At A Strong Life in Hartford, CT, we understand that the choices you make can make a difference in your well-being, even the smallest choices. When you think about how what you drink affects you, you might be thinking about soft drinks compared to water, but it extends even further. That warm cup of tea at night or the cup of coffee in the morning can make a difference. Herbal teas, such as turmeric tea, have become more popular. Studies show that herbs and spices can have benefits for good health. Is turmeric one of those spices often touted for its health benefits. Can drinking it as a tea help, too?
The curcumin in turmeric gives it the healthy benefits.
Drinking turmeric tea after a workout may help prevent soreness, according to some studies. It’s a phytochemical that helps fight inflammation. Anti-inflammatories like turmeric, which include aspirin and other pain relief meds, can help with both pain from overworking muscle groups to pain from arthritis. Chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease, metabolic disease and even Alzheimer’s, as well. Several studies show that the inflammation fighting properties of turmeric can match pharmaceutical drugs, but without the side effects. It helps slow inflammation, prevent oxidative stress and helps clear beta-amyloid from the brain that occurs with Alzheimer’s. It takes more than just a few sprinkles on food or some turmeric tea to do this and is guided in laboratory settings.
High blood pressure responds to curcumin in turmeric.
Turmeric helps prevent inflammation that can cause plaque, which can lead to blockage and increased blood pressure. It lowers blood cholesterol, as well. Curcumin also dilates arteries and when used in conjunction with regular exercise, which produces nitric oxide that relaxes vessel walls, it helps lower blood pressure. The two work better together than alone. Having a cup of turmeric tea after a workout not only helps prevent aches and pains, it can keep you blood pressure lower.
Using turmeric liberally in your meals or sipping on turmeric tea can help you look younger.
It’s the potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that make turmeric so beneficial. The antioxidants help fight free radicals and inflammation, both of which can create cell damage, which can cause cell death and damage. Both cell damage and death can lead to chronic illness, shorten your life and even cause premature aging. Preventing cell damage can help prevent the signs of aging and the effects of cell damage, such as heart disease, cancer or other illness.
- The curcumin in turmeric may help fight depression as well as medication. One study compared its effects to Prozac and found them comparable. Prozac combined with curcumin was even more powerful than either used alone.
- There are a number of different turmeric tea combinations. One ancient Ayurveda remedy is golden milk. It’s made with milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and natural sweetener.
- Adding black pepper to your turmeric tea is important. The benefits of turmeric are enhanced when it’s combined with black pepper. The peperino in black pepper enhances the benefits of curcumin in turmeric.
- Always consult your health care professional. People with gallbladder issues, stomach ulcers and diabetes should be extra careful. Excess turmeric tea can thin the blood and increase stomach acidity. Don’t drink for two weeks before surgery or if on blood thinners.
For more information, contact us today at A Strong Life