Turmeric is a spice and an herbal remedy that comes from the root of a plant named Curcuma longa. Find out turmeric tea’s the health benefits, risks, best brands, and why turmeric tea is one of the healthiest beverages in the market.
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Turmeric V.S. Ginger
It is understandable why turmeric and ginger may cause some confusion, their physical features are very similar because they are both root crops from flowering plants and they fall under the same family. The prominent difference of turmeric is its vibrant yellow-orange color, unlike ginger that gives a pale to light yellow color. The bright color comes from the chemical curcumin which contains anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Health Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Tea
Detoxifies the Liver
The powerful source of health benefits from turmeric comes from the chemical compound curcumin. It makes turmeric tea one of the best detox beverages as it can flush away toxins coming from pollution, tobacco, alcohol, processed food, and other harmful chemicals in the body. The detoxification happens when the body speeds up the conversion of these harmful compounds in the body to water-soluble waste.
Improves Skin Elasticity
The curcumin compound found in turmeric is a common ingredient in anti-aging supplements, this is because it is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Aside from improving skin health, the antioxidants can help with tightening and firming the skin and avoid premature signs of skin aging.
Prevents and Slows Down Alzheimer’s Disease
Affecting almost 10 million new cases annually, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. This disease is the primary root of Dementia, a syndrome that results in memory and behavioral deterioration.
While there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s, a person can prevent or slow down the brain’s deterioration by drinking turmeric tea. Studies show that turmeric tea’s curcumin helps improve the pathological processes of Alzheimer’s disease and lowers the chances of getting various neurodegenerative conditions. More so, turmeric tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the cellular damage and accumulation of amyloid deposits which are linked to developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps Ease Symptoms of Arthritis
The chemical curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound which eases the inflammation and swelling of joints, including arthritis, a typical disorder characterized by joint inflammation.
This claim is supported by numerous studies, one of which is a study in 2017 that identified that 63% of 206 Americans with self-reported rheumatoid arthritis managed the symptoms by taking turmeric. Another study revealed that people with the aforementioned condition said that curcumin in turmeric was more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs. Aside from that, this active compound found in turmeric is also powerful in helping reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients.
Prevents and Treats Cancer
Taking turmeric tea can positively affect growth, development, and spread of cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute has identified the chemical compound curcumin as a powerful and helpful anti-carcinogenic for humans, meaning, this can help prevent cancer. Aside from curcumin being clinically known for its anti-cancer benefits, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory can reduce the possibilities of damaging the cells in the body, lowering the risks of cell mutations which can also lead to cancer. Moreover, various studies have discovered that turmeric’s curcumin has anti-tumor properties, which can help in restricting the spread of cancerous cells and even the growth of body tumors.
Helps Reduce Heart Complications and Lower Risks of Heart Diseases
One of the common chronic diseases worldwide is heart disease, and drinking turmeric tea is said to help prevent this. The main role of curcumin in reducing the risks of acquiring cardiovascular disease is by enhancing the ability of the lining of blood vessels called the endothelium. A dysfunction in this blood vessel lining can badly affect the heart’s capability to balance and maintain normal blood pressure and avoid blood clotting. Curcumin’s role in improving the endothelial function is as effective as exercise.
Moreover, turmeric is effective in lowering bad cholesterol, which further helps in reducing the risks of developing serious health conditions such as stroke and heart disease. This is backed up by research that observed that one can reduce bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels when there is even a low curcumin found in the body.
Manages Lung Diseases and Conditions
What can help lower the possibilities of getting chronic lung conditions is the turmeric tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
A medical study published in 2017 stated that curcumin can help treat pulmonary and cystic fibrosis, prevent lung cancer or injury, cure asthma, and improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, though pieces of clinical evidence are still lacking. Curcumin can also act as an expectorant to COPD, which helps break down mucus in the lungs, improving breathing and relieving coughing.
Can Help Fight Depression
Researchers have found that curcumin in turmeric has the potential to improve depression, including mild depression and even major depressive disorder (MDD). It is said that curcumin is a powerful antidepressant. While depression is connected to a shrinking hippocampus and a lowering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, curcumin can boost BDNF levels, fighting and reversing the possibility of having depression. Aside from this, curcumin is known to fight chronic inflammation, which can also relieve symptoms of depression. It is also worth noting that several studies have found that curcumin can improve dopamine and the brain neurotransmitters serotonin.
Helps Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Maintains Ulcerative Colitis Remission
A digestive disorder called irritable bowel syndrome or IBS can cause constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Research has revealed that curcumin may help relieve IBS-related pains and better the overall condition of people with the said condition.
On the other hand, a chronic condition named ulcerative colitis, more commonly known as UC, is one cause of ulcers in the lower end of the gastrointestinal tract. Just like in IBS, turmeric tea can help further remission of the symptoms. A study from the University of Maryland Medical Center revealed that patients with this condition had substantially lowered the relapse rates moments after they took turmeric products.
Boosts the Overall Immune System
The main active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin, a compound that makes this plant very powerful, especially in improving one’s overall immune system. Studies have proven to boost the immune function with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties all found in turmeric tea’s curcumin.
Recommended Dosage in Consuming Turmeric Tea
It is safe to consume turmeric products that have a maximum of 8 grams of curcumin compounds every day for up to 60 days. On the other hand, it can be safe to take 3 grams of turmeric extracts up to 90 days.
For children of at least 15 years old with high cholesterol levels or other blood fats, take 1.4 grams of turmeric extract in two divided doses every day for 90 months by mouth only. When unfamiliar with existing health conditions, it is best to consult with doctors before overconsuming turmeric products.
Side Effects and Risks of Consuming Turmeric Tea
An individual can experience negative side effects by excessively drinking turmeric beyond its advisable dosage. Turmeric is highly safe to consume regularly but only for short-term usage. Though this yellow-colored root plant does not always result in serious risks, it is still vital to know that some consumers experience mild side effects, including stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea when they take higher doses of turmeric products.
Since turmeric tea can bolster a menstrual period or improve stimulation of the uterus, pregnant and breast-feeding women are not advised to drink turmeric tea. Also, for men, turmeric lowers the testosterone levels, which leads to lower quality of sperm and infertility. So, consume turmeric tea cautiously when planning and trying to conceive a baby.
Turmeric can also worsen several gallbladder conditions. Hence, people with problems in the gallstones or a bile duct are not recommended to consume this.
Since taking turmeric products slows blood clotting, it can heighten the risk of bruising and for patients with bleeding conditions, problems, and disorders. Further, it can cause more bleeding during and after surgery, so it is recommended to not take turmeric at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
For people with low blood sugar, take turmeric tea cautiously since curcumin in turmeric effectively decreases the blood sugar of diabetic people. Finally, people with iron deficiency should be cautious in excessively consuming turmeric tea since it may prevent iron absorption.
Best Turmeric Tea Brands
Traditional Medicinals Organic Turmeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger Herbal Tea
The warm, earthy, savory, and a bit spicy flavor of this particular brand of tea supports a healthy response to inflammation associated with an active lifestyle.
Buddha Teas Organic Turmeric Ginger Tea
Aside from the warming, spicy, earthy, pungent, and sweet taste of Buddha Teas, it claims to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, including boosting the immune system and supporting digestion.
Tazo Turmeric Bliss Tea Bags
Radiant, aromatic, golden turmeric and sweet passion fruit flavor and quality taste bring forth health benefits after consuming day in and day out.
Rishi Turmeric Ginger Tea
This warm blend is perfect for the cold autumn weather. It contains ginger root, turmeric, licorice root, lemongrass, orange and lemon peel which gives a balance of citrusy and heat.
Sabai Turmeric Tea
If you prefer pure turmeric tea, this earthy and warm tea can be prepared with a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick.
Numi Organic Tea Turmeric Amber Sun
This blend from Numi is mixed with turmeric, rooibos, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add a splash of milk to boost the creaminess of this blend.
Celebration Herbals Organic Turmeric Ginger Lemon Blend
Cozy up during the winter with this spicy yet refreshing blend. Get the heat from the turmeric and ginger that follows up with a citrus kick from the lemon.
Turmeric tea is a powerful beverage that can help prevent and treat health conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s, cancer, depression, IBS, and UC. But always remember to first consult with your doctor and take proper doses to avoid possible side effects. More than the benefits of this wonderful, healthy tea much like ginger, turmeric heats the body making you feel warm and cozy inside.
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