Usually, you consume meat and beer separately. But you might want to start combining them—at least when it comes to grilling. A new study that appeared in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society, suggests that soaking meat in a brew marinade might make it healthier.
It has to do with carcinogenic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are found in higher concentrations in foods cooked at super-high temperatures, such as smoked and charcoal-grilled meats. Past studies have linked PAHs to a higher incidence of colorectal cancer, and previous research has also shown that beer or wine marinades may cut levels of other carcinogenic compounds in meat. With this in mind, researchers tested the idea that marinating meat in beer before cooking it might reduce the formation of PAHs.
MORE: Could Fried Food Increase Your Alzheimer's Risk?
For four hours, researchers soaked supermarket-purchased pork loin steaks in three different types of brew: pilsner (a pale lager), black beer (a dark lager), and nonalcoholic pilsner. The results: Compared to non-marinated pork loin, the black beer marinade reduced the formation of PAHs by 68 percent, the pilsner by 36.5 percent, and the nonalcoholic brew by 25 percent.
The researchers aren't exactly sure why dark beer may make meat healthier to consume, but they suspect that the antioxidants in it (yup, it has some!) may inhibit PAH production. More research needs to be done, but in the meantime, consider it a decent reason to soak your steaks in dark suds next time you play pit master at a cookout. And while you're at it, check out these other ways to grill safely.
MORE: How to Grill: Bobby Flay's Grilling Tips
Powered by WPeMatico
No comments:
Post a Comment