Public Health Activist and Twitter influencer Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has revealed the danger of consuming locally grilled meat called Suya.
Suya is a traditional smoked spiced meat skewer, which originates from Northern Nigeria, Hausa Land and is a popular food item across West Africa.
A video shared by the medical practitioner on his Twitter page disclosed that Suya could be a cause of cancer.
Aproko Doctor explained that the process used in making these delicacies are unhygienic and bad for the health.
Explaining in medical terms, he stated that when meat is roasted over open flames, it releases some compounds that activate some enzymes in the body once consumed.
The 30-year-old further explained that it is safer for meats to be air fried or oven grilled, but not cooked through open flames.
In his words, Aproko Doctor said, “I know you think I’m here to remove the last piece of joy in your life but there is no easy way to do this. Suya can give you cancer.
“When you burn meat over open flames, it creates chemicals known as polycyclic, aromatic, hydrocarbons or heterocyclic imines. These particular compounds may get activated by certain enzymes in your body that end up damaging your DNA. Damage to this DNA- cancer“
Stating how meat should be prepared, he said, “Ensure that your meat is not cooked over open flames. You can air fry your met, or grill it in the oven when it is not over open flames.
“Remove the burnt side of the meat because they are exposed. They contain a higher concentration of these compounds. Eat smaller portions of grilled meat.”