HUNT VALLEY, MD, September 2, 2009 – Warmth and passion have lured people to the sunny Mediterranean for centuries. Rich flavors, the promise of health and vitality and a lifestyle that celebrates friends and family around the table have attracted many chefs, nutritionists and health-minded Americans to the Mediterranean Diet since it was introduced to the United States in the 1990s.
Recently, the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid was updated to showcase the role of herbs and spices, placing them at the heart of every meal for the flavor and health-promoting antioxidants they provide.
“Updating the pyramid to emphasize herbs and spices was an easy choice, considering the role they play in the flavor profile of Mediterranean cuisines,” said K. Dun Gifford, President of Oldways, a nonprofit food issues think tank. “There is also a growing body of research linking herbs and spices, and their high levels of antioxidants, with an array of promising health benefits.”
Exploring the flavors of the Mediterranean can be as simple as opening the spice cabinet. Familiar favorites like Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme and Red Pepper/Paprika are mainstays in Mediterranean cuisines. These herbs and spices are also part of the group of Super Spices, highlighted by McCormick for their high levels of antioxidants – as impressive as some of today’s “super foods,” like colorful berries and leafy green vegetables. For example, just one-half teaspoon of oregano has as many antioxidants as three cups of fresh spinach.1 Since dried herbs and spices no longer contain the water of fresh produce, they offer a big antioxidant punch in a very compact package.