Tea is more than just refreshment; it is the ideal remedy to heartbreak, a perfect excuse to sit with a loved one and have a hearty chat, and for some of us, the most vital reason to open our eyes in the morning. In addition, a cup of tea can stave off many ailments and provide you with various health benefits.
Another dietary ingredient that has significant advantages in terms of good health is turmeric. The spice has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and also for its aroma and strong taste. It is a powerful herb with the ability to fight diseases and even potentially reverse certain illnesses. Turmeric is sourced from the Curcuma longa plant found in India and a number of other Southeast Asian countries. Curcumin is its active substance.
According to research, turmeric can play an essential role in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease as its anti-inflammatory properties can help improve cognitive function in patients. This is why certain areas of the Asian subcontinent where people consume turmeric regularly have the lowest rate of Alzheimer’s in the world.
Drinking a combination of these two, i.e. turmeric and tea is a popular way to consume turmeric. You can reap the rewards of its antioxidants while enjoying the subtle taste of tea. Remember that turmeric tea is an acquired taste, but the numerous benefits it offers are definitely worth the effort.
It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties
The most effective aspect of curcumin is its ability to inhibit inflammation. This is further proved by a study which evaluated different anti-inflammatory compounds to conclude that curcumin is more effective than aspirin and ibuprofen when it comes to controlling inflammation.
With regular turmeric tea consumption, you can prevent the symptoms of various inflammatory diseases such as;
- Ulcerative colitis: This is a chronic condition which affects the lower end of the gastrointestinal tract by causing ulcers. Turmeric tea can help keep the symptoms of the disease in remission. University of Maryland Medical Centre established in a study that people suffering from UC who are in remission can reduce their chances of relapse by consuming turmeric.
- Arthritis: Turmeric tea can ease off the inflammation and swelling caused by arthritis, thus reducing the pain.
- High cholesterol: Inflammation of the artery wall can also cause cholesterol to accumulate in the blood vessels, leading to increased cholesterol levels. This cholesterol coagulation can result in heart disease and even a stroke. Turmeric tea can help soothe arterial inflammation to prevent the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Also, turmeric can assist the brain in regenerating cells after a stroke.
- Uveitis: It is an inflammation of the iris. Preliminary research suggests that curcumin in turmeric may be as effective as corticosteroids which are generally prescribed to treat this disease.
Boosts the immune system and fights infection
Turmeric tea can be vital in providing your immune system with the necessary boost it needs to protect your body from ‘foreign’ invaders, primarily infection-causing bacteria, parasites, and fungi. It can also prove to be beneficial for people with immune disorders.
Turmeric helps fight infections such as upper respiratory infections, sinus, and sore throat. Its antibacterial properties also help flush these infections out of your system.
Prevents cancer
A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. Turmeric tea contains antioxidants that prevent molecules from oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that releases free radicals that damage the cells. Research shows that the antioxidants present in turmeric prevent the development of cancers in various organs including the lungs, brain, colon, and breast.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is shown to have an anticancer effect on cancer cells and prevents the growth of cancer cells in other organs. Additionally, it also stops cancer stem cells from reforming after treatment, thereby reducing the chances of a relapse.
Keeps your digestive system healthy
Turmeric tea is also effective in keeping your digestive system in great condition. It promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestine and inhibits the development of bad bacteria.
The anti-inflammatory characteristic of turmeric relieves the pain caused by Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and acute diarrhea. It also soothes the pain caused by swelling from hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Ideal for weight loss
You may have heard of the benefits of green tea for weight loss, but listen to this, turmeric tea is just as effective. Curcumin works wonders and increases metabolism which subsequently results in weight loss. Furthermore, it keeps blood sugar levels in check thereby preventing you from gaining weight.
Finally, most people do not take into consideration the health of their livers when planning weight loss. In fact, many people don’t know this but liver plays a vital role in reducing weight. It produces bile which breaks down fat molecules in addition to flushing toxins out from the body, thus maintaining a healthy overall weight. Turmeric tea helps in the detoxification of the body, especially the liver, keeping it in a healthy working condition.
A cup of steaming turmeric tea can cure a lot of your ailments and keep their symptoms in check. You can either buy one, or make some at home. Here’s the recipe;
Boil 3 to 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Once the water starts boiling, add 2 teaspoons of turmeric and stir for a minute. Let it simmer for 10 minutes before passing the concoction from a fine sieve, cheesecloth or coffee filter.
You can customize your cup according to your preference by adding lemon, orange juice or honey for flavor and milk for a creamier version.
