Turmeric is well known in India and China as an herbal remedy. It belongs to the ginger family and has been used to make herbal remedies for centuries. The compound Curcumin present in turmeric has many beneficial properties for health. It is supposed to be even better than some drugs in controlling inflammation, gout and arthritis. Just by drinking a cup of turmeric tea, you can keep many ailments at bay. It’s said to be good for Alzheimer and cancer, as well. Here are some benefits of turmeric tea as well as some tips about who should drink this tea and who should stay away from it:
What exactly is turmeric tea?
It’s made by brewing grated, raw turmeric. Though there is, no fixed amount of turmeric that you can intake in a day, according to some research, adults can safely use 1-3 g of dried or grated turmeric root. On the other hand, you can make some tea from 400-500 mg of turmeric powder to gain the benefits of turmeric tea.
Who should drink it?
As with everything, turmeric tea is best in moderate amounts. While it is good for everyone, if you have had these following complaints, do consult your doctor before drinking turmeric tea:
- If you have gallbladder inflammation or suffer from gallbladder stones or bile passage obstruction
- If you have diabetes or stomach ulcers (turmeric can lower blood sugar )
- Turmeric tea is not for you if you are on blood thinner medication, as it is a natural blood thinner. Also, if you notice any acidity after drinking this tea, you should stop drinking it.
Recipe for turmeric tea
It’s quite easy to make turmeric tea. You can make it from ground, grated, dried turmeric. Pure, unadulterated turmeric powder can also be used in this turmeric tea recipe. Fermented turmeric teas available in stores claim to have higher concentrations of absorbable curcumin.
How to make turmeric tea
Take 4 cups of water and boil it. Add up to 2 teaspoons of grated, ground or powdered turmeric, and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a container and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
In this turmeric tea recipe, you can add ingredients like Honey, cream, almond or coconut milk, whole milk, ghee. The body not only absorbs these ingredients easily, however, they also help to improve the taste of the tea. Curcumin requires some quantity of healthy fats, or piperine from black pepper in order to dissolve in the body. Lemon and ginger add to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties thus increasing the benefits of turmeric tea.
Benefits of turmeric tea
Reduces discomfort due to arthritis
The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin helps to reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. In a study, patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis controlled their symptoms with the help of turmeric tea. This is one of the benefits of turmeric tea which has been well-recorded.
Boosts immunity
It has been proved by many studies that curcumin improves the immune system due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It acts as immune regulator, thus helping to regulate the functions of the immune cells against cancer. Thus turmeric benefits for cancer is one of the reason why cancer diagnosed patients prefer this tea.
Beneficial for the heart
Turmeric tea helps to reduce the complications due to cardiovascular problems. The benefits of turmeric tea for the heart are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The benefits of turmeric tea for heart has been observed in a study conducted in 2012. The study noted that consuming 4g curcumin 3 days prior to and 5 days post coronary bypass surgery reduced the risk of heart attack by approximately 17%.
Even a low amount of curcumin everyday can help to lower the bad cholesterol in your body. So, if you are not taking any blood thinning medicine, you can use turmeric to lower your LDL. Thus, benefits of turmeric tea for heart cannot be ignored.
Turmeric helps to treat and prevent cancer
One of the benefits of turmeric tea is its capacity to help treat as well as prevent cancer. Turmeric’s cancer fighting properties are well established. It lowers the risk of cell damage in the body, thus reducing cell mutation chances and cancer.
Turmeric benefits for cancer have also been noted because it has anti-tumor property too. This limits the growth of cancerous cells and tumors. Scientists are researching the use of turmeric/curcumin along with radiation and other cancer treatment therapies.
The turmeric benefits for cancer have been seen in stomach, breast, skin and bowel cancer. Moreover, according to some studies, curcumin targets only cancer cells and does not affect healthy cells.
Helps to control IBS or irritable bowel syndrome
Traditionally, turmeric has been used to treat digestive conditions for centuries. Many studies have also revealed that curcumin might decrease the pain due to IBS and thus, improve the quality of life of the person. The benefits of turmeric tea for digestion are well-established.
Treats and prevents Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative condition that is dreaded by all. One of the ways to keep this degenerative condition at bay, may be to consume turmeric tea daily. Curcumin may help to prevent or slow down age-associated changes in protein, which are usually linked to Alzheimer’s.
Protects the liver
A damaged liver can lead to many bile associated diseases. Many studies have established that curcumin can protect the liver from being damaged.
Helps to manage diabetes
Turmeric has been used traditionally as a home remedy for diabetes. Multiple studies have found that curcumin can lower the blood glucose levels, and relieve other diabetes related complications. Managing diabetes thus becomes easier with turmeric tea. If you do not have diabetes, you may be able to prevent it by consuming this amazing herbal tea regularly.
Turmeric has long been used as a home remedy but now studies have proved its efficacy scientifically. Having it regularly can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart problems and Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. It is so effective in cancer management, that it could soon become a therapy prescribed by doctors along with radiation.
