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Simulating typical home cooking conditions, researchers from Kansas StateUniversity immersed steaks for one hour in marinades prepared from threevarieties (Caribbean, Southwest and Herb) of pre-packaged marinade mixes.These steaks, as well as non-marinated steaks and steaks in non-spicemarinades, were then grilled at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes perside. After grilling, researchers compared levels of HCAs in all steaks andfound substantial decreases in HCAs in the steaks marinated withantioxidant-rich spices and herbs.
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"When the various steaks grilled in the study were compared, it was clearthat the spice and herb marinades were responsible for the most dramaticreduction in HCAs," said Hamed Faridi, PhD, Vice President of Research &Development for McCormick & Company, Inc. "These results are attributed to theantioxidant-rich qualities of the spices and herbs."
Pre-packaged spice and herb marinade mixes like McCormick(R) GrillMates(R) make it easy and convenient to add flavor and protective healthbenefits to this summer's cookouts. The Grill Mates line-up offers pre-mixedsimplicity with favorite flavor combinations like Southwest, Zesty Herb,Mesquite and more. Visit http://www.grillmates.com to learn more.
For those who prefer to create their own antioxidant-rich marinades fromscratch, McCormick has identified key spices and herbs with the highestantioxidant capacity. These "Super Spices" are: cinnamon, oregano, red pepper,ginger, rosemary, thyme, and yellow curry. Did you know that just a halfteaspoon of dried oregano packs about the same antioxidant power as a quartercup of almonds or almost four cups of fresh spinach(2)?
To begin enjoying healthful homemade marinades, simply mix up a quickblend of antioxidant-rich spices and herbs, then add a few simple ingredients-- including other antioxidant superstars like green tea or pomegranate juice-- and you're just minutes away from six deliciously different marinades, eachbursting with flavor and antioxidants. "Encouraging Americans to grill withspice and herb marinades may be one more nutritious way we can help promotegood health -- in a way that's both easy and delicious," said nutrition expertWendy Bazilian, DrPH, RD, author of the newest edition of The SuperFoodsRx(TM)series, The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients(Rodale, 2008). For marinade recipes and more information about theantioxidant benefits of spices and herbs, visithttp://www.spicesforhealth.com.
About McCormick
With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, homeeconomists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company,Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 inBaltimore, MD. Today it is the largest spice company in the world. McCormicksources only the finest ingredients from around the globe to bring the highestquality flavors to consumers. For more information, visit McCormick online athttp://www.mccormick.com, or call 1-800-MEAL-TIP (1-800-632-5847). McCormickdoes not endorse or provide any advice about prevention, diagnosis, treatmentor curing of any health-related condition.(1) Smith JS, Ameri F, Gadgil P. Effect of marinades on the formation of heterocyclic amines in grilled beef steaks. Journal of Food Science.
