So, what is fermented turmeric? Fermented turmeric is the turmeric powder that is put through a four-day procedure through standard probiotic microorganisms. You can get fermented turmeric from both fresh and powdered turmeric. Usually, numerous fungal and bacterial strains are utilized in fermenting turmeric. They include Trichoderma, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium.
For cooking purposes, you can rely on either the fermented turmeric or just turmeric. Both are okay for long-term use as they provide you with vitamins, minerals, plus many other nutrients coupled with medically active compounds.
The curcuminoid compounds (phytonutrients) produce a bright yellow colour within the turmeric root. These curcuminoids act as a potent anti-inflammatory or antioxidant. What’s more, the curcuminoids can also reduce the signs and symptoms of depression as well as arthritis. You’ll find more concerning the benefits of turmeric in a different section below.
The most common compound of the curcuminoids is curcumin. Curcumin which is the most active ingredient in turmeric, constitutes 3 to 5% of the root of the tuberous plant. Turmeric powder is acquired by drying out and grinding of rhizomes.
Is Fermented Turmeric Better Than Standard Turmeric?
As you’ve already discovered standard turmeric or Curcuma Longa has numerous medical benefits. In spite of this, it still brings a challenge to the human body with is its limited bioavailability.
And that’s where the fermented turmeric comes in. The fermented turmeric can help out in solving this concern and boost up the therapeutic impact a great deal. Are you wondering how? Here is a look at how the fermenting of turmeric alters the bioavailability of turmeric:
- Fermented turmeric boosts the bioavailability of curcuminoids, minerals, phenols and vitamins in it. The fermentation further boosts up the content of curcumin which is the most active ingredient in the plant.
- Also, fermentation bacteria breaks down the complex nutrients found in Curcuma Longa into fine forms. The simpler forms can easily be broken down and used by the human body. More to the point, the bacteria also provides you with enzymes for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Fermenting the turmeric plant makes the main curcumin compound more soluble in water.
- Last but not least, fermentation of the turmeric plant lessens the number of indigestible components from the foods, making the vital nutrients and elements easily accessible.
Seeing as fermentation makes turmeric more bioavailable, your body gets to utilize the nutrients and active ingredients more readily. So, fermented turmeric is much better than standard turmeric.
Primary Benefits of Fermented Turmeric
Fermentation doesn’t affect the nutrients as well as ingredients of a given foodstuff. For this reason, it implies that the fermented turmeric will still offer all the benefits offered by regular turmeric. Besides the usual un-fermented turmeric benefits, below is a list of some of the turmeric properties that are enhanced by fermentation:
- Fermented turmeric acts as a more potent antioxidant than the regular turmeric. Numerous studies have shown that the process of fermentation the levels of curcumin and phenols significantly increase in turmeric. This further improves the antioxidant strength of turmeric.
- The fermented turmeric anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties hence can be used in curing allergies as well as conditions that relate to inflammation. Fermented turmeric is more potent than turmeric.
- The healthful microorganisms found in fermented turmeric helps in food preservation and also aids prevent the development of disease-causing organisms.
- Fermented turmeric aids boost the functioning of the liver, reduces lipid levels and also prevents obesity. The turmeric lowers body, fats accumulation as well as glucose uptake.
Fermented Turmeric Recipe. How to Ferment Turmeric
Fermenting turmeric is a rather straightforward procedure that you can carry out at home. Just follow the simple step by step guideline below:
- You can start off with fresh turmeric (organic produce), which doesn’t contain any chemical substance and insecticides. One is able to ferment the turmeric powder or turmeric roots.
- Turmeric roots having probiotic bacteria which grow with the most favourable conditions for growth provided.
- On the other hand, in case you’re using turmeric powder, you might need a starter that has healthful bacteria such as lactobacillus to set off the fermentation procedure.
- Wash the roots carefully to ensure you get rid of any impurities
- Cut the turmeric into smaller pieces. Here you can utilize either unpeeled or peeled turmeric. Then, to make the small turmeric pieces more tasty and nourishing, you can add portions of vegetables like ginger, carrots, cabbages, garlic, chilli, to name a few
- Put the mixture into a clean container. An air-tight glass jar would do. After that, add filtered water into the blend and make sure the turmeric is immersed fully inside the water. Keep in mind you’re not supposed to use tap water. Tap water contains the chlorine chemical component that might hinder or thwart bacterial growth.
- Add a tablespoon-full of salt or sugar then leave the tight jar in a cool dark place for some days, maybe four or five. Sugar or salt discourage the growth of pathogenic strains. Ensure you shake well the jar frequently to intermix the contents.
- If you check the jar and see small air bubbles appearing, it implies that fermentation has taken place. The next thing you’ve got to do is put the jar in a refrigerator.
- It’s now time to eat. You can consume the fermented solution frequently in numerous different ways. You can add it to dough, soups, salads, curries, or smoothies. Also, you can ground the small turmeric pieces into a paste.
Case Studies Using Fermented Turmeric
According to a research carried out back in 2017 shows that turmeric has the ability to slow down the growth of inflammatory enzymes such as prostaglandins. As well, the turmeric inhibits the oxidative stress brought about by the scopolamine drug substance in the human brain. This thwarts the subsequent nerve cell death while attenuating memory impairment.
Also, a different research study carried out in 2015 suggests that fermented turmeric can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. The fermented turmeric hampers the cell cycle and also prevents the cells from multiplying. More to the point, fermented turmeric can also single out and destroy cancer cells, an effect discovered in human colorectal cell lines.
These are just some of the very many case studies done using fermented turmeric. But in all the studies carried out, the fermented turmeric is way ahead when it comes to being healthier and more beneficial.