Turmeric is a bright yellow-orange spice commonly used in curries and sauces. It comes from turmeric root. The spice has been used for its medicinal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for thousands of years. Turmeric tea is a popular form of turmeric consumption. It has a unique but subtle flavor. Tea is also a great way to experience the following health benefits of turmeric.
1. Relieve Arthritis Symptoms
The strong anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric tea may help reduce inflammation and swelling in people with arthritis. This reduces painful symptoms. One study found that an active compound in turmeric, called curcumin, was effective in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
2. Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
While research is still trying to determine the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, it seems that the curcumin in turmeric may help prevent it. The antioxidants in turmeric prevent damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. More importantly, some research shows that turmeric can reduce the loss of synaptic markers and amyloid buildup linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Helps prevent cancer
The many medicinal properties of turmeric tea, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help prevent cancer.
4. Maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that causes ulcers in the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract. Turmeric may help maintain symptom remission. One study found that UC patients in remission had a significantly lower relapse rate if they consumed turmeric.
5. Strengthen the immune system
The medicinal properties of turmeric can boost the immune system, even in people with immune disorders. One study theorized that turmeric can moderate the immune system.
6. Lower cholesterol
Lowering LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) can help reduce the risk of developing certain serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke. There is evidence of the effectiveness of turmeric in this regard. For example, a 2008 study found that a low dose of curcumin was associated with lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.
7. May Help Treat Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the iris. Preliminary research has indicated that the curcumin in turmeric may be as effective a treatment as corticosteroids, but without the side effects.
How to prepare turmeric tea
To make turmeric tea at home, follow these steps:
1 Boil 3-4 cups of water on the stove.
2 Add 2 teaspoons of turmeric and stir.
3 Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
4 Strain the tea into another container.
5 Add honey, freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice and milk to taste.
Potential risks and complications
Turmeric is generally safe as long as you consume it in moderation. You should consult your doctor before drinking turmeric tea if you have ever had
– inflammation of the gallbladder or gallbladder stones
– an obstruction of the bile ducts
– stomach ulcers
– diabetes (turmeric supplements can lower blood sugar).
Taking too much turmeric, however, can lead to side effects. These include:
– an increase in the acidity of the stomach, which can cause ulcers
– an anticoagulant effect
As turmeric can thin the blood, you should stop drinking turmeric tea two weeks before an operation. Also, do not take turmeric tea if you are on blood thinners.
Who should drink turmeric tea?
Turmeric tea is considered safe for most people. It can relieve pain and inflammation without the side effects of some medications. Almost anyone can benefit from drinking turmeric tea, especially because it can boost the immune system and act as a preventive agent for certain cancers. People with pain caused by inflammation may benefit the most. Diabetics and people taking blood thinners, however, should consult their doctor before trying a turmeric supplement.
