Ravi Teja Tadimalla
You know turmeric is an herbal remedy used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. But did you ever wonder if adding a pinch is the only way to use turmeric in your diet? What if you could make a tea out of the spice, which you can gently sip on a cold morning? How would that benefit you? This post has the answers. Read on.
Table Of Contents
What Are The Benefits Of Turmeric Tea?
How To Prepare Turmeric Tea
What Are The Side Effects Of Turmeric Tea?
What Are The Benefits Of Turmeric Tea?
1. Turmeric Tea Fights Inflammation
There are hundreds of studies that speak of curcumin, the compound in turmeric that fights inflammation (1). Further research also tells us that ibuprofen and aspirin, two of the popular anti-inflammatory drugs, are not as effective as curcumin in turmeric when it comes to fighting inflammation (2).
These properties of turmeric also make it a good treatment for arthritis and gout symptoms (3).
2. Aids Cancer Treatment
The curcumin in turmeric was proven to have anticancer effects. In fact, the compound exhibited the best effects on cancers of the bowel, skin, breast, and stomach. Also, the antioxidant properties of curcumin can reduce swelling and inflammation that are so often associated with cancer.
Further research also tells us that curcumin can make chemotherapy more effective (4). What’s even more interesting is the selective action of curcumin – several studies have found that the compound targets only the cancerous cells, leaving the healthy cells unaffected (5).
3. Aids Diabetes Treatment
One 2013 review of multiple studies states that the curcumin in turmeric can lower blood glucose levels and, on top of that, relieve several other diabetes complications (6).
Turmeric tea can also stabilize blood sugar levels and make diabetes far more manageable. More importantly, taking turmeric tea regularly (or even including turmeric in your regular diet) can even prevent diabetes altogether. This is because curcumin optimizes the functioning of the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It can also treat liver issues, which are quite common in patients with diabetes.
4. Treats Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain by inducing inflammation, oxidative damage, and metal toxicity – all of which were found to be countered with the help of curcumin in turmeric tea (7).
Another study says that curcumin can improve memory and mood. Curcumin’s ability to reduce brain inflammation has also been linked to improvement in depression (8).
5. Boosts Immunity
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help boost immunity. It also reduces and even prevents the impact of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and this is another way turmeric enhances immunity (9).
6. Enhances Heart Health
Studies show that curcumin can reverse heart disease. The antioxidant effects of the compound can reduce the risk of different forms of cardiotoxicity and prevent heart complications related to diabetes (10).
Curcumin has also been found to improve the health of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. As endothelial dysfunction is one major cause of heart disease, curcumin plays a crucial role here (11).
Further research also shows that curcumin can prevent clogged arteries. The compound can reduce deposits in the arteries, thereby preventing heart disease and heart attacks (12).
7. Might Promote Weight Loss
Weight gain causes fat tissue to expand, and new blood vessels are formed as a consequence. But studies show that intake of curcumin can prevent the formation of these blood vessels. This means less fat gain and, eventually, weight loss. However, more research is required before we arrive at any conclusion.
8. May Treat Uveitis
Also called eye inflammation, it is one of the degenerative conditions of the eye that can affect vision (13). However, we need more research before arriving at conclusions.
9. Cleanses The Liver
The curcumin in turmeric tea had shown to improve liver detoxification. Intake of turmeric can also increase the levels of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme produced by the liver that protects the organ from oxidative stress and damage.
Other studies state how curcumin can reverse liver cirrhosis to some extent. This can be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the compound (14).
10. Boosts Sleep
We have already seen that curcumin can improve mood – and this invariably improves your sleep as well. Intake of curcumin was also found to relieve anxiety and prevent oxidative damage – factors that might otherwise cause sleep issues.
11. Turmeric Tea Helps Treat Acne
The antioxidants in turmeric and the compound curcumin can work wonders for your skin. You can mix a tablespoon of turmeric with some water to make a paste. Apply to your face and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off with cold water. You can repeat this daily.
Those are the benefits of turmeric tea. Quite amazing, aren’t they? By the way, how about getting to know about the preparation of the tea?
How To Prepare Turmeric Tea
You can prepare the tea with turmeric powder. You can either buy it from the market or grate and ground whole turmeric right at your home. Here are the steps to follow:
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric to 4 cups of boiled water.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup or container and let it cool down a bit.
You can also add some honey to the tea to sweeten it. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that offer additional benefits. You can also add some black pepper or lemon or even the juice of ginger.
Simple, isn’t it? But can this tea have side effects?
What Are The Side Effects Of Turmeric Tea?
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Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, turmeric tea can stimulate the uterus. Not enough information is available with respect to turmeric and breastfeeding. Hence, avoid use in both the cases.
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Gallbladder Issues
Turmeric can aggravate gallbladder issues. Don’t use it if you have gallstones or any other issues with the gallbladder.
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Diabetes
Though this is a benefit, we suggest you check with your doctor as turmeric can lower blood pressure way too much in diabetes patients.
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Infertility
Turmeric might decrease sperm count in men when taken orally. This can reduce fertility.
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Iron Deficiency
Turmeric might interfere with iron absorption. Hence, people who are deficient in iron must take care.
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Issues During Surgery
Turmeric might slow blood clotting, which is why you need to stop taking it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Conclusion
The benefits of turmeric aren’t new. But in case you feel you need a different way of enjoying them, turmeric tea is the way to go about it.
Let us know how this post has helped you. Simply leave a comment in the box below.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
How often can you drink turmeric tea?
Consuming turmeric tea once a day should suffice. And the maximum amount of turmeric you can take in a day is 2 grams. Half a teaspoon of ground turmeric makes one gram of turmeric.
What is the best time to take turmeric tea?
You can take the tea before bedtime.
References
1. “Current nutraceuticals in the…”. US National Library of Medicine.
2. “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents differ…”. US National Library of Medicine.
3. “Turmeric”. Arthritis Foundation.
4. “Curcumin: Can it slow cancer growth?” MayoClinic.
5. “Curcumin and cancer cells…”. US National Library of Medicine.
6. “Curcumin and diabetes”. US National Library of Medicine.
7. “The effect of curcumin…”. US National Library of Medicine.
8. “Curcumin improves memory and mood…”. UCLA Newsroom.
9. “Spicing up of the immune system…”. US National Library of Medicine.
10. “The protective role of curcumin…”. US National Library of Medicine.
11. “Endothelial cell functions…”. US National Library of Medicine.
12. “Curcumin may prevent clogged arteries”. WebMD.
13. “Management of chronic anterior…”. US National Library of Medicine.
14. “Pharmacological actions of…”. US National Library of Medicine.
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