This centuries-old spice is the superfood of 2017

The definitive superfood of 2017 is— drum roll please— Turmeric.

That's right, the spice that gives Indian curry that yellow glow is the thing to eat this year, said Christine Couvelier, a food trendologist and chef.

Couvelier said eaters and chefs are drawn to turmeric's en vogue health benefits. She said it fights inflammation, helps balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  The University of Maryland Medical Center said it has been used for centuries to battle medical conditions and research suggests it may help treat cancer and colitis.

You've eaten turmeric before in the aforementioned curry, but also, it's what gives mustard that yellow tint. The University of Maryland said the majority of turmeric, a cousin of ginger, is grown in India. Americans usually find it in powder form, the result of boiling and drying the plant's root.

Turmeric full of flavor, color and health benefits

This year, Couvelier said, you'll find turmeric popping up in salad dressings, smoothies, juices, broths and cheeses among other foods. Expect to see chefs experiment with it, she said.

So, why is turmeric going mainstream? People have caught wind of its health benefits.

"I think that comes with the consumer's knowledge of the health benefits," she said. "It's going to be a flavorful trend to follow too."

You can find turmeric powder in most grocery stores and others offer the root, which looks similar to ginger. You can have some tonight with this chickpea, quinoa and turmeric curry or this golden turmeric dip.

If turmeric isn't your thing, you can always dig up a superfood of years passed. Here's a walk down memory lane.

Pomegranate

The pomegranate officially broke into the zeitgeist a few years ago, boasting its antioxidants, potassium and Vitamin C. POM Wonderful started pushing its juices and people were tossing pomegranate seeds into salads, stir fries and cereal. Couvelier notes pomegranate has been used to flavor jelly beans and vodkas.

Tomato, Pomegranate and Onion Salad

Coconut water

The hydrating water alternative is a favorite for gym buffs. It's low in calories, but high in antioxidants and potassium. The reason it hasn't gone gangbusters: People aren't wild about the taste. "If it doesn't taste great," said Couvelier, "Are you really going to continue slogging through this?"

Goji berries

The tiny, red, fat-free berries are high in antioxidants and promote healthy skin. But there hasn't been much innovation with them, Couevlier said, making them a superfood of the past.

Acai berries

Like the goji, it's high in antioxidants, but their novelty has worn off. "They're not thought of as a new, 'Wow, must try' anymore," Couvelier said.

Chia seeds

Unlike the acai, Couvelier said chia seeds may be making a comeback. She draws evidence from the fact the seeds are showing up in snack bars. The teeny seeds are high in fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for muscle functions, digestion and fertility, the National Institutes of Health found.

Follow Sean Rossman on Twitter: @SeanRossman