CHP Professor Christen Cupples Cooper discusses cooking techniques for veterans and enthusiasts:
“Cooking meats above 300°F, which usually results from grilling or pan frying, can form compounds called HCAs (heterocyclic amines) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that may be harmful to human DNA.” While these findings require further research, Cooper explains that high temperatures may activate certain enzymes and increase cancer risk. She then has these pieces of advice: “Avoid cooking foods for any length of time over an open flame or hot metal surface, turn meat frequently during cooking, and cut away charred portions of meat.”