves that adding more flavor to food can actually make it healthier to eat, even we stand in appreciation. Well, that’s just what researchers at Kansas State University attempted to prove with their work on meat marinades. In layman’s terms, cancer-causing compounds heterocyclic amines (HCA) are produced during grilling. Researchers discovered that adding certain marinades to the meat before grilling decreased the HCA content by over 50 percent for most marinade blends, and 88 percent for a Caribbean blend. Apparently the antioxidants in marinades’ herbs and spices help decrease the HCA while also adding to the overall flavor of that chicken you’re grilling. This is great news for Grill Lovers like us, and while we wonder if a healthy BBQ (oxymoron?) can sustain itself, we certainly will give it our all.
WileyInterscience: Marinating Your Meat Is Good. I Wish I Took A Chemistry Class