Turmeric is currently one of the most popular spices available, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant holds significant potential for enhancing our health. Research led by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that turmeric can positively influence a gene associated with conditions like depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer, particularly when combined with ferrous fumarate and folic acid during pregnancy. Furthermore, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital recently announced that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may be effective in treating neuroblastoma, the leading form of cancer in infants.
Despite being a relatively inexpensive spice, turmeric is predominantly featured in South Asian cuisine, lending its distinctive color and flavor to curries. The growing interest in turmeric’s potential health benefits led consumers to purchase it for personal use, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The increasing curiosity about international cuisine has also contributed to turmeric’s popularity, with many individuals searching for ways to incorporate this spice into their cooking.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. The Rebbl beverage company offers an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea features a special blend that includes this spice. It’s anticipated that there will be a growing number of food and beverage products containing turmeric on the market in the coming year.
While many consumers are aware of the health benefits associated with turmeric, they may feel restricted by its strong flavor. Processed foods can address this concern. However, turmeric’s rise to fame hasn’t been without challenges. The spice has been frequently linked to lead contamination, resulting in several recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A potential solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more stringent.
Despite these obstacles, turmeric and curcumin appear to have a bright future in the U.S. food and beverage industry. Additionally, for those curious about what is calcium citrate tetrahydrate, this compound is often discussed in the context of dietary supplements and its role in enhancing calcium absorption, highlighting the ongoing interest in health-promoting ingredients. As the food and wellness landscape evolves, turmeric will likely continue to shine, alongside discussions about what is calcium citrate tetrahydrate and its benefits.