5 Tips on Grilling and Marinating Meat

The barbecue season is upon us. It’s a time to celebrate by grilling. Grilling is an easy and lowfat way to cook. Here are some tips for you if you're grilling meat.

Protect your health by marinating your meat.

Tips on the whys and hows of marinating.

1. Marinating meat, fish, and poultry significantly decreases the amount of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) produced when the meat is cooked at high temperatures, like in grilling. Marinades can reduce HCAs by as much as 99 percent.

2. Marinades may slow the growth of harmful bacteria, like listeria.

Additional Tips
1. Marinating meat with like vinegar or citrus juices or any natural acidic ingredients tenderizes the meat, making the protein in it (the meat) easier to digest. Also, marinating meats help lock in moisture so that the meat won't toughen up or dry out.

2. Only use a half cup of marinade to every pound of meat to keep the calorie count down. This formula will be enough to coat the meat yet cut down the excess.

3. It is not advised to marinate meats at room temperature. Although marinade can slow the growth of harmful bacteria, such action cannot stop bacterial growth completely, so marinate your meat in the fridge.