Charcoal grills pose some health issues. The intense heat of grilling creates carcinogens on meat, and the smoke flavor that we all love is a deposition of smoke particles on the food, again carcinogenic. But the same is tru of cooking with any high-heat source, be it an electric grilling unit, gas grill, a broiler, wood, or even a very hot pan.
Slow cooking on the grill (barbecuing over an indirect heat source, usually hardwood) will minimize the carcinogen production on the food. But I am one who believes implicitly that all fresh foods are healthful, when eaten with wisdom and in moderation.
It seems that we are finding more and more (through scientific study) that the simple rule stated in scripture is absolutely true. Too much of any one food type places stress on the body, be it sugar, meat, vegetable, or mineral.
And again, by eating a moderate amount of a wide variety of foods, we are certain of getting the required nutrients to maintain good health.
Fast food is evil because it is so limiting, and because it contains way too much of food types that should be eaten in moderation, i.e. fat and starch. Though these are essential nutrients, they should be consumed sparingly.
That doesn't mean you can never have a Big Mack; it just means you shouldn't make it your primary meal choice.
And, there are benifits to grilling over charcoal. Because the food is more flavorful, it takes less of it to satisfy you. Also, fat drips from meats and into the fire. You don't injest as much.
For me, a good rule of thumb is that every thing you can think of is a double-edged sword. It has a positive and negative side to it. You just need to know both sides and make your decisions accordingly.
Seeeeeya; Goodweed of the North
