when life gives you lemons
- Blair
- May 9, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: May 3, 2024
make barbecue
what are Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)?
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemicals that occur naturally in fossil fuels. They result from burning coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage and tobacco. 50%-70% of all PAH exposure in humans is through cooking meat. PAH forms when animal fat drips onto a flame, and the chemicals formed rise back up through steam and soak into the meat.
hazards of PAHs to the human body?
Reduces lung function
Worsens asthma
Increases lung diseases
Increases cardiovascular diseases Increased risk of cancer
however, these problems can be solved…
By a natural hero: lemon. PAH production decreases when exposed to an acidic mixture. Adding lemon juice to marinated meat before grilling can reduce PAH by 70%.

recipe for action
How to apply lemon to cooking meat perfectly: (*Applicable to many types of meat.)
Marinate your meat.
Cut the lemon.
Squeeze lemon onto your marinated meat.
Let it sit for 10-30 mins.
Grill/barbecue and enjoy!
By Duy Nguyen, Nhi Tai, Lucca Muchmore, Jiaci Chen.
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