In addition to adding flavor, spices and herbs can actually help improve your health.

Visitors to our farmer’s market tent are filled with tips and tidbits on the health benefits of herbs. One woman tops her morning cereal and sprinkles her lunch salads with turmeric to combat arthritis. Another swears by paprika to lower blood pressure. And yet another adds cinnamon to her morning coffee to balance blood sugar.

In a recent article for wausaudailyherald.com, “Herbs, spices sprinkle on the health benefits”, Elizabeth Cohen relays recommendations by nutritionists, and quick interesting facts about ginger, oregano, thyme and turmeric.

Read Corinne Lutton’s article, “Spices - Health Benefits Discover the Health Benefits of Including Spices in your Diet” for the benefits of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, ginger and turmeric.

In “Spices: A Wealth of Health Benefits that Make Food Taste Great”, author and cancer survivor, Barbara Minton, summarizes some recent research, and provides insight into the health benefits of cinnamon, ginger, oregano, rosemary and turmeric.

Howard Dratch presents a historical perspective in “Spice Up Your Life: The Health Benefits of Spices”, Blogcritics Magazine, 2006. From 50,000 BC through the travels of Marco Polo, and on to modern day research. Did you know that merely smelling a spice can actually increase alertness and brain function?

Also in 2006, an Australian study was conducted to define what the benefits to spices are, and to develop methods for exposing them by scientific means. The results highlight spices and herbs as natural combatants to cardiovascular disease. Comprehensive findings can be found in the Medical Journal of Australia supplement, “Health benefits of herbs and spices: the past, the present, the future”.

There is a wealth of information and advice on the topic, from researchers, nutritionists, medical professionals, and bloggers. Scientific findings and advice handed down from generations before us.

At Smith & Truslow, we’re compiling a list of tips to publish in the new year. If you’d like to share your personal recommendations for use of spices for their health benefits, email me. I look forward to hearing what benefits you’ve experienced. To your health!

- Jenny Ross

Flavor, and so much more
Fresh organic spices and herbs transform the culinary experience, but that’s only part of the story. They also invigorate, protect and nourish. For centuries, herbs and spices have been utilized to heal the body, mind and spirit. They provide anti-inflammatory benefits, act as anti-oxidants, balance blood sugars, and improve circulation and cardiovascular health.

Best of all, these crucial benefits are available to all without needless fat and calories. With freshly ground organic spices from Smith & Truslow, you’ll break free from the evil bandits of traditional cooking—butter and salt. You’ll never again face the trade-off between flavor and nutrition; they can and do go hand-in-hand.

Some specific health benefits can be found below.