Does Charred Food Cause Cancer?
By Nutritional Weight and Wellness Staff
June 11, 2024
For more comprehensive information listen to the full podcast episode or watch the video at the end of this article:
This article is inspired by a recent episode of the "Dishing Up Nutrition" podcast, where dietitian Brandy Buro MS, RD, LD tackled a common concern from one of our listeners.
The question was about whether eating burnt or charred food, like burnt toast or grilled vegetables, makes you have an increased risk for cancer.
With grilling season in full swing, it’s a timely topic.
Here's a breakdown of just a few of the points from the podcast, with straightforward yes or no answers to keep it simple.
Is eating burnt food likely to significantly increase your risk of cancer?
No. Eating a bit of burnt food now and then isn't going to give you a higher risk for cancer.
While there are potentially harmful chemicals in burnt food, the evidence linking it to humans developing cancer isn't strong.
Are there harmful chemicals in overcooked food that could potentially increase cancer risk?
Yes. Overcooking food can create some nasty chemicals that, in lab studies, have been shown to alter DNA and might increase cancer risk.
However, the connection between these chemicals and cancer in humans hasn't been conclusively proven and eating small amounts occasionally isn't likely to significantly increase your risk, but it's still a good idea to take precautions when you can.
Is there conclusive evidence that eating burnt food causes cancer in humans?
No. Lab studies suggest a potential risk in eating foods that have been burnt, but there’s no solid proof that eating burnt food causes cancer in people.
Should you avoid high temperatures and long cooking times to reduce risk?
Yes. Cooking at lower temperatures and for shorter times can help reduce the formation of those harmful chemicals.
Is it safe to occasionally consume small amounts of burnt foods?
Yes. Having a little bit of burnt food occasionally is not likely to increase your cancer risk much.
Can eating a balanced diet with high-quality foods mitigate potential risks?
Yes. Eating a healthy diet consisting of a variety of real, high-quality foods like proteins, healthy fats, and colorful veggies can help keep you healthy overall.
Is it beneficial to remove charred parts from food before eating?
Yes. It can be a good idea to avoid, if possible, eating burnt food by scraping off the burnt bits - it can reduce the amount of harmful chemicals you eat.
Does eating colorful vegetables with antioxidants help counteract any potential negative effects from charred food?
Yes. The antioxidants in colorful veggies can help counteract any bad effects from eating the charred vegetables.
The short answer is avoid burning food on the grill but eating burnt foods now and again isn't going to make a huge difference to your cancer risk.
Besides, most people avoid eating burnt food because it doesn't always taste great.
