Turmeric

Spices and herbs aren't exempt from cyclical fads. Turmeric is the new black. Amongst myriad other claims, it has been linked with slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the prevention of alcoholic liver disease, the treatment/prevention of leukaemia and, most recently, being an anti-malarial agent.

The active ingredient is thought to be curcumin, the chemical that lends turmeric its distinctive yellow hue.