Turmeric is a tuberous plant (Curcuma longa) from the ginger family, and curcumin is one of the compounds found in the root of that plant. The root of the turmeric plant contains phytonutrients, many of which are in a group known as curcuminoids (a group of polyphenols). These curcuminoids are the phytonutrients that produce a pronounced yellow pigment in the turmeric root and act as a powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory agent. The most common of these curcuminoids is known as curcumin, which makes up 3-5% of the root of the turmeric plant.

Turmeric powder is obtained by dehydration and grinding of the rhizomes. Fermented turmeric powder is made from the turmeric powder put through a 4-day fermentation process using typical probiotic microbes.

For cooking and long-term use, turmeric powder or fermented turmeric powder is the best option. They both provide minerals, vitamins and other nutrients in addition to medicinally active compounds. Do not use turmeric extract for these purposes and the extract is not the whole root therefore does not provide the full spectrum on nutrients available in the fresh or powdered or fermented powdered root. The curcuminoids extracts concentrate the curcumin to ~ 95% and are used for specific medicinal conditions.

The fermented root is more concentrated than the powdered root and provides maximum bioavailability. Fermentation of turmeric powder optimizes flavour, potency, digestion, absorption and assimilation of the plant nutrients found in the whole turmeric root. Fermented turmeric powder provides a better vitamin, mineral and curcuminoid composition.

A study in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology found the bioavailability of curcumin increased when it was fermented.¹

Fermentation breaks down otherwise indigestible plant materials (pre-digests cellulose-rich plant cell walls), while also reducing the carbohydrate and sugar content. Prairie Natural’s fermented turmeric powder is 50% more concentrated than the powdered turmeric. Therefore, organic fermented turmeric powder is 1.5 times stronger than the regular organic turmeric powder. Therefore, Prairie Natural’s curcumin would contain ~ 4.5 – 7.5%. Fermented turmeric has one animal study showing that it improves liver function.²

Prairie Natural’s organic fermented turmeric comes with an allergen statement guaranteeing gluten and GMO-free, vegan and well as microbe and heavy metal tested. This is usually not available on powdered turmeric found on the spice rack in a grocery or health food store.

Golden Turmeric Milk Recipe

This immune-boosting spiced drink is perfect for cold mornings-warming you from the inside out. The combination of a healthy fat such as coconut oil and pepper greatly increase the health benefits of turmeric, making healthy compounds such as curcumin more bioavailable. Serves 2.

Ingredients
3 cups of Coconut Milk
2 tsp of Prairie Naturals Fermented Turmeric
1 tbs of Agave Syrup
2 tsp of Cinnamon
2 tsp of Coconut Oil
1 tsp of Grated Ginger
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
A pinch of Black Pepper

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients together in a blender on medium speed for 30 secs.
2. Transfer to a small pot, covered with lid, and warm on medium heat for 3-5 mins.
3. Add agave syrup to taste.
4. Serve and enjoy

References:
1. Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus-fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa) beverages in rats
2. The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomized controlled study. https://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-13-58

About the Author: Prairie Naturals Team

Prairie Naturals is a privately owned, Canadian family business headquartered near Vancouver, BC, Canada whose core business is the research, development, marketing and distribution of more than 150 premium quality nutritional supplements, natural hair and natural body care products. Prairie Naturals makes products designed to help you “Live the Healthy Life”. Learn more a prairienaturals.ca.