Continued from Healthy Grilling is Awesome.

Some people are afraid of grilling food because they have heard that grilling produces cancer-causing compounds, which is true, but if you know how to grill properly, you do not have to worry about something like this.

Here is how to grill chicken, burgers, steak, and vegetables the right way. Oh, by the way, did you know that veggies do not form carcinogens when grilled? Remember to pump up the veggies at your next cookout, they are good for you.

How to grill meat and poultry: trim the fat Leaner meats have less of the greasy drip that can create carcinogen-carrying smoke. “When the fatty drip hits the coals or flame, the smoke travels up and deposits carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on your meat,” says Karen Collins, R.D., nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C. Remove excess fat before grilling; for the least fat, opt for a turkey burger or loin cut of beef.

How to grill marinated meat A marinade with herbs such as rosemary, basil and oregano can reduce carcinogens by 87 percent, according to research from Kansas State University in Manhattan. The herbs contain polyphenolic antioxidants, which prevent the free radical activity that forms carcinogens on the meat’s surface, says J. Scott Smith, Ph.D., professor of food chemistry.

Clean the grill Bits of leftover meat on the rack can drop from the grate to the flames below and create more carcinogen-filled smoke. “To minimize flare-ups, scrub your grill right after each use with a wire brush,” says Catherine Mayhew, author of The Handy Mom’s Guide to Grilling. Use a nonstick cooking spray to prevent future buildup. [via]