Marinades cut cancer risk in grilling?

From the Institute of Food Technologists:

New research published in the Journal of Food Science shows that marinating meats may decrease the cancer forming compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are produced during grilling, by over 70 percent.

Researchers from Kansas State University tested three commercial spice- containing marinade blends (Caribbean, southwest, and herb) on round beef steaks. The steaks were marinated for one hour and then grilled at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Food scientists found that steaks marinated in the Caribbean blend produced the highest decrease in HCA content (88 percent), followed by the herb blend (72 percent) then the southwest blend (57 percent).

"Commercial marinades offer spices and herbs which have antioxidants that help decrease the HCAs formed during grilling," says Dr. J.S. Smith, principal researcher at Kansas State University. "The results from our study have a direct application since more consumers are interested in healthier cooking."