Goose is the common name for the species in the Waterfowl family Anatidae, which includes duck and swans. Males (or gander) are bigger in comparison to females (or geese) and goslings (young or baby geese). One or a gaggle (a group of geese) on sensing any danger make gabbling cries (or loud honking noise).
• Goose Meat are excellent in Selenium,
• Goose Meat are very good in Protein, Total Fat, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Saturated Fatty Acid, Monounsaturated Fats, Cholesterol,
• Goose Meat have average trace of Energy, Magnesium, Vitamin C,
Health Benefits of Goose Meat
Anti-Aging
• Goose Meat contain Copper which is essential for producing melanin (the pigment that gives colour to Eyes, Skin and Hair) and helps slow down the aging process.
• Goose Meat contain Proteins which have Anti-Inflammatory and anti-oxidants properties, thus inhibits Protein oxidation which can interfere with the calpain system by inhibiting m-calpain activity, therefore causing aging.
Foods & Bones
Bones
• Goose Meat contain Phosphorus and Calcium which is essential to maintain healthy teeth and strong Bones, promotes the tooth enamel and Gum health, provides relief from the ailments (such as Osteoporosis).
• Phosphorus is essential for healthy Bones and teeth as Phosphorus Metabolism is supported by an adequate Calcium and Vitamin D intake, both of which are famous for promoting the formation of a strong, healthy Bone frame.
• Goose Meat contain Protein which stimulates the production and activity of insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] that stimulates Bone formation and the regulation of Bone Metabolism.
• Chelates serve to bind Calcium for maintaining homeostatic cytosolic concentrations, thus Protein-bound Calcium is not usable by tissues due to its inability to diffuse through membranes.
Precaution:
* Protein intake is a determinant of urinary Calcium excretion.
* High Protein intakes in the form of meat and Dairy products have been linked with hip fracture, because the consumption of animal Protein (which is rich in Sulfur-containing Amino Acids) contributes to an acidic environment, leading to higher excretion of Calcium in urine.
Foods & Bones
Cancer & Tumor Prevention
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B12 whose supplementation is now being studied as a way to help lower the risk of certain kinds of Cancers (including cervical, Prostate and Colon Cancers), especially when taken with Folate.
• A deficiency in Vitamin B12 prevents Folate from being converted into its active form, therefore DNA is not able to be properly replicated and can become damaged (it is thought that Cancer results from damaged DNA).
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B6 which has a potent Anti-Inflammatory effect, thus effective in preventing some Cancer.
• Goose Meat contain Selenium which helps Fight Cancer (anti-carcinogenic) especially Prostate Cancer.
Foods & Cancer
Cardiovascular System
• Phosphorus which is present in Goose Meat is associated with heart health that helps to prevent the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B3 (Niacin) which support cardiovascular health by being able to increase HDL (good) Cholesterol levels and lower LDL (bad) Cholesterol levels.
• Vitamin B5 maintains a normal Sodium-Potassium ratio, while Potassium capacity to control electrical impulses sent to muscles and its Fluid-balancing properties, has a direct beneficial effect on blood pressure (in both Hypertensive and non-Hypertensive patients), such as balancing/lowering Sodium levels.
• Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin with great health benefits on the red blood cell formation which has a significant improvement on cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin B12 Plays a role in maintaining heart health by helping to reduce elevated homocysteine levels (a major risk factor for heart disease).
• homocysteine is an Amino Acids and its levels in the blood are inFluenced by blood levels of B-complex Vitamins (including Vitamin B12).
• Copper enhances blood circulation, helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate and triglyceride levels by minimizing oxidation of LDL Cholesterol, reducing plaque buildup in arteries and preventing hardening of The Arteries.
• Goose Meat contain Selenium which has anti-atherogenic properties and can prevent cardiomyopathy (a Selenium deficiency disease which causes The Heart muscle to deteriorate, leading to Heart Failure and ultimately, death).
• Goose Meat contain Monounsaturated Fats lower the risk of heart disease and Stroke, by lowering bad (LDL) Cholesterol levels, triglycerides (associated with heart disease and Fight inflammation), blood pressure, while increasing good (HDL) Cholesterol levels, and prevent abnormal heart rhythms and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of The Arteries).
• Saturated fat from animals (such as in Goose Meat) raises Cholesterol and causes cardiovascular diseases, while plant-based saturated fats are beneficial to The Heart health.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Goose Meat contain Iron which carries the oxygen and transfers it every organ in the body to perform the day to day functions.
• Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of red blood cells, while Potassium supports blood circulation, relaxes both the nerves and muscles, and nerve cell activity.
• Vitamin B12 supports the production of Bone marrow and red blood cells by supporting the erythropoiesis process (New insights into erythropoiesis: the roles of Folate, Vitamin B12, and Iron).
• It is needed to help produce a healthy level of red blood cells and also helps prevent megaloblastic Anemia (a type of Anemia which results in symptoms like chronic fatigue and weakness).
• Goose Meat contain Potassium which keeps cells healthy which helps the body’s cells work properly (relaxes both the nerves and muscles, supports blood circulation and nerve cell activity).
• Potassium is one of the most health-friendly nutrients, present in practically every cell of our body from where it ensures Fluid balance (a valuable body function).
• Goose Meat Copper content helps improve white blood cell count and is needed for efficient utilization of Iron (an essential hemoglobin, blood-building and transportation mineral), thus lowering chances of Anemia.
• Iron is important for the general well-being and oxygen transportation through the blood.
• Hemoglobin (Protein constituted) ensures a passage of oxygen in the red blood cells and very important for the molecular transportation and storage of various substances across the cell membranes (smooth flow of blood and nourishment of the body’s cells, tissues and muscles).
• Ferritin (Protein constituted) is responsible for storing Iron and blood in The Liver.
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• Potassium regulates body Fluids (extracellular Fluid) through kidney function by maintaining a balance between the amount of liquid taken in by the body and the amount of liquid eliminated by the kidneys.
• Selenium helps to rid of the effects of a number of toxic metals and antagonize the effects of a number of toxic metals by binding with some, creating inactive complexes and helping to rid of them in the system.
• Goose Meat Proteins have osmosis effect, thus capable of balancing and regulating body Fluids which in turn assists in muscles and nerve cells functioning.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) regulates high blood sugar levels and Selenium also exhibits insulin-mimetic properties, thus may help with the prevention and management of Diabetes.
• Adequate Magnesium supplementation helps reduce insulin resistance and regulate type 2 Diabetes (keeping it under control) due to the capacity of the mineral to regulate glucose (sugar) levels.
• Zinc helps keep Diabetes under control (including stabilizing the basal metabolic rate (BMR)) as soluble Fiber Carbohydrates reduce postprandial glycemia, which is associated with reduced risk of Diabetes.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Goose Meat supports digestion, through its Vitamin B3 content which is essential for the normal functions of human Digestive System, nerves, promotes healthy appetite and enhances glowing Skin.
• Vitamin B12 aids in digestion as it is needed to support a healthy Metabolism and the breakdown of foods within The Stomach by fostering healthy bacteria within the gut environment. It is uniquely absorbed in The Stomach, gastric acid and pepsin separate
• B12 from the Protein to which it is bound in food. Free Vitamin B12 attaches to intrinsic factor (a gastric secretion), forming an intrinsic factor (IF)-B12 complex that is absorbed in the small intestine.
• Copper is helpful in cleansing and detoxifying The Stomach, proper elimination of waste and ensuring the absorption of nutrients from food as Copper ions (in Water) help to maintain a good balance of pH level in the body, making the body a conducive and healthy environment for beneficial bacteria for digestion.
• Phosphorus and Vitamin B3 (especially in combination with other B-complex Vitamins) supports the activity of the Digestive System by improving digestion, regulating bowel movements and can efficiently stimulate appetite.
• Goose Meat Protein digestion is extremely important for the absorption of Amino Acids in the body as pepsin (enzymes activated by the gastric juices) start the digestion of Proteins in The Stomach and completes it in the small intestine together with the absorption of peptides and Amino Acids in the bloodstream.
Foods & Digestive System
Energy
• Goose Meat which contain Vitamin B12 is essential in providing relief from the weakness and fatigue of the Human Body,thus promoting overall stamina to cope with heavy work pressure.
• Vitamin B12 helps maintain Energy levels by benefiting your Metabolism because it’s needed to convert Carbohydrates into useable glucose in the body.
