Sip Your Way To Health With The Golden Benefits Of Turmeric Tea
Drinking turmeric tea for its incredible health benefits is not a new invention. Fresh turmeric root has been an Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine component for centuries. These days, turmeric has a renewed popularity as its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have become mainstream knowledge.
This article explores the history of turmeric tea and the many health benefits of the bright yellow-orange, earthy turmeric root. It delves into the active ingredient in turmeric that makes this root so powerful and illustrates why you should include it in your daily diet.
What is Turmeric Tea?
You've probably heard of turmeric as a spice used in Indian and Southeast Asian dishes like curries, rice dishes, and stews. It has a vibrant yellow, sometimes slightly orange, color and a warm, somewhat bitter, and earthy flavor profile. Turmeric adds a unique complexity and depth to dishes.
Besides its important role in culinary creations, this interesting and vibrant root has been used as a powerful traditional medicine for centuries and a natural dye for food products, cosmetics, and textiles.
But where does it come from?
Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is part of the ginger family and native to Southeast Asia. Although it's part of the ginger family, turmeric has its own potent flavor. You can use the root freshly sliced or processed into turmeric extract or powder form.
If you enjoy herbal tea, turmeric tea is an excellent option. You can enjoy it in different ways; here are some ideas:
#1. Fresh turmeric tea
If you love turmeric's spicy and complex flavor, you can make a cup of fresh turmeric tea from sliced turmeric root or dried turmeric powder on its own or with other tea for a caffeine kick. Feel free to add it to green tea or use black tea if you prefer the flavor. Turmeric also complements other spicy flavors, so you can add other ingredients like ginger root, galangal, licorice root, cinnamon, cardamom, or lemon juice.
Our Good Root tea blend contains a beautiful blend of delicious spices and is quick and easy to prepare.
#2. Golden milk
This wholesome drink is also known as a turmeric latte, and you make it by simmering or steeping turmeric and other ingredients in milk and sweetening it. Golden milk originates as a traditional Ayurvedic medicine and has made quite a comeback in recent years.
Here's a basic recipe for golden milk:
Ingredients:
-
Turmeric
-
Milk
-
Sweetener (optional)
-
Spices (optional)
Instructions:
-
Heat the milk of your choice in a saucepan over medium heat. Be careful not to bring it to a boil; just warm it.
-
Add the ground turmeric powder or root to the warm milk. Use around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of turmeric per cup of milk, depending on your taste preferences.
-
If you're using spices, add them now.
-
If you like your tea sweetened, add a little sweetener now.
-
Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the turmeric and spices are well incorporated into the milk.
-
Leave the mixture to simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, but do not boil it.
-
Strain the tea to remove any solids, then pour it into a cup. Your turmeric tea is ready to be enjoyed.
Notes:
-
You can use turmeric powder or fresh turmeric in root form (grated or sliced).
-
You can use dairy or plant-based milk, like soy, oat, almond, or coconut milk. For a more decadent golden latte, add some coconut cream.
-
You can use honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener you like to sweeten your golden milk and add more flavor.
-
Add a little ginger powder, black pepper, cinnamon, or cardamom to enhance the flavor and boost the health properties of your turmeric tea.
Golden milk is versatile, and there are many variations you can explore, incorporating different spices and flavors to suit your taste. You can also add green tea or any other tea to the mix for an added health boost. If you like the flavor of coconut milk, add a bit of coconut oil for added richness and to enhance the absorption of curcumin.
#3. Golden green tea
Turmeric tea, often infused with the vibrant flavors of green tea, is a delightful and healthful beverage. This fusion combines the earthy warmth of turmeric with the gentle astringency of green tea and gives you a double dose of potential health benefits.
Green tea brings its own array of antioxidants and compounds, while the curcumin in turmeric provides anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The result is a soothing and refreshing drink that not only warms the senses but may also contribute to overall well-being.
The Health Benefits of Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea is valued for its potential health benefits, including its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and is packed with antioxidants. Turmeric tea benefits come from its primary active compound, curcumin, which also gives turmeric tea its characteristic yellow-orange color. But what specific health conditions is turmeric tea good for? Let's delve into that.
Turmeric tea is a potent anti-inflammatory
One of the top turmeric tea benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to so many health issues, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancer. By consuming turmeric and its beneficial compounds regularly, you will reduce inflammation.
Drinking turmeric tea can help your body fight free radicals
Green tea is not the only tea with potent antioxidant properties! Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, which means that turmeric tea can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage, and research has indicated that they may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Make turmeric tea to soothe a sore throat
Thanks again to its anti-inflammatory properties, a cup of warming turmeric tea can help soothe sore throat symptoms. Curcumin also has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
Your immune system will love turmeric tea
Turmeric has many immune-boosting properties, including:
-
Your immune system relies on specific immune cells and proteins, for example, T and B cells and various cytokines that coordinate the immune response. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, stimulates the production of these cells.
