Turmeric has emerged as one of the most sought-after spices and multivitamin supplements on the market today, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric root is believed to have significant health benefits. Research led by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that regular consumption of turmeric may enhance a gene linked to conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Additionally, recent studies from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital suggest that curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, could serve as a treatment for Neuroblastoma, a prevalent type of cancer in infants.
Despite its potential health benefits, turmeric remains most commonly associated with South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries. The growing interest in turmeric’s healing properties has led consumers to purchase it for home use, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google, particularly in 2016. The increasing popularity of international cuisine has further fueled this trend, with many individuals seeking ways to incorporate turmeric into their recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, there are numerous ready-to-eat options available. Companies like Rebbl produce organic coconut milk drinks infused with turmeric, while Theo offers chocolate coconut turmeric snacks, and Pukka tea has a special blend featuring the spice. We can expect a surge in food and beverage products containing turmeric in the coming year, especially as consumers become more aware of its health benefits, including its potential to enhance calcium citrate malate absorption.
However, turmeric’s journey to prominence has not been without challenges. The spice has been associated with lead contamination, leading to several recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. One solution for U.S. manufacturers could be to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously applied. Despite these obstacles, turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, seem poised for a bright future in American foods and beverages, particularly as awareness grows about their health benefits, including their role in improving calcium citrate malate absorption.