• It is also needed for neurotransmitter signaling that helps your muscles contract and gives you Energy to go about your day without feeling tired and run down.
• Manganese, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2 is responsible for the conversion of Carbohydrates and Proteins into Energy for use in the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys by enabling the body to make better use of nutrients (such as fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates).
• Vitamin B6 ensures the proper distribution of sugar and Starch and actively participates in the production of Amino Acids.
• Iron supports Energy production by increasing the amount of oxygen transported to tissues.
• When we feel exhausted, Stressed out or simply cringe at the idea of getting back up on our feet (literally), the only thing that can give us instant strength is Iron.
• Goose Meat Proteins are a major source of Energy.
• Muscle Proteins (in cases of no stored extra Proteins) break down to yield Amino Acids to provide Energy (or synthesize glucose) and ensure a continuous cells Energy supply.
Foods & Energy
Eye
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B1 which works together with essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 to offer protection against Cataract and healthy vision, with reduced prevalence of nuclear Cataract and lens opacification.
Foods & Eye
Hair
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B5 which is vital for the Hair pigmentation and Hair colour lose prevention.
• Copper is an essential element of melanin (the natural pigmentation responsible for Skin, Hair and Eyes colour whose deficiency leads to premature Hair graying).
• Melanin is produced by melanocytes only in the presence of Copper.
Foods & Hair
Immune System
• Vitamin B12 good intake lowers homocysteine levels.
• Homocysteine is an Amino Acids believed to cause cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, Depression, Schizophrenia and even Alzheimer’s Disease.
Vitamin B12 prevents autoimmune diseases as it supports the white blood cells that should be protecting us from outside threats start attacking the cells in our body.
• Vitamin B2 sustains the functions performed by all the other B-group Vitamins and prevents pellagra (a severe Vitamin B3 deficit disease).
• Vitamin B5 helps synthesize co-enzyme A (an anti-oxidant which plays a crucial part in the synthesis of fatty acids), prevents fatigue and neutralizes Anti-Biotics side effects.
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B6 which is essential to rejuvinate the Immune System and counteraction of Infections.
• Goose Meat contain Vitamin B6 which is required for proper functioning of phospholipids, Lipids that form cell membranes, and supports normal cell growth and formation of both DNA and Amino Acids, thus stimulates the Immune System by supporting cell growth, maintains healthy Lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, Lymph nodes, tonsils, Digestive tract) which produce sufficient white blood cells (or leukocytes), and supports cell activity.
• Phosphorus is important for cell repair and is contained in cell membranes (RNA and DNA) and a part of cellular phospholipid membranes involved in numerous body-wide functions (such as maintaining normal pH and hormonal balance).
• Iron supports the Immune System and increases anti-bodies production by increasing the delivery of oxygen throughout the body.
• Copper has Anti-Microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic and Anti-Inflammatory properties which helps neutralize toxins, aid cell regeneration and speedy Wounds tissue-healing, and improve white blood cell count (leukocytes), thus capable of Fighting against harmful and disease-causing microbes.
• Proteins are a source of peptides having positive biological properties (such as Anti-hypertensive, Anti-Inflammatory, opioid, Calcium-binding, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidants) and very important in building a stronger body’s self-defense mechanism (Immune System).
• Selenium has protective anti-oxidant effect that seems to inhibit cell proliferation and boosts the Immune System (anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory).
• Zinc (found in Goose Meat) aids in regulating the activity of two (2) important sense organs (smell and taste) and stimulates the immune function by increasing the body’s response to bacteria and viruses.
Note:
* A number of Alkaloids (such as emetine, harringtonine, homoharringtonine, cryptopleurine, tubulosine, hemanthamine, lycorine, narciclasine, pretazettine, pseudolycorine, tylocrepine, and tylophorine) inhibit Protein biosynthesis and can also induce cells apoptosis (cells death) by inserting substances into the DNA. Emetine from Psychotria Ipecacuanha (Rubiaceae) is the most potent plant constituent.
Foods & Immune System
Infant
• Proteins in the diet (such as in Goose Meat) supply the Amino Acids required for the growth of Infants and children and for the maintenance of tissues in adults.
