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 may significantly benefit our health. Research conducted by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” suggests that consuming turmeric daily can enhance a gene associated with depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital indicated that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, could potentially treat Neuroblastoma, the most common cancer in infants.
This relatively inexpensive spice is predominantly featured in South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries. In 2016, consumers intrigued by turmeric’s powerful healing properties began purchasing it for home use, leading to its recognition as a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google. The growing interest in exploring international cuisines has further fueled turmeric’s popularity, with many searches focused on integrating the spice into various recipes. For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. Companies like Rebbl offer organic coconut milk drinks infused with turmeric, Theo produces chocolate coconut turmeric snacks, and Pukka tea has a unique blend featuring this beneficial spice. You can expect a surge in food and beverage products containing turmeric, similar to how the best chewable calcium citrate supplement gained traction in the health market.
While many consumers are aware of turmeric’s health benefits, some may be deterred by its strong flavor. Fortunately, processed foods containing turmeric offer a solution to this challenge. However, turmeric’s ascent has not been without its challenges. The spice has faced issues related to lead contamination, resulting in several recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. A viable solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously implemented. Despite these setbacks, the future of turmeric and curcumin in U.S. foods and beverages appears promising, much like the growing recognition of the best chewable calcium citrate supplement in health circles.