Have you tried a turmeric latte yet? If not, you might want to — if you want to stay on top of the latest nutrition trends, that is. According to the recently released report, “Think with Google’s Food Trends for 2016,” turmeric is the No. 1 rising star in food-related searches, outpacing other red-hot trends like bone broth and kefir. Interest in turmeric has caused a 56-per-cent spike in searches from November 2015 to January 2016 alone, and even Gwyneth Paltrow has gotten in on the action, touting the now-famous turmeric latte on her lifestyle website, goop.

Why is this ancient spice such a big deal these days? We’ve assembled a primer to bring you up to speed.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice derived from the roots of the Curcumin longa plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. Perhaps best known for providing the distinct flavour behind curry dishes, turmeric contains a class of active compounds known as curcuminoids, which are not only responsible for turmeric’s yellow-orange hue, but are also thought to provide health benefits. The most active and best-studied curcuminoid of all is curcumin, which is often extracted from turmeric and sold as a supplement.

What does it do (at least theoretically)?

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory functions that are similar to omega-3 fatty acids, the key type of fat found in fatty fish, like salmon. That could translate to potential benefits for heart and joint health, and indeed, several studies suggest curcuminoids could help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, the painful condition caused by the breakdown of the cartilage cushion between joints, to an extent similar to the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen, and with fewer digestive side-effects.

Other studies suggest curcumin could help manage digestive disorders. In one study, more than half of patients with ulcerative colitis found themselves in remission after taking 3,000 mg of curcumin per day for four weeks compared with none of the patients given a placebo.

There are also suggestions curcumin could help prevent the onset of diabetes, control blood pressure, and even minimize muscle soreness after exercise, though not all studies have produced positive results. A number of studies on animals and human cells also suggest curcumin could have anti-cancer effects, and at least one study demonstrated that taking two or four grams of curcumin per day for a month was associated with slower development of pre-cancerous changes in the colon of in smokers.

How can you use it in food?

Turmeric is one of the main spices in curry powders. Since the amount of active curcuminoids in curry powders varies, you can try adding a bit of extra turmeric to your favourite curry for a healthful punch. Turmeric can also be used to add a flavour kick to a number of common vegetables, most notably cauliflower, but also green beans, not to mention pulses such as chick peas and lentils.

If you want to be on trend, however, then the turmeric latte is definitely the way to go. While numerous variations exist, the most common ingredients are turmeric (usually 1/2 to 1 tsp of ground turmeric per serving), ginger (1 to 1-1/2 tsp per serving), a cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy — your choice), and something to add a bit of sweetness, like maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, or — gasp — table sugar. Warm all the ingredients together on a stovetop, and whisk or froth together before serving.

You might have noticed that there is something missing in this latte, and you’d be right: It’s caffeine-free because it contains no coffee. So really, it’s more like a turmeric hot chocolate — without the chocolate.

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What about supplements?

If you’re looking to use turmeric therapeutically, your best bet is probably to take it via a supplement. While there’s no accepted dose of turmeric used to treat or prevent specific health conditions, many studies have used 500 to 1,500 mg of curcumin per day, with a varying outcomes. Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed in our digestive tract, which means only a small fraction ends up in our blood stream. While researchers are experimenting with different formulations to increase curcumin’s potency, taking it with a meal that contains some fat may help. While turmeric is fairly safe, at least one study suggests high doses can cause initially stomach upset for some individuals.