Since ancient times, Turmeric has been used for myriad purposes ranging from being a principal culinary spice, a component in religious ceremonies and of course one of the most versatile herbal healers. Widely used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine for it’s anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties, Turmeric is slowly finding its way back as a modern-day natural elixir.
The main active ingredient in Turmeric is ‘Curcumin’, and the best-way to reap the long term health benefits of this golden spice is to consume it everyday in foods and beverages. However in spite of being so loaded with benefits, turmeric is not very effective when consumed directly because the bioavailability (the natural ability of the nutrient to get absorbed and used by the body. ) of curcumin is very low.
In order to increase its bioavailability for proper absorption and better results, Turmeric can be combined as below:
Add in a hint of pepper- Black pepper contains piperine that is known to increase bioavailability of curcumin by 2000% when administered in the right amount.
Combine it with Ginger- Gingerols present in ginger work in the same way as piperine in pepper. Turmeric with ginger gets absorbed much faster and it also ensures absorption of curcumin in intestines.
Pair it with a fat- Pairing turmeric with a fat (milk, avocado, nut butters) will result in it directly being absorbed into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver.
In the light of this, the most convenient ways to avail of the goodness of curcumin are to consume it in the form of turmeric milk or as spiced turmeric tea. Inspired by an ayurvedic recipe for balancing your senses, we’ve come up with a blend that contains ginger as well as black pepper, making it your go-to brew to sip all year through.
Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits that are known to be associated with daily consumption of Turmeric tea.
- Anti-inflammatory- As mentioned earlier, Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and hence is often used to provide relief to those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as it is known to reduce inflammation and stiffness of joints.
- Great for your skin- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, turmeric is known to be an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, photoaging, and psoriasis.
- Immunity booster- Curcumin has been proven to improve immune function and the combination of Turmeric with Ginger, gives you a brew that soothes and heals from within.
- Known to Improve heart health- Curcumin being a powerful antioxidant inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol , thus preventing the deposit of cholesterol on the walls of the blood vessels of the heart. It is also known to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and ensure proper cardiac functioning.
- Known to aid in digestion- Curcumin is known to aid in the prevention and treatment of several digestive ailments. Several studies indicate that it is known to reduce the pain associated with IBS and improve the quality of life of those with the condition. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of curcumin are also known to help alleviate stomach pain and improve liver function.
Mentioned above are only a few reasons why Turmeric tea is the perfect addition to your wellness routine. So sip a cup right before or after your meals or pair it with peanut chikki and rice puffs. Turmeric tea is best served hot and shared with others.
