Healthy cooking·30 questions

How to properly use marinades to make meat not only tasty, but also healthy?

Answer

Proper marinating of meat serves not only a culinary purpose, but also protects the body from harmful compounds during subsequent heat treatment. When protein foods are fried over high heat or on a grill, dangerous substances known as heterocyclic amines form on their surface. Scientific studies show that the use of acidic marinades can significantly reduce this risk.

To make a healthy marinade, use bases high in antioxidants and organic acids. Lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, as well as fresh herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and turmeric work great. Acid softens muscle fibers, while antioxidants block chemical reactions leading to the formation of carcinogens.

To achieve the best result, follow a simple meat preparation technique.

Mix the acidic base with cold-pressed vegetable oil and selected spices.
Submerge the meat in the marinade so that it is completely covered with liquid.
Place the container in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes, and leave it for several hours for tough cuts.
Before putting it on the pan or grill, remove excess marinade with a paper towel to avoid excessive smoke and burning.

Avoid marinades with added sugar or store-bought sauces with a high fructose content. When heated, sugar caramelizes quickly and turns into a bitter crust containing glycation end products, which are harmful to metabolism. Homemade natural mixtures will make the dish safe, juicy, and aromatic.

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