Stay away from overeating

Cyprus International University Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Dağ mentioned that the amount and frequency of red meat and at the same time dessert consumption increase during the Eid, and advised that “people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure should not prefer it as their fat content, saturated fat, and cholesterol content is higher and should not be excessive in its consumption”.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Dağ drew attention to the point that meat is one of the foods that is difficult to digest and noted that the hardness of the meat of newly slaughtered animals causes difficulty in both cooking and digestion.

It was relayed by Dağ that for this reason, it is important to rest the meat for 24-48 hours after cutting the meat and be reminded that it is healthier to boil or grill as a cooking method. He also recommended to avoid frying and cooking meat in its oil.

Pay attention to the high heat
It was emphasized that the method of cooking food for a long time and frying at very high temperatures may lead to the formation of "carcinogenic substances", so it should not be preferred.

Providing information about the cooking processes of the meat on the grill, Dağ also stated that the distance between meat and fire should be 10-15 cm, the internal temperature of the meat should be at least 75 ° C and it is important not to cook with high temperature to ensure nutritional safety.

Do not freeze twice
Recommending that the Qurbani meat should not be cut into large pieces, but it should be cut into small pieces and stored as one pack for each meal; "The meat prepared in this way can be stored for 3-4 months at -18 degrees in the deep freezer," said Dağ.

Stating that the defrosting of the meat after freezing will create a breeding environment for some "microorganisms", Dağ added that the defrosted meat should be cooked quickly and not be frozen again.

Finally, Ayhan Dağ said that it is important to ensure that the meat is defrosted in the refrigerator compartment, and highlighted that, "To prevent contamination, raw vegetables and fruits should not be chopped on the same chopping boards used in meat preparation".