Dr. K: Spices offer health benefits

Spices and herbs contain concentrated amounts of phytochemicals, plant chemicals that help combat disease. These nutrients are antimicrobial, which means they protect the body from bacteria and food-borne illnesses. Below are some of the latest research findings:

— When meats such as beef, pork or chicken are exposed to high heat from grilling or frying, carcinogens called HCAs form. Adding rosemary to ground beef may help prevent the formation of HCAs.

— There are many studies of cinnamon, but they unfortunately come to different conclusions. Some find that cinnamon lowers levels of blood sugar and cholesterol, but others do not. I think the jury is still out on cinnamon. (When it comes in with a verdict, I’ll let you know.)

— A small but well-designed study looked at the effect of saffron on menstrual symptoms. It found that 75 percent of women with menstrual symptoms who took 30 milligrams of saffron daily reported that mood swings and depression declined by at least half, compared with only 8 percent of women who didn’t take saffron.

Dried herbs keep their antioxidant and phytochemical content during the drying process. So whether you buy dried or fresh herbs is a matter of personal preference.

Try substituting herbs and spices for salt, added sugar or fats. This can be a healthy way to reduce excess calories without sacrificing flavor.

Here are some commonly used herbs and spices, along with health benefits that some research has attributed to them:

— CINNAMON. Helps kill any bacteria that may be in food; may lower blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

— TURMERIC. May inhibit tumor growth in colon, breast, prostate cancers; aids digestion; relieves arthritis inflammation.

— ROSEMARY. Reduces carcinogens that form on meat when grilled or fried; may reduce cancer growth; may increase ability to concentrate.

— GARLIC. May disrupt cancer cell metabolism; associated with decreased risk of stomach and colon cancers; modestly reduces blood pressure.

— PAPRIKA/CHILI PEPPERS. Reduces gas; increases immunity; decreases cancer cell survival.

— OREGANO. Highest antioxidant-containing herb; decreases brain inflammation.

— CLOVES. May kill cancer cells; antioxidant; numbing agent.

It is possible that these spices may have such direct health benefits. However, the healthiest reason to use spices is to make nutritious foods taste even better.

Dr. Anthony Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School.Send questions to Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D. through his website: www.AskDoctorK.com. You also can mail him in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.