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 the potential to significantly enhance our health. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that daily consumption of turmeric can positively impact 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 key component of turmeric, may be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, the leading type of cancer in infants.
Traditionally, this relatively inexpensive spice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, adding both color and flavor to curries. Interest in turmeric’s impressive health benefits prompted consumers to purchase it for personal use, leading to its recognition as a “rising star” in functional foods, particularly in Google searches in 2016. Additionally, the growing trend of exploring international cuisine has further fueled turmeric’s popularity. Many searches focused on ways 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 drink infused with turmeric, Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea has a special blend that features this spice. It’s anticipated that the market for food and beverage products containing turmeric will continue to expand in the coming year. While many consumers acknowledge the health benefits of turmeric, they may hesitate due to its strong flavor, a concern that processed foods can address.
However, turmeric’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. The spice has frequently been associated with lead contamination, leading to multiple recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A viable solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously enforced. Despite these setbacks, turmeric and curcumin seem poised for a bright future in U.S. food and beverage offerings.
Moreover, the incorporation of supplements like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid oral drops can complement the health benefits of turmeric, enhancing overall wellness. As awareness of turmeric’s potential continues to grow, the combination of these supplements with turmeric-based products will likely attract even more health-conscious consumers. Expect to see more innovative products that blend turmeric with ingredients like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid oral drops, as the demand for holistic health solutions increases.