-
Research shows that inflammation can compromise your immune system, and since turmeric tea has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, it will help you with this.
-
Whether you use dried turmeric in tea or your food, it helps promote a balanced microbiome in your gut. A healthy gut is crucial to your immune function.
-
The antimicrobial properties in turmeric tea can help boost your immune system because it helps combat viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
-
You are more likely to get sick when you're stressed because your immune function is directly affected by stress. Since some research shows that curcumin can help improve mood and reduce stress, it can indirectly support your immune system.
Better gut health and digestion
As mentioned, turmeric tea can help improve your gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome. But did you know it has even more digestive health benefits? Turmeric tea can support digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion. It may also stimulate bile production and reduce gas and bloating.
It boosts your brain cells
Did you know that a cup of turmeric tea can help you to focus? Scientific studies show that when you drink turmeric tea, it boosts your memory and can help with mental health and cognitive function. Curcumin may also help prevent and manage neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Although more research is needed in this area, studies have already shown promising results.
Turmeric tea can help ease pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help with pain relief. It works by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and decreasing the production of pain-inducing molecules. Curcumin has been studied for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis and muscle soreness.
It supports heart health
Curcumin improves the function of the lining of your blood vessels, which can help improve your cardiovascular health. It may also help lower the risk of heart disease by improving factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Make turmeric tea for healthy skin
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help promote healthy skin. Curcumin can help reduce skin inflammation, redness, and puffiness, making it a valuable natural remedy for conditions like acne and eczema. Its antioxidant effects also help protect the skin from free radical damage, helping to maintain a youthful appearance and potentially reducing the risk of premature aging.
Additionally, turmeric may promote an even skin tone and a healthy glow by inhibiting the overproduction of melanin, making it an excellent addition to skincare routines for those seeking radiant and blemish-free skin.
Assists with weight management
By lowering inflammation, curcumin may help prevent weight gain and support healthy metabolic function. Moreover, turmeric can enhance insulin sensitivity, help regulate blood sugar levels, and potentially reduce cravings for sugary or high-calorie foods. These combined effects make turmeric a valuable dietary addition for those looking to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall metabolic health.
Do I Have to Drink Turmeric Tea, Or Can I Take Supplements?
We love the spicy taste of turmeric tea, especially this delicious blend, but not everyone enjoys its flavor. Making turmeric tea is not the only way to get this root's wonderful benefits. There are various concentrated turmeric supplements available from health stores.
Studies have proven that curcumin nanomedicine formulations improve endothelial function, which means it helps regulate blood flow and blood pressure and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Curcumin supplementation can also help combat diabetes, assist with the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and can reverse metabolic syndrome.
Studies have even indicated that curcumin supplements can help prevent and treat cancer and help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, it's important to note that this is not a cure-all for serious health problems like heart problems and cancerous cells.
If you have any of these conditions, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider about using curcumin supplements as a complementary treatment to your health protocol. They will help you determine how much turmeric you need to take and if it's okay to use curcumin supplements while also enjoying it as a delicious beverage.
Risks
It's important to note that while a growing body of research supports these potential benefits, more high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm the full extent of turmeric's health advantages.
Additionally, the bioavailability of curcumin is limited, meaning the body may not absorb it well. To enhance absorption, you can add black pepper to your turmeric tea. It contains piperine, which enhances curcumin absorption.
Turmeric tea is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. However, excessive consumption may lead to side effects, such as digestive discomfort. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, talk to your doctor before including large amounts of turmeric tea in your diet, as it may interact with certain drugs.
If you want to minimize the risks associated with regular turmeric tea consumption, you can:
-
Start with moderate ground turmeric in your tea and observe how your body reacts.
-
Talk to your doctor if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
-
Combine turmeric with black pepper to boost the absorption of curcumin.
-
Rotate your dietary sources of curcumin, rather than relying solely on turmeric tea, to diversify your diet and limit potential side effects.
Turmeric tea can be a beneficial addition to your diet when you consume it in moderation. However, individual tolerance and responses may vary, so it's essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance if needed.
Start Enjoying Turmeric Tea Benefits Today!
Turmeric tea is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It makes a delicious, soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea that can boost your overall health and wellness.
If you enjoy herbal tea and need to boost your immune function or reduce joint pain or arthritis symptoms, our Good Root caffeine-free turmeric tea blend is an excellent choice. If you have a more severe health condition like one of the cardiovascular diseases, or you need to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about the benefits of turmeric root in tea form or as a supplement.