Foods & Infant
Infections
• Copper has anti-bacterial properties, thus can inhibit (or even destroy) the growth of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli. (Professor Bill Keevil, University of Southampton).
• Selenium and Zinc accelerate the Wound healing process and stimulates recovery after chronic Infections, thus enhances the body’s ability to heal itself.
Foods & Infections
Intestine
• Short-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids are formed when friendly bacteria having many potential health benefits ferment Fiber in the colon, thereby responsible for many of the health benefits associated with Fiber intake, such as butyric acid (an important source of nutrition for the cells lining the colon).
• Short-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids formation are promoted by Prebiotics (types of Fiber like resistant Starch, Pectin, Inulin and arabinoxylan).
Foods & Intestine
The Liver
• Adequate consumption of Protein, Riboflavin, and Vitamin A can improve Iron absorption and decrease hepcidin secretion (a peptide and regulatory Hormone secreted by The Liver, which inhibits Iron absorption), thus may reduce the risk of hyperammonemia as it increases the function of the enzymes involved in the urea cycle.
Note:
* Protein degradation, Amino Acids oxidation and proteolysis are all increased when the synthetic function of The Liver is impacted by diseases, thus decreasing the production of several key Proteins (including albumins, Retinol-binding Proteins, protease inhibitors, coagulation factors, Iron-binding Proteins, and insulin-like growth factors). Patients with chronic Liver disease have altered concentrations of Amino Acids in the sense that, concentrations of aromatic Amino Acids is increased and concentrations of branched-chain Amino Acids is decreased.
Foods & The Liver
Metabolism
• Vitamin B12 ensures adequate Energy levels by helping the body metabolize fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates, facilitating macro-nutrients and Vitamins and Minerals absorption.
• It is crucial for addressing Adrenal fatigue, multiple metabolic functions (including Digestive enzyme production, DNA synthesis) and hormonal balance (maintaining healthy nervous and Cardiovascular Systems).
• Vitamin B12 is necessary for Folate Metabolism, DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, conversion of homocysteine to Methionine, and synthesis of the nerves myelin Sheath.
• Goose Meat Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Vitamin B5 content plays a crucial part in the conversion of ethanol, Proteins, fats and Carbohydrates into usable Energy.
• Phosphorus supports Protein formation and Energy production.
• Vitamin B6 helps maintain a healthy Thyroid and actively participates in the processes of absorption of Selenium (a crucial nutrient for good health).
• Manganese and Selenium are essential for the proper functioning of the Thyroid Gland as they support Thyroid activity (increase Metabolism), promote Thyroid Hormone production (thyroxine) activity, metabolizes nutrients (such as Vitamins, Choline, fatty acids and Cholesterol), and maintains healthy blood sugar levels.
• Copper supports the activity of the Thyroid Gland, promotes normal metabolic processes (in association with Amino Acids and Vitamins), and is involved in more than 50 different enzymes involved in various biological reactions within our body (such as Zinc, Manganese, and Selenium Metabolism).
• Magnesium supports Energy Metabolism, Protein synthesis, increases Calcium and Potassium absorption, and also necessary for reactions in Vitamin D Metabolism.
• Amino Acids is converted to metabolically essential compounds (such as nucleic acids, creatine, and porphyrins) in Protein Metabolism.
• Zinc is essential for good health as it helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, stabilizes the basal metabolic rate (BMR), plays a vital role in Protein synthesis, and regulates the production of white blood cells and cell growth.
Foods & Metabolism
Musculoskeletal System
• Protein (abundant in Goose Meat) is vital for the coordination and contraction of muscles, found in microfilaments and muscular structure, assist the growth of muscles, important for maintaining balance between breakdown of muscle Proteins and muscle Protein synthesis.
• Goose Meat Riboflavin has a vital role in repairing tissues, and speeding up of the healing process on injuries and Wounds.
• Zinc which is present in Goose Meat assists the body in healing processes.
• Vitamin B1 helps produce acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that sends messages to both muscles and nerves).
• It coordinates the activity of both muscles and nerves.
• Vitamin B1 deficiency leads to a decrease in acetylcholine production which disturbs the communication between the brain and muscles and nerves.
• Goose Meat Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 content is also essential for normal growth, cellular repair and quick Wound healing.
