Herbs and spices flavor food without adding fat, sugar or calories. Even better, they might also provide a health boost. Research indicates that certain herbs and spices act as antioxidants and can help prevent inflammation. In addition, if you like to grill or broil meat, pork, fish or poultry, marinate it first in a sauce made with black or green tea, garlic, onion, parsley or virgin olive oil to decrease the formation of heterocyclic amines, the potential cancer-causing compounds produced in meat, poultry and fish cooked at high temperatures.
Tips For Cooking
Substitute: Use brewed black or green tea (cooled) for some of the water of liquid in your favorite marinade.
Chicken: Mix lemon juice, rosemary and virgin olive oil; brush on breasts before cooking. Italian seasoning, oregano and tarragon are also great on chicken.
Fish: Lemon juice combined with garlic works great on most whitefish. Other spices that can bring out flavor include basil, garlic, lemongrass, parsley, rosemary and thyme.
Muscle & Fitness hers Magazine Sept / Oct 2009
