Grilling is indeed a lot of fun – it’s a time to spend time with family and friends and enjoy delicious food fresh off the grill. But the best part is that eating grilled food is actually good for your health!
Cooking food on the grill is healthier compared to food prepared in an oven or on a stovetop. Find out why – here are the top 5 health benefits of grilling your food:
Vegetables retain more vitamins and minerals
Vegetables, especially those with low water content, retain more vitamins and minerals when cooked over the fire on the grill. Also, the veggies you prepare when you grill are usually fresh and seasonal, which is better than the canned variety.
Just be sure to wrap the produce in aluminum foil or use a wire rack so they stay moist and don’t burn crisp and dry out.
Meat retains more nutrients
Just like fresh produce, any type of meat cooked over hot coals retains most of its moisture and nutrients. Meat cooked over fire helps preserve levels of riboflavin and thiamin, both of which play an essential role in a healthy diet.
You use less oil or butter
When frying or cooking in an oven, we use oil or butter to keep food moist while it is exposed to heat. And since food cooked on a grill locks in more moisture, you’re less likely to add oil or use butter and other seasonings to cook your food. Not only does this mean you’re reducing the calorie count of the dish, but you’re also putting less unhealthy stuff into your body.
You consume less fat
Remember to cook a fatty piece of meat – one on the grill and one in the pan. Excess fat will drip off the grates when grilling, but in a pan the fat has nowhere to go and will eventually be absorbed back into the meat.
You get fresh air
Everyone knows that the sun and fresh air have many benefits for the body. The simple act of spending time outside, even in your yard, will do you good. Being outside, especially with friends or family, encourages physical activity – many parents throw a ball or play with their children while having a barbecue.
Keep these 5 top health benefits of grilling in mind the next time you can’t decide what to cook for dinner!
Thanks to Adrian T. Cheng
