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 to have significant health benefits. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” suggests that consuming turmeric daily may enhance a gene associated with depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital revealed that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, could potentially be used to treat Neuroblastoma, the leading cause of cancer in infants.
Traditionally, this affordable spice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, adding both color and flavor to curries. The rising interest in turmeric’s remarkable healing properties has led consumers to purchase it for home cooking, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The growing popularity of international cuisine has further fueled turmeric’s ascent, with many searches focused on how to incorporate this spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. Companies like Rebbl offer an organic coconut milk beverage infused with turmeric, while Theo produces a chocolate-coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea features a special blend that includes the spice. We can expect an increase in food and beverage items containing turmeric in the coming year. Although many consumers recognize turmeric’s health benefits, some may feel constrained by its strong flavor profile, which processed foods can help mitigate.
However, turmeric’s journey to popularity hasn’t been entirely smooth. The spice has been 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 regulations are more rigorously enforced. Despite these challenges, turmeric and curcumin appear poised for a bright future in the American food and beverage market.
In addition to turmeric, consumers looking to enhance their health may also consider calcium citrate supplements, which can be conveniently found on platforms like Amazon. As people continue to explore natural health solutions, both turmeric and calcium citrate are likely to gain traction in various forms, further enriching the health food landscape.