Grilling—the act of cooking food directly over a flame or heat source—doesn’t just create delicious food, it has positive health benefits as well. Whether you cook on a charcoal or a gas grill, the following are some of the advantages you can get from grilling.

1. Grilling is a healthy cooking option. Grilling can help keep things healthy because fat drips away from the food as it cooks. This prevents unnecessary calories from soaking into the meat. It also helps to char and seal in the natural juices, keeping the food moist and flavorful.

2. Grilling is a great way to reduce carcinogens. When fat from burgers and sausages drip into the flame, it can cause smoke and release carcinogens into the air. But when cooking on a grill, much of the fat is able to evaporate instead of dripping off into the fire, reducing these unhealthy by-products.

3. Grilling adds flavor to food. The intense heat of the grill can also lock in and enhance flavors, creating a unique char-grilled flavor that simply can’t be replicated with other cooking methods.

4. Grilling is an easy and fast way to cook. By using higher temperatures, food takes less time to cook and can be quickly served right off the grill.

5. Grilling creates a social atmosphere. Cooking over an open flame is a great way to get people together. Whether it’s a barbecue in the backyard or a campfire for the night, grilling is a great way to enjoy good food and company.

The health and flavor benefits of grilling are undeniable, and you don’t have to be an expert chef to take advantage of it. With a few simple tips and techniques, you can become a pro in no time. So fire up the grill and enjoy tasty, healthy food all summer long.