The State of the Science: The Role of Spices & Herbs on Improving Metabolic Health
At the 2026 Annual Meeting Pre-Conference Symposium, Elevating Spices in Today’s Health-Focused Food Regulatory Landscape explored how spices can play a pivotal role in the evolution of U.S. food policy, including in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities. From health policy to regulatory trends, consumer research, and practical applications of using spices for color and as alternatives to salt and sugar, attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how the spice sector can naturally add flavor and color to whole, healthy foods.
This presentation: State of the Science: The Role of Spices & Herbs on Improving Metabolic Health, Dr. David Heber, Founding Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, synthesized current research on the physiological benefits of spices, including effects on inflammation, cardiometabolic health, and digestion. The presentation highlighted key human clinical trials that have established a strong scientific basis for the health benefits of spices, and how these findings align with growing consumer and regulatory interest in food as medicine.
Membership Required
A valid ASTA membership is required to access this page. Please use the form below to log in with your ASTA member account.
Log in
Not a member yet? Click here to learn about joining ASTA today.
Related Resources
2025 Regulatory Workshop - Fraud & Tariffs: What Are the New Adulteration Pressures in Our Industry?
This interactive session focused on the evolving tariff and trade policy which have created new economic pressures that may increase the risk of economically motivated adulteration in countries of origin. Attendees explored how these dynamics are impacting the spice industry, effective strategies to protect supply chains, and discussed how we can collaborate as a sector to uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
January 2026: Black Pepper
Mathew George with Harris Spice Group provided an update on black pepper as part of the 2026 Winter Crop Reports. The presentation provided an overview of crops, supply, demand, market price and inventory, quality, an outlook, and summary/conclusions.
