Sure, cooking meat at high temperatures sears in flavor, but it also produces potentially cancer-causing compounds. These compounds raise cancer risk for men and women alike. Men's prostate glands appear particularly sensitive.
Regardless of how you cook it, red meat still poses risks. There's evidence that red meat can increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating more chicken, fish and beans than red meat.
If you do choose red meat, keep it healthier with these tips:
- Keep your serving size to less than 3 ounces. That's about the size of a deck of cards.
- Choose lean cuts. Look for "round," "loin," or "sirloin" on the label.
- Turn down the heat and cook meat for longer.
- Flip it over frequently.
- Cook meat in the microwave before pan-frying. This breaks down sugars and a compound called creatine, which in turn reduces the presence of carcinogens.
Source: Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2013
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