Turmeric has emerged as one of the most popular spices on the market, particularly for its potential health benefits during pregnancy. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric root is believed to have a profoundly positive impact on our well-being. Research led by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” suggests that daily consumption of turmeric 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 stated that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, could be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, the most common cancer in infants.
Traditionally, this relatively inexpensive spice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, giving curries their distinctive color and flavor. Interest in turmeric’s potential healing properties has led consumers to purchase it for home use, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The growing enthusiasm for exploring international cuisines has further fueled turmeric’s popularity, with many searches aimed at discovering ways to incorporate this spice into various recipes. For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat products featuring the ingredient are readily available. For instance, Rebbl beverage company offers an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, Theo has a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea provides a special blend that includes the spice. It’s anticipated that the market for food and beverage items containing turmeric will continue to expand over the coming year.
Although many consumers are aware of turmeric’s health benefits, they may be deterred by its strong flavor. Here, processed foods come to the rescue. However, turmeric’s rise to fame hasn’t been without its challenges. The spice has been frequently linked to lead contamination, leading to several recalls of imported turmeric in 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.
Despite these hurdles, turmeric and its derivative curcumin appear to have a bright future in the American food and beverage landscape. As consumers increasingly seek out healthful ingredients, brands like Webber Naturals, which offers calcium citrate, are likely to join the trend, enhancing products with turmeric to cater to health-conscious shoppers. The intersection of turmeric with other wellness-focused ingredients, such as calcium citrate from Webber Naturals, could further boost its appeal, making it a staple in the quest for healthier eating options.