• Vitamin B12 prevents ataxia (a condition which leads to involuntary muscle contractions, loss if sensitivity in limbs, distorted perception, instability and overall poor muscle coordination).
• Copper optimizes/supports the activity of the Thyroid Gland, helps preserve the myelin Sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves, ensures proper use of Iron and participates in connective tissue formation enzymatic reactions. Iron supports body growth and development.
• Phosphorus (incombination with B-complex Vitamins) support nerve health by preventing muscle spasms, tingling and numbness in arms and legs, irregular heartbeat in the form of extrasystoles and breathing difficulties.
• Potassium (as an electrolyte) ensures the body has enough Water in and out of cells to conduct electrical impulses to neurons and muscles, resulting in controlled, rhythmic contractions and relaxation of both the nerves and muscles.
Selenium has powerful Anti-Inflammatory effects that helps reduce joint inflammation.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Pregnancy
• Vitamin B12 is needed to create nucleic acid or DNA (the basic genetic Material that’s used to create the entire body).
Foods & Pregnancy
Reproductive Health
• Selenium is necessary for normal testicular development (spermatogenesis and spermatozoa motility and function in males).
• Zinc regulates Reproductive organs development, thus sufficient dietary Zinc amount will increase male fertility (testicular development, sperm maturation, and testosterone synthesis) and support female fertility in all the major reproduction stages (female sexual development, ovulation, the Menstrual cycle, and conception [birth and lactation]).
Foods & Reproductive Health
Respiratory System
• Selenium help control Asthma attacks as a good intake of Selenium, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E successfully prevent and help control Asthma attacks.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Vitamin B5 (present in Goose Meat) slows down the chances of premature aging (such as age spots and wrinkles) and very essential to maintaining the Skin and its appearance.
• Vitamin B5 ensures an adequate production of healthy fat cells and contributes to healing Wounds, sores, Burns.
• Collagen (an important and abundant fibrous/structured Protein) provides much needed strength to the cells, tissues, and organ (such as Skin), thereby revitalizing/repairing/reconditioning the Skin from constant wear and tear.
• Goose Meat Zinc content is good for maintaining healthy Skin and an efficient treatment method against Acne.
• Vitamin B2 promotes beautiful Skin (contributes to Skin Health), strong nails and can also help treat dermatitis or Eczema.
• Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy Skin, Hair and nails because it plays a major part in cell reproduction.
• It benefits Skin Health by reducing redness, dryness, inflammation, Acne blemishes, Psoriasis and Eczema.
• It can also reduce Hair breakage and help nails to become stronger.
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• A combination of Zinc and Vitamin B6 promote mental function (such as the functions of neurotransmitters).
• Vitamin B6 supports the activity of the Nervous System (and it is very important for keeping Hormones balanced and healthy) as it increases the quantity of oxygen transported to cells and tissues during more intense physical activity.
• Vitamin B6 adequate intake of Pyridoxine (or Vitamin B6) helps us cope with Stress more easily. Zinc increases Energy levels and helps the brain to deal better with Stress.
• Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B3 promotes relaxation, helps strengthen nerves and improves brain function (such as both memory and concentration).
• Vitamin B1 adequate intake can relieve Stress damage to the brain and improve overall brain function significantly.
• Vitamin B1 helps in myelin development, healthy and functionality.
• Vitamin B5 supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions (such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, peripheral Neuritis, Prostatitis [or Prostate gland inflammation], premenstrual syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mouth Ulcers, and chronic fatigue syndrome and growth retardation).
• Vitamin B12 ensures the proper development of nerve cells, improves memory and helps protect the integrity of the myelin Sheath (a Nervous System and a layer surrounding the axon [the tail] of a neuron [nerve cell]).
• The myelin Sheath basically mediates communication between nerve cells. It helps maintain the health of nerve cells and also forms the cell’s myelin Sheath (the protective covering of nerves).
• Vitamin B12 and Folate is needed as a major determinant of one-carbon Metabolism, which produces the compound called SAM (S-adenosyl Methionine). SAM is crucial for neurological function, dealing with Stress and mood regulation.
• Vitamin B12 prevents memory loss, reduces neurological and brain degeneration (symptoms of ADHD and poor memory).
• Vitamin B12 benefits cognitive function due to its role in nerve health and neurotransmitter signaling and also helps maintain low levels of homocystiene, which is used to lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia).
• Vitamin B12 is required for the synthesis of a neurotransmitter related to regulating mood and can reduce symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and chronic fatigue (as over 30% of patients hospitalized for Depression are deficient in Vitamin B12).
• Copper supports the production of melatonin (a Hormone which helps improve sleep quality).
• Goose Meat contain Phosphorus supports basic chemical reactions within the body and an important component of nervous tissue, supporting the Nervous System and cognitive functions.
• Selenium is helpful in reducing the severity and treating symptoms of intracranial pressure (such as Headaches, mild speech impairment, Nausea, Dizziness and fatigue).
• Goose Meat Zinc content increases Energy levels and helps the brain to deal better with Stress.
• Several Protein complexes form Nervous System receptors which assist in the transmission/regulation of nerve signals within the cells and the central Nervous System.
Foods & Nervous System
Women Health
• Iron is especially important for menstruating women and even Anemia because of blood loss occurring monthly and during childbirth.
Foods & Women Health
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Goose Meat
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Goose Fat
Two (2) Dangerous Health Risks on Grilling Meat
Grilled meat, especially Red Meat is a well-known source of two (2) cancer-causing agents (HCA‘s and PAH‘s) which are chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and causes Cancer risk.
HCAs & PAHs
Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when muscle meat, including Beef, Pork, fish, or Poultry, is cooked using high-temperature methods, such as pan frying or grilling directly over an open flame.
• HCAs and PAHs have been found to be mutagenic (they cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of Cancer).
• HCAs and PAHs become capable of damaging DNA only after they are metabolized by specific enzymes in the body though a process called bioactivation.
1) Heterocyclic Amines (HCA’s)
HCA’s develop when the muscle Proteins of meats are exposed to high heat.
Formation of HCA’s
• HCAs are formed when Amino Acids (the building blocks of Proteins), sugars, and creatine (a substance found in muscle) react at high temperatures.
• Meats cooked at high temperatures, especially above 300ºF (as in grilling or pan frying), or that are cooked for a long time tend to form more HCAs. For example, well done, grilled, or barbecued chicken and sTeak all have high concentrations of HCAs.
2) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s)
PAH’s form in the black, charred outer portions of grilled meats when the surface fat and juices come into direct contact with the flame and smoke.
Formation of PAH’s
• PAHs are formed when fat and juices from meat grilled directly over an open Fire drip onto the Fire, causing flames. These flames contain PAHs that then adhere to the surface of the meat.
• Cooking methods that expose meat to smoke or charring contribute to PAH formation.
3) Other sources of HCA’s and PAH’s
• HCAs are not found in significant amounts in foods other than meat cooked at high temperatures.
• PAHs can be found in other charred foods, as well as in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes.
Ways to Reduce HCA and PAH formation in Cooked Meat
1) Avoiding direct exposure of meat to an open flame or a hot metal surface and avoiding prolonged cooking times (especially at high temperatures).
2) Using a microwave oven to cook meat prior to exposure to high temperatures can also substantially reduce HCA formation by reducing the time that meat must be in contact with high heat to finish cooking.
3) Continuously turning meat over on a high heat source can substantially reduce HCA formation compared with just leaving the meat on the heat source without flipping it often.
4) Removing charred portions of meat and refraining from using gravy made from meat drippings can also reduce HCA and PAH exposure.
Great Healthy Grilling Tips
1) Partially pre-cook meat in the microwave for 2 minutes.
2) Marinate before grilling. Even a quick 30 second submersion in a marinade liquid is helpful.
3) Add a 1-2 tablespoons of dried Rosemary to your meat prior to grilling.
4) Mix some “textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) into your ground meat at a 1:9 ratio.
5) Avoid well done meats and trim away any charred portions before eating.
6) Flip the meat frequently to keep the internal temperature lower.
7) Stick with lean cuts and trim away as much visible fat as possible to decrease flare ups from the open flame.
8) Grill meats as an occasional treat and consume moderate portions when you do.
9) Enjoy your grilled meat with as many “brightly colored Fruit and Vegetable as possible.