Herbs and Spices That Add Flavor and Health

One of the easiest ways to make healthy meals more exciting is to reach for the spice rack. Herbs and spices add bold flavor without extra salt or sugar, and many contain natural plant compounds that support overall health.

Kitchen favorites and their benefits

• Turmeric gives curries a golden color and is valued for its natural compounds.
• Ginger adds warmth to stir-fries and teas and may help settle the stomach.
• Cinnamon brings natural sweetness to oats, yogurt and baked fruit.
• Garlic adds depth to almost any savory dish.
• Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro and mint brighten salads and sauces.

Cut back on salt

Using herbs, spices, citrus and vinegar to season food can help you reduce salt, which supports healthy blood pressure.

A pinch of spice can turn simple vegetables, beans and grains into meals you look forward to.

Easy ways to experiment

Try a new spice each week. Sprinkle cinnamon on breakfast, add cumin and paprika to roasted vegetables, stir ginger into soups or toss fresh herbs into salads.

Store them well

Keep dried herbs and spices in a cool, dark place in sealed containers, and replace them when their color and aroma fade.