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About specification of turmeric

Types

Turmeric is a flowering plant from the ginger family, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its rhizomes are boiled, dried, and powdered to produce deep-yellow-orange curcuma-based spice. The most studied and used derivative of turmeric is curcumin, widely used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and for treating digestive and other systems. Based on the variation, turmeric is available in these types:

Whole turmeric root

The whole turmeric root is made from fresh raw turmeric. The roots are first sundried before grinding them to produce a coarse powder, referred to as whole turmeric root powder. Whole turmeric root is a fragrant spice without an intense smell and flavor compared to the common turmeric spice sold in supermarkets. It has a more earthy aroma and subtly bitter taste. The powder is a deep orange brown color and is often used as a coloring agent in food preparation and other applications.

Bengal

Bengal turmeric is the most dominant variety of turmeric derived from the variety of turmeric plants called Longa Zimmerman. It is grown in the northeastern part of Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. The turmeric is first boiled in water, then dried and powdered. Because the roots are boiled, they are less potent and have a milder flavor compared to the more pungent and deeply bitter Kashmiri turmeric. This variety is mostly found in regions that experience unstable weather, which affects the growth of the turmeric rhizomes.

Kashmiri

Buy turmeric in bulk from Kashmir in Northern India, Known for its bright red color and intense flavor. Kashmir turmeric is made from turmeric rhizomes dried under the scorching sun of Kashmir valley and with minimal shade. The combination of climate and limited foliage causes Kashmiri turmeric to develop a more pungent taste compared to other varieties.

Madras

Madras turmeric, also known as pure turmeric powder, is produced from the high-curcumin varieties of turmeric like Longa Zingabena that are abundantly grown in Southern India. This variety is more popular in the Madras region, hence the name. Madras turmeric is a staple ingredient in South Indian farms. It is one of the ingredients in the famous curry powder used in preparing curries and other meals.

Alphanumeric

Alphanumerica turmeric originates from the alphameric variety of turmeric plant species that are grown in the alphameric region of Southern India. It is also called dry ginger turmeric due to the resemblance between turmeric and dry ginger after both have been ground. The spice has a strong and robust nature because it is largely sun-dried, making it a highly vitiating spice.

Besides the above varieties of turmeric powder, turmeric is also largely sold in supplement forms, such as:

Turmeric extract

Turmeric extract is standardized and concentrated derivative turmeric products that are believed to contain a higher concentration of curcumin. These supplements are usually available in capsules, soft gels, and tablets. Often turmeric extracts are standardized to contain a certain percentage of curcumin, usually between 80 and 95%, which is higher than what is commonly found in the spice. High-circumin concentration extracts are often preferred in the supplement industry because curcumin is the compound responsible for the many therapeutic benefits of turmeric.

Turmeric coffee

Turmeric coffee is made with coffee grounds brewed together with or blended with turmeric powder. The drink, sometimes called golden coffee, derives its yellow color primarily from the turmeric powder added to the coffee grounds. Turmeric coffee is considered a healthier alternative to traditional coffee because it increases the amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in the drink.

Fermented turmeric

Fermented turmeric supplements are a supplement type made with turmeric rhizomes that have been fermented before being processed into supplements. The fermentation process is believed to increase the bioavailability of curcumin, the primary compound in turmeric that is responsible for its many health benefits. Fermented turmeric supplements are usually available in liquid, capsule, and powder forms. Many buyers prefer fermented turmeric supplements because they are believed to enhance gut health and are more easily absorbed than the nonfermented varieties.

How to choose

Therapeutic applications

Buyers should consider the needs of their target audience, such as the types of health-related issues they expect turmeric users to want relief from. Different turmeric products have varying curcumin concentrations, which affect their efficacy. All curcumin turmeric supplements are highly concentrated in curcumin, meaning they are more effective at giving turmeric's therapeutic effects.

Purity and quality

Buyers should get high-purity and quality fermented non-GMO turmeric products free from additives, fillers, artificial colors, heavy metals, and other impurities. To know the quality of the turmeric product and its purity, buyers should check the ingredient list and product description for quality certifications like USDA organic, GMP, and third-party testing.

Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to how much of the active substance curcumin is absorbed into the bloodstream. Turmeric with bioavailability boosters like piperine black pepper and phospholipids is good because they increase the absorption rate of curcumin and make the supplement more effective.

Product form

Buyers should consider what form of turmeric supplement the market preferred uses: capsules, powder, liquid, or soft gel. Different product forms appeal to different consumers. For example, the liquid form of turmeric is fast-acting and has higher bioavailability, while turmeric powder can be incorporated into recipes, drinks, or used topically.

Packaging

The turmeric supplement market often comes with different packaging options like airtight bottles, resealable pouches, and bulk packaging. Each packaging type is suitable for different buyers depending on how they first sell the product to end consumers. Get turmeric supplements packaged in airtight containers to ensure the shelf life of the product is enhanced.

Regulatory compliance

Turmeric supplements are classified as food and not drugs in some regions, while in others, they can be classified as herbal medicines. Buyers should ensure they are turmeric products compliant with the regulations of the regions they intend to sell the products in.

Shelf life

Consider the shelf life of the turmeric supplements to ensure the product remains fresh and effective for a long time. Turmeric supplements often stay fresh for a long time when stored in airtight containers. Adding fermented turmeric supplements with longer shelf lives is good to ensure customers receive the product with the maximum potency.

How to use

Use as a spice

Whole turmeric root can be used in food preparation as a spice or food additive to impart an appealing color and flavor or boost the nutritional profile of the meal. Turmeric can also be added to cooking oil to increase its absorption and bioavailability. When using turmeric root as a spice, buyers should store the powder in a dry, airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to ensure it retains its potency and freshness for a long time. Turmeric root powder can be added directly to recipes or blended with other spices before adding to the preparation. Turmeric root has a strong and robust flavor; therefore, users should add it in small amounts to avoid overwhelming the taste of the dish.

Use as a supplement

Turmeric supplements in capsule or tablet form are mostly taken with water, preferably with meals, to boost absorption and minimize potential digestive side effects. Turmeric supplements, especially those with enhanced curcumin concentration, should be taken at the same time with foods that increase its absorption, like those containing black pepper, fatty acids, or phospholipids. Turmeric supplements are usually premeasured for optimal dosages. Users should follow the dosage recommendations on the product label or as prescribed by a qualified health professional.

Use as topical application

Turmeric powder can be mixed with other ingredients to prepare face masks, ointments, and creams that are applied directly to the skin to benefit from turmeric's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Turmeric extract is usually blended with other essential oils, creams, or ointments to prepare skincare products that are applied topically. Turmeric powder is mixed with water, milk, coconut oil, or yogurt to prepare a turmeric paste. The skincare product is applied to the affected area and left for several minutes to allow the active ingredients in the extract to penetrate the skin before rinsing with water.

Turmeric latte

Users can add turmeric freshly grated or in powder form to warm milk or a milk substitute like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to make the turmeric latte drink. Add other ingredients like sweeteners honey, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, or natural vanilla flavor and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to make a rich, tasty, and healthy drink. To boost the drink's turmeric content and its potential health benefits, add a pinch of black pepper to the latte, as black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin. Mix all the ingredients well until a smooth mixture is achieved. Heat the latte on medium heat until warm, but don't boil, as this can reduce the potency of the turmeric and other ingredients. Alternatively, users can use a milk frother to prepare turmeric latte.

Benefits

Turmeric with black pepper is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that is gaining popularity across the globe for the many health benefits it is purported to contain. Here are the primary benefits of turmeric:

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric is attributable to curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric responsible for most of turmeric's therapeutic effects. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can occur when the immune system goes haywire and starts attacking healthy tissue. In such cases, curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps the body fight infection and diseases by inhibiting the inflammation-causing imine cytokine and other molecules. The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin makes turmeric a powerful agent in the management of inflammatory-related conditions like arthritis and rheumatism, and chronic inflammation-related cancers.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules the body develops as a result of normal metabolic processes, environmental factors like pollution, and other oxidative stress. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, they cause oxidative stress, damaging cells and contributing to aging and disease like heart disease and cancer. Powerful antioxidant properties of curcumin help combat oxidative stress and free radicals by neutralizing them, hence protecting cells from damage. Because of its antioxidant properties, turmeric is commonly used in আটকুলারি products and supplements to give turmeric powders and extract and increase its shelf life.

