For several years, turmeric tea has been part of my daily routine. I love the taste and the significant improvement in my energy and focus. It’s also a part of my intermittent fasting regime which is what helped me reach my goal of losing more than 100 pounds.
the health benefits of turmeric
Turmeric has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, and for good reason. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been found to have a variety of health benefits. I make the tea by using the fresh root of the turmeric or with a powdered version of the golden root. Here’s a summary of the 5 reasons why you should incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Improves Cognitive Function
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Increases Focus and Energy
- Uplifts Mood
- Hunger Suppressant
IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION:
One study in the Journal Pharmaceuticals found that curcumin can improve cognitive function in older adults with memory complaints. Another study published in the Journal Nutrients found that curcumin supplementation improved attention and working memory in healthy adults. These findings suggest that the consumption of turmeric, whether in the form of a supplement or a daily tea, may have a positive impact on cognitive function. I prefer turmeric in tea form with some lemon and pepper!
Adding a little bit of pepper will enhance the absorption and effectiveness of the curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body, but adding black pepper can make it significantly more effective at providing its potential health benefits.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY:
Turmeric has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin has been found to inhibit the activity of inflammatory molecules in the body, making it a potentially powerful tool in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. A study from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Journal found that turmeric consumption may have a protective effect against cancer. Researchers found that curