Unbelievable! Suya, Kilishi, Asun, others cause Kidney cancer.

A new study published online in the journal CANCER found that diets high in meat might lead to an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) through intake of carcinogenic compounds created by various cooking techniques such as barbecuing and pan-frying.

The report came from researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States. They also discovered that individuals with specific genetic mutations are more susceptible to the harmful compounds created when cooking at high temperatures.

Suya is a spicy shish kebab like skewered meat which is a popular food items that is enjoyed as a delicacy in various parts of Nigeria.  Suya is generally made with skewered beef, ram or chicken. Innards (intestines) such as kidney, liver and tripe are also used. The thinly sliced meat is marinated in various spices, which include peanut cake, salt, vegetable oil and other flavouring and then barbecued. The dried version of Suya is called Kilishi.

Barbecue which is both a cooking method and an apparatus. While some prefer barbecuing, others prefer grilling. The generally accepted differences between barbecuing and grilling are the cooking times and the types of heat used. Grilling is generally done quickly over moderate-to-high direct heat with little smoke while barbecuing is done slowly over low indirect heat and the food is flavoured by the smoking process.

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer. According to the researchers, a possible mechanism could be ingestion of meat-cooking mutagens, harmful compound created when the meat is cooked in certain way.

So, fun lovers and ever conscious healthy Nigerians, where do we go from here? What’s is safe to eat and what is not safe. The choice is Ours!

One of our objectives @ Foodpreneur News is to heighten your awareness on the importance of food safety knowledge, sanitation and tips on healthy living.

Suya display in the market place

The choice is Ours!

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