Antimicrobial activity

Antimicrobial activity refers to the property of turmeric that helps fight microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Curcumin inhibits the growth and proliferation of harmful microorganisms, which makes turmeric a powerful agent in treating infections, improving skin health, and promoting wound healing. Antimicrobial activity is one of the reasons why turmeric is added to skincare products to defend the skin from infections and irritations.

Boosts digestive health

Turmeric is commonly used to relieve many digestive problems, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. It has a soothing effect on the digestive tract contributing to increased bile production and improving overall digestion. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric also help relieve irritation in the gut, which can be beneficial for individuals with digestive disorders. Its antioxidant properties contribute to the general health of the digestive system.

Weight management

Turmeric may assist in weight management or attaining healthy weight because its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other antimicrobial properties facilitate the overall functioning of body systems, including metabolism and fat utilization. Curcumin is believed to aid in weight management by inhibiting inflammation in adipose tissue, reducing fat formation and storage, and promoting fat breakdown. Turmeric supplements are usually added to drinks or foods to complement weight management diets.

Skin health

The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric combine to contribute to good skin health and prevent skin issues. Curcumin helps treat acne and other skin infections by inhibiting acne-causing bacteria and promoting healing. It also helps fight oxidative stress responsible for skin aging. A lot of turmeric has been added to soaps, creams, and other skincare products to improve their efficacy.

Q&A

Q. Is there an expiration date for turmeric supplements?

A. Yes! Like all dietary supplements and food products have an expiration date that indicates the timeframe within which the product is guaranteed to retain its potency, effectiveness, and safety. However, turmeric supplements may stay fresh longer when stored properly. Factors like exposure to air moisture heat and light degrade the quality of turmeric supplements and spices and reduce their shelf life. Take fermenting supplements at the expiration date on the packaging and store turmeric supplements in their original airtight containers or bottles in cool dark places away from direct sunlight and heat. Buyers should also check for signs of spoilage like changes in color, texture, or smell, and they should discard the product.

Q. What is the standard dosage of turmeric in adults?

A. There is no officially recommended standard dosage of turmeric. However, the general guideline for turmeric supplements is 500-2000 milligrams of turmeric per day and 50-200 mg of curcumin daily for curcumin extracts. Dosages may vary depending on other factors like the health condition being treated, the type of turmeric supplement taken, and individual tolerance levels. The type of turmeric supplement taken also determines the dosage of turmeric that should be taken because different turmeric supplements contain varying concentrations of curcumin. For example, turmeric latte drink made with turmeric powder root is not often premeasured; users can drink as much as they want, but it is usually recommended they consume 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder daily. Always refer to the product label for dosage information and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking higher doses.

Q. How many milligrams of curcumin is in one teaspoon of turmeric root powder?

A. One teaspoon of turmeric root powder contains approximately 30 micrograms of curcumin. Although turmeric powder contains a small amount of curcumin, the bioavailability can be enhanced by adding black pepper to the turmeric and other ingredients.

Q. How can turmeric supplements be made more absorbable?

A. Turmeric supplements are often combined with piperine black pepper to potentiate the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin into the bloodstream. Piperine inhibits the enzymes in the body that break down curcumin, allowing it to remain longer in the body for greater absorption. Turmeric supplements are also taken with turmeric latte drinks or mixed with milk and fatty substances to enhance the absorption of curcumin.

Q. How to retrieve and use fresh turmeric rhizomes?

A. Fresh turmeric rhizomes look like fingers or branches of ginger roots, but with a slimmer, longer, and more knobby appearance. Its skin is honey-brown and rough like tree bark, with a vibrant orange inside. Fresh raw turmeric root is usually harvested from the turmeric plant after 8-10 months of maturity when the rhizomes have grown fat and plump. Use a sharp, sterilized garden fork or spade to carefully loosen the soil around the turmeric rhizomes without damaging them. Once the rhizomes are exposed, gently pull them out of the ground. Rinse the turmeric rhizomes under cool running water to remove the adhering soil and grit. Fresh turmeric root can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and dry conditions and away from sunlight for several days to weeks.