Turmeric- a spice known for adding color, flavor and nutrition to foods. Turmeric, which has been used as a health supplement for over 4,500 years, originated in India where it was used in cooking and in rituals. Historians found powder residue, dating back to 2,500 BC, in ancient pots that proved people living in northern India frequently used turmeric. It was found that around 500 BC was when turmeric became a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine.
Native to southern India and Indonesia, turmeric has a peppery aroma and strong, slightly bitter flavor. It’s a main ingredient in curry powder mixes, but can be added to numerous other dishes. In some parts of Asia, it’s added to water and applied to the face for glowing skin.
Turmeric can be found in the spice aisle of any grocery store. It’s also available in more concentrated amounts as a supplement. You can even consume it as a tea by steeping the root in hot water. Bagged turmeric tea can also be found at most health food stores.
Turmeric has many beneficial properties, mainly due to the presence of an active ingredient in it known as curcumin. Read on to know the benefits a warm cup of turmeric masala tea can provide!
Alleviates arthritis symptoms
Arthritis is inflammation in the joints. The more inflammation in the body, the faster arthritis progresses. Curcumin present in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing inflammation and its associated symptoms.
Additionally, curcumin's antioxidant properties help neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals, which can contribute to tissue damage and inflammation in the joints. By reducing oxidative stress, curcumin may help alleviate arthritis symptoms and protect joint health.
Boosts immune function
Curcumin helps in modulating the activity of immune cells, thereby helping to regulate the immune response and thus promoting a balanced immune function. When the activity of the immune cells is regulated, the immune system can better identify and respond to pathogens.
Additionally, curcumin has also been revered for its antimicrobial effects, in combating organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. By inhibiting the growth of such organisms, it helps strengthen the body’s immune response.
Helps reduce cardiovascular complications
Oxidative stress is a term that many people find to be complex. Let us break it down for you. At all times in the body, there are both free radicals and antioxidants present. Free radicals are charged molecules that render the body unstable. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals, thus creating a stable environment in the body.
When there is no balance in the body, i.e. if the amount of free radicals is more, the body is in a state of oxidative stress. Long terms of being in oxidative stress aggravates the contraction of cardiovascular diseases. Circumin is a natural antioxidant, which helps in maintaining a balanced environment in the body, thus minimizing cellular damage and eradicating, or in the least, alleviating complications of such diseases.
Helps prevent and treat cancer
One of the most clinically established therapeutic properties of curcumin is its anti-cancer action.
As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, curcumin is thought to lower the risk of cells in the body becoming damaged, reducing the risk of cell mutations and cancer.
Furthermore, numerous studies have found that curcumin has anti-tumor properties, limiting the growth of tumors and the spread of cancerous cells. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, potentially making cancer treatment more effective!
Helps manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammation in the bowels causes IBS. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties help in keeping IBS at bay!
Prevents and treats Alzheimer’s disease
Curcumin may help lower the risk of several neurodegenerative conditions. Experts believe that its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties reduce cellular damage and amyloid deposits, or plaques, that occur with these conditions. Curcumin may also be able to slow down or prevent some of the age-associated protein changes that scientists link to neurodegeneration.
Conclusion
Such are the benefits of turmeric tea, which makes it a superfood, or rather, super-beverage, to incorporate into one’s daily routine. Making turmeric tea from scratch can get rather messy, and that is where Teaniru’s Turmeric Masala green tea comes in! Warm, earthy, and power packed with the benefits of green tea as well. Now, that is two birds in one stone, isn’t it!
