Herbs and spices are more than just flavor enhancers for your meals. Studies show that they are packed with essential nutrients and health-supporting benefits, making them good sources of nutrition. But with pollution affecting crop yields and quality, and corrupt practices such as labeling fraud becoming widespread in the food industry, food safety has become a huge concern for many consumers.

Turmeric, a spice well-known for its reputation as a medicinal herb, has been rapidly rising in popularity in the U.S. Fans of this versatile herb know that it is often paired with black pepper because the latter contains an active compound called piperine that can increase the absorption of curcumin – turmeric's most beneficial component – in the human body. Unfortunately, despite their considerable health benefits, turmeric and black pepper are two of the most adulterated spices in terms of origin. They have also often been found to contain toxic heavy metals, sometimes at levels that far exceed regulatory limits.

In this feature article, you will learn the truth about your favorite herbs and spices, how store-bought turmeric and black pepper can endanger your health, and ways to prevent contamination in your food supply.