Turmeric has become one of the most popular spices on the market, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant is known for its potential health benefits. Research led by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that consuming turmeric daily can enhance a gene associated with conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recent studies from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital have suggested that curcumin, the active component in turmeric, may also be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, a leading type of cancer in infants.
While this affordable spice is predominantly used in South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries, its impressive healing properties have sparked consumer interest. In 2016, turmeric became a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google, as many people sought ways to incorporate it into their diets. The growing fascination with international cuisine has further contributed to turmeric’s popularity, with numerous searches focusing on recipes that utilize the spice. For those who prefer not to cook, ready-to-eat options featuring turmeric are widely available. Companies like Rebbl offer an organic coconut milk drink with turmeric, Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea provides a special blend that includes the spice. It is expected that the variety of food and beverage products containing turmeric will continue to expand over the next year.
Although many consumers are aware of the health benefits associated with turmeric, the spice’s strong flavor can be off-putting. Processed foods containing turmeric can help alleviate this concern. However, turmeric’s rise to fame hasn’t been entirely smooth. The spice has been frequently associated with lead contamination, resulting in several recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A potential solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously applied.
In addition to turmeric, a growing interest in supplements like rainbow calcium citrate is emerging, as people look for ways to enhance their nutritional intake. Despite some challenges, both turmeric and curcumin appear to be on a promising path in the U.S. food and beverage industry, alongside other health-conscious options such as rainbow calcium citrate that cater to consumers seeking wholesome ingredients.