ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science

Turmeric compound could be used instead of artificial preservatives to keep yogurt fresh

Keeping yogurt fresh with curcumin could reduce our use of artificial preservatives.

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
April 6, 2023
in Science
A A
Edited and reviewed by Zoe Gordon
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit
Image credits: Sara Cervera.

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but one of its compounds, curcumin, could have another use. In a new study, researchers demonstrated that you can keep probiotic yogurts fresh for longer by using a specialized form of curcumin, offering the yogurts a long shelf life and maintaining their healthy properties without altering the taste and texture.

Curcumin is the naturally occurring pigment that makes turmeric yellow. Technically speaking, it’s a polyphenol, a micronutrient that occurs in plants. Curcumin has the ability to increase the amount of antioxidants that the body produces. But the health benefits of curcumin are often exaggerated, and the challenges associated often glossed over.

“It is well known that curcumin has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects,” says lead author Magdalena Buniowska-Olejnik, from the Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition at the University of Rzeszow, Poland. “However, it is insoluble in water, which is one of the main reasons why our bodies are not able to absorb sufficient amounts for it to have a biological effect. We wanted to see if it was possible to create a dairy product containing curcumin in a bioavailable form that would also appeal to the consumer.”

The research team developed a form of curcumin called NOMICU L-100 — a form which they also registered legally. This form dissolves well in water and can be absorbed by the body, and in yogurt at least, is also more effective at inhibiting the growth of yeast, fungi, and bacteria. Over a period of 28 days, it was found to better preserve the yogurt, as highlighted by tests and a panel of expert tasters.

“Yogurt containing the standard turmeric extract was slightly better at remaining in a homogenous form without a layer of water developing on the top. However, it tasted bitter and the taste deteriorated after the first week of storage in the fridge, so it did not appeal to the tasting panel. In addition, its color was towards the green end of the yellow spectrum, whereas NOMICU shifted the color toward the red end, making it look more attractive. NOMICU imparted a sweet, rich, creamy flavour to the yogurt, which remained stable to the end of the 28 days storage in the fridge,” explained Buniowska-Olejnik.

Maciej Banach, Professor of Cardiology at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, says that this type of curcumin could not only help keep yogurt fresh for longer without preservatives, but it could turn yogurt into a “nutraceutical.” Nutraceuticals are essentially foods that come with extra benefits in addition to their basic nutritional value. While the health effects of NOMICU haven’t been tested thoroughly, researchers say they expect yogurt with this compound to be healthier than the plain version.

“As a cardiologist, I consider that a yogurt enriched with a nutraceutical, which has been shown to be effective and safe, has potential for improving population health, especially when taking into account how often yogurts are consumed in everyday diet. What is more, by adding an effective nutraceutical to the yogurt, we have created a kind of ‘polypill’ or healthy product that contains a combination of elements that may be good for human health. This might mean that people would be more likely to adhere to it than if they consumed the two products separately. In consequence, we might expect to see better health results.

RelatedPosts

#FossilFriday: Pyritized Ammonite
Volvo’s first self-driving cars now being tested live on public roads in Sweden
Scientists prepare to re-open the LHC after increasing its energy output by 62.5%
Soaring cost of fertilizers will make food much more expensive in 2023

“This is especially important now, in post-pandemic times, when around 70% of the population is overweight, obese or suffer from disorders of the gut, and are at high risk of chronic diseases, including two of the biggest killers – cardiovascular disease and cancer, which are responsible for over 30 million deaths per year worldwide.”

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Culture & Society

What’s Seasonal Body Image Dissatisfaction and How Not to Fall into Its Trap

byAlexandra Gerea
1 day ago
Mind & Brain

Why a 20-Minute Nap Could Be Key to Unlocking ‘Eureka!’ Moments Like Salvador Dalí

byTibi Puiu
1 day ago
Anthropology

The world’s oldest boomerang is even older than we thought, but it’s not Australian

byMihai Andrei
1 day ago
Future

Swarms of tiny robots could go up your nose, melt the mucus and clean your sinuses

byMihai Andrei
2 days ago

Recent news

What’s Seasonal Body Image Dissatisfaction and How Not to Fall into Its Trap

June 28, 2025

Why a 20-Minute Nap Could Be Key to Unlocking ‘Eureka!’ Moments Like Salvador Dalí

June 28, 2025

The world’s oldest boomerang is even older than we thought, but it’s not Australian

June 27, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.