Turmeric or haldi is a wondrous spice made from the rhizome or root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. India grows 78 per cent of the global supply of turmeric. The active ingredient in turmeric is CURCUMIN which gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color. Curcumin is proven to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Turmeric tea, brewed using grated turmeric root or pure powder, is considered one of the most effective ways to consume the spice. It has a unique but subtle flavour.
Recently in London, I went to a cafe that was serving turmeric latte…apparently it is a thing in the West also now here are few reasons why…
1. REDUCES ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS
Turmeric tea’s strong anti-inflammatory properties help ease inflammation and swelling in people with arthritis.
2. BOOSTS IMMUNE FUNCTION
Curcumin is proven to improve immune function with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Curcumin also regulates immune cell function against cancer.
3. HELPS REDUCE CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS
Several studies have shown curcumin to have beneficial heart health properties. Turmeric also helps in lowering LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol which helps reduce your risk of developing some serious conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
A 2012 study found that taking 4g per day of curcumin threedays before and five days after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, reduced the risk of acute myocardial infarction or heart attack by 17 percent.
4. HELPS PREVENT AND TREAT CANCER
The National Cancer Institute has recognized curcumin as an effective anticarcinogen, or substance that helps prevent cancer. It lowers the risk of cells in the body getting damaged, thus reducing the risk of cell mutations and cancer.
Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that curcumin has anti-tumour properties, which limits the growth of tumoursand spread of cancerous cells.
5. HELPS MANAGE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME OR IBS
Curcumin has long been used in traditional medicines as a treatment for many digestive conditions. According to many studies, curcumin helps reduce the pain associated with IBS and improves the quality of life of people with this condition.
6. PREVENTS AND TREATS ALZHEIMER’S
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers of curcuminhelp to reduce cellular damage, inflammation, and amyloiddeposits or plaques that occur with these conditions. It may also be able to slow down or prevent some of the age-associated protein changes linked to neurodegeneration.
A word of caution though, you should check with your doctor about drinking turmeric tea if you have had inflammation of the gallbladder or gallbladder stones, obstruction of bilepassages, stomach ulcers or diabetes (turmeric supplements may lower blood sugar)
It is advisable to use pure or organic turmeric in tea to reap its benefits.
To prepare turmeric tea –
Many people put additional ingredients into their turmeric tea to improve the taste or help with its absorption. Common additives include:
