9. Helps Reduce Blood Sugar
Another 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.15 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.
10. Counters Neurodegenerative Diseases
Curcumin 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 tea a part of your daily routine.
11. Improves Cognitive Function
Do you forget where you left your keys once too often? Some turmeric tea may be able to help. One study found that people with memory problems who took a curcumin supplement that was easily absorbed by the body saw improvements in memory and attention. In fact, tests found that over 18 months, memory improved by 28%. These benefits are attributed to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects on the brain as well as its ability to decrease the accumulation of amyloid protein.
12. Helps Alleviate Depression
Turmeric can help those suffering from depression. One study found that when patients were given curcuminoids and piperine in addition to standard therapy for 6 weeks they fared much better than those who just had conventional therapy. Piperine is a compound present in pepper which improves the absorption of curcumin. So how does curcumin work? It has been found to increase levels of two neurotransmitters – serotonin and dopamine – which influence mood. So sip on a cup of warming turmeric tea and watch your mood lift.
13. May Tackle Anxiety
Anxiety is another mood disorder that turmeric might be able to tackle. Research that looks at the effect of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant curcumin in people suffering from anxiety has been extremely positive. One study found that it significantly reduced mean Beck Anxiety Inventory scores which are used to measure anxiety levels.21 So treat yourself to delicious turmeric tea to soothe your worry and anxiety.
14. Fights Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of illnesses such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cataract, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases as well as aging. But antioxidants can counter the effects of free radicals which cause oxidative stress. And curcumin is known to be a potent antioxidant.
15. Protects Your Liver
Your liver works really hard to remove toxins from your body. However, it’s not immune to injury by toxic substances. Turmeric may be able to help out here too. Curcumin has been found to reduce injury to the liver caused by a range of toxins from harmful chemicals, alcohol, and nicotine to an iron overdose. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this potent compound are thought to play a part in this beneficial effect.
16. Fights Cancer
Many studies have shown that curcumin, present in turmeric, has anticancer effects. It can kill cancer cells and suppress tumor growth. It has been found to have a bracing effect on bowel , breast, skin, and stomach cancer cells. The antioxidant property of curcumin, as well as its ability to inhibit enzymes which play a role in inflammation, is thought to account for its anticancer effects.
How To Prepare Turmeric Tea
Now that you know it pays to incorporate turmeric into your everyday cooking and have drinks like turmeric tea milk regularly, here’s what you need to get started. Making a cup of turmeric tea is the easiest thing in the world! All you need to do is mix ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a cup of boiling tea and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes. Also add a pinch of pepper, since it contains a compound known as piperine which helps your body use turmeric. You can also add a dash of honey to sweeten the deal.
Amp Up Your Turmeric Tea With Other Superfoods
You can also add other spices while brewing your cup of tea to complement the potent health benefits of turmeric. Here are a few you could consider:
- Ginger: Add this spice to your turmeric tea if you’re looking to control blood sugar. Ginger improves insulin sensitivity and will work in tandem with blood sugar-lowering turmeric.
- Nutmeg: Add this to your turmeric tea to make a potent mood booster. Like turmeric, nutmeg also has antidepressant effects.
- Cinnamon: Add it to your turmeric tea to make a heart-healthy brew. Like turmeric, cinnamon has been found to be beneficial in tackling cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Share This Post