I keep reading how the common herb we warmly know as rosemary seems to stop cancer cold in its tracks. More specifically, food scientists have found that rosemary inhibits the formation of HCAs – carcinogenic compounds that form when you cook protein – by as much as 79%! (This study in particular took place at Kansas State University) Include rosemary in your next marinade, especially when bbq-ing or cooking at high temperatures, for a significantly healthier meal! Other herbs that reduce cancer causing compounds include: basil, mint, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, garlic and thyme.
{Rosemary Infused Grilled Chicken Breasts – Image & Recipe from GrillingCompanion.com}
Here are some more tips from Natural News for reducing the risk of cancer from cooked meats:
- Cook at lower temperatures. The higher the temperature the more HCAs and other cancer causing compounds are formed.
- Bake whenever possible. With baking it is easier to control temperature and the highest amount of cancer causing compounds are produced by grilling, barbecuing and pan frying.
- Don’t make gravy from meat drippings. The National Cancer Institute warns that meat drippings – even from meats cooked at lower temperatures – contain substantial amounts of HCAs.
- Limit consumption of meats, especially high-fat meats, reduce the portion sizes, select lean cuts and trim the fat on meats.
- Avoid charring meat and eating charred parts.
- Be sure to eat at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables.
Krystal/Village
/ December 2, 2010Ummm yeah going to get some of that now!
Diana Mieczan
/ December 2, 2010That is so interesting. I really try to look out for all those stuff and eat fruits and veggies as much as I can:)
Kisses, darling
Happy Thursday
Jessica
/ December 2, 2010This is wonderful news!
PriscilaPetersDecor
/ December 2, 2010Yes, indeed! Rosemary + meat are bffs. We always cook using this combination and I simply love it! We also bake potatos with rosemary… yummy!
Have a lovely day!
Jude
/ December 2, 2010Oh oh, you totally hit on one of my favourite things ever, adding rosemary to chicken (not to mention Thanksgiving turkeys:))! If you try it along with lemon, garlic, olive oil and nice sea salt, it’s also another heavenly combination of flavours :)
All Natural Annie
/ December 2, 2010Yes!!! That is the ultimate combination! :)
Dylan
/ December 2, 2010Rosemary is SO great with meat! Now we know why! (too bad about charred and gravy points–some of the tastiest parts)
Valerie
/ December 2, 2010I love rosemary with meat. My grandma used to have a rosemary bush and put it in everything. I should use it more often though. Thanks for the info!
xo
Valerie
Alleen
/ December 2, 2010I am so glad you posted this…rosemary is one of my favorites!!! I actually used it on Thanksgiving and you’re right, it’s like the forgotten herb or the over looked one. I can’t wait to try this recipe, yummy!! xoxo
Hannah
/ December 2, 2010I actually baked some rosemary chicken a few days ago. Good to know it was healthier than I thought! :-)
Mom
/ December 2, 2010The drippings from meat is FAT… we should not eat animal fat.. Rosemary I haven’t read, heard it in a song…lol.. but cummin.. that’s got to be good.. That chix looks great tho… love yaXXXXXXx OOOO
NIKKI
/ December 2, 2010Omg so interesting! This is crazy! Also so awesome because it tastes so delicious!!!
xx
Nikki
Lee Oliveira
/ December 2, 2010Yumm.. this meal not only looks great but its perfect!
LOx
Shawna
/ December 3, 2010I love rosemary! And I love how it is so easy to grow and spreads throughout the garden!
Alejandra
/ December 3, 2010Great tips!!