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 has shown great potential for positively impacting our health. 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 depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Furthermore, recent studies from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital suggest that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, could be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, the leading cause of cancer in infants.
Despite being relatively inexpensive, turmeric is primarily featured in South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries. The interest in turmeric’s powerful healing properties prompted consumers to purchase it for home use, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. Additionally, the growing trend of exploring international cuisine has further fueled turmeric’s popularity. Many searches have concentrated on how to incorporate this spice into various recipes. For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat products are widely available. For instance, Rebbl offers an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea features a special blend that highlights this ingredient. As consumer interest continues to rise, we can expect an increase in food and beverage items containing turmeric over the next year.
While many people recognize the health benefits of turmeric, they may be hesitant to use it due to its strong flavor. Fortunately, processed foods can help address this issue. However, turmeric’s ascent has not been without challenges. The spice has frequently been associated with lead contamination, leading to multiple recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. A potential solution would be for manufacturers in the U.S. to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously upheld.
Amid these challenges, turmeric and curcumin seem to have a bright future in American foods and beverages. As consumers become more health-conscious, they may also wonder about the compatibility of various supplements, such as: can you take calcium citrate with magnesium? As turmeric continues to thrive in the market, it is likely that discussions around dietary supplements will also grow, encouraging consumers to explore the best combinations for their health.