You may know turmeric as the golden yellow spice which gives curry its color and flavor. But the medicinal qualities of this spice has been valued for thousands of years and leveraged in many ancient traditions. Curcuminoids, specifically curcumin, are active ingredients in turmeric which have potent therapeutic properties.
Turmeric can be incorporated into your daily life in various ways whether as whole turmeric or powder to spice up your curries and sauces or as turmeric milk to stand in for your lattes. But if you want something soothing and potent, with all the goodness of turmeric and yet whipped up in a jiffy, a cup of turmeric tea is the answer. To top it off, turmeric tea has a subtle flavor that anyone can enjoy. It even works beautifully with other herbal superfoods you’d want to have. Here are 10 research-based benefits for your body and mind that should make a turmeric tea drinker out of you!
# Fights Cold And InfectionsGolden turmeric milk is a time-tested remedy to fight cough and cold. But if you are vegan or allergic to milk or simply want something lighter, turmeric tea is just the ticket. Turmeric works as an antibacterial and antiviral agent and can fight infections of the respiratory system. For instance, research indicates that curcumin can stop the respiratory syncytial virus from multiplying. It even works as an expectorant and reduces sputum.
# Helps Ease Symptoms Of Allergies
Need another reason to drink turmeric tea? Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. Research has found that curcumin can inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical that’s naturally present in our bodies. This chemical is responsible for many symptoms that are experienced during an allergic reaction whether it’s a running nose, watering eyes, or a scratchy throat.
And its effect could go beyond just respiratory allergies. One animal study observed that when rats were treated with curcumin for 16 days, they experienced significant relief from symptoms of food allergy. Turmeric may not only come in handy in allergies but may also be able to counter other disorders like asthma and atopic dermatitis where allergic reactions play a part.
# Boosts Immunity And Fights Inflammation
We are exposed to a wide range of harmful germs every day. Thankfully, our immune system is on the job, defending us from infection and disease. And a cup of turmeric tea may be just what you need to lend a hand and strengthen your immune system. Research indicates that turmeric is a strong immunomodulatory agent which can stimulate the immune system as well as fight inflammation.
While inflammation is a response by your immune system to fight infection, chronic inflammation can be bad for you. In fact, inflammation has been implicated in a range of medical conditions, from heart disease and arthritis to Alzheimer’s. Curcumin, as well as polysaccharides present in turmeric, may account for turmeric’s beneficial effects.
# Eases PainCurcuminoids present in turmeric can reduce pain significantly. This effect is caused by curcumin’s capacity to inhibit the production of PGE2 which sensitizes neurons to pain. Curcumin also depletes substance P, which is a neurotransmitter that relays pain messages to your brain. Having turmeric tea regularly may be able to help you tackle not just the random once-off headaches or body pain but also chronic pain associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and diverticulitis,
# Relieves IndigestionTurmeric has traditionally been used in ayurveda to improve digestion. During one study, powdered turmeric capsules were given 4 times a day – that is, after mealtimes and before bed –to patients suffering from indigestion. And it was found to be effective at easing indigestion and reducing flatulence. Curcumin helps with digestion by stimulating the production of bile in the gallbladder. So go ahead and ease your tummy troubles with some turmeric tea.
# Eases Irritable Bowel Syndrome SymptomsIrritable bowel syndrome is a tricky condition. We don’t yet know what lies at the root of it and it can cause chronic digestive problems ranging from abdominal discomfort or pain to bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. But turmeric may be helpful here as well. One large study which looked at 207 patients found that when they took a turmeric extract daily for 8 weeks, both the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome as well as scores of pain and discomfort were significantly reduced. The participants also reported that their bowel pattern changed favorably.
# Helps Prevent Heart DiseaseTurmeric can play an important role in keeping your heart healthy. It can stop blood platelets from aggregating or clumping together, thus reducing the chances of dangerous blood clots on the walls of your arteries which can block blood supply.
Lab studies have also found that this spice inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme which plays a part in making your blood vessels narrow. Inhibition of this enzyme can relax your blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure is another marker of heart disease. Studies even show that curcumin can prevent damage to your arteries by high blood pressure to an extent. So have a cup of warming turmeric tea every day – your heart will thank you for it!
# Improves Physical Function And Pain In OsteoarthritisWhen you have osteoarthritis, the tissue that covers the ends of your joints get damaged, resulting in pain, loss of motion, and swelling. But a bracing cup of turmeric tea may be able to help. Curcuminoids present in turmeric are anti-inflammatory and have a protective effect on your cartilage. In one study, people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the knee saw considerable improvements in physical function and pain after being treated with curcuminoids for 6 weeks.
# Helps Reduce Blood SugarAnother common but chronic condition that turmeric tea can help manage is diabetes. Animal studies have observed that supplementation with curcumin lowered blood sugar in diabetic rats. But that’s not all. It also reduced the oxidative stress they experienced. Oxidative stress has a major role to play in many diabetes complications. So while having a healthy diet and regular exercise are important to manage your blood sugar levels, a daily cup of turmeric tea might also chip in nicely.
# Counters Neurodegenerative DiseasesCurcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which makes it particularly beneficial for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Another way in which curcumin may be beneficial is through its anti-protein aggregation effects. In people with degenerative conditions, proteins tend to fold themselves improperly and clump together.
Curcumin is able to act against this effect. Research has found that curcumin can delay the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It can also slow down the degradation of neurons and improve memory. Invest in your long-term brain health by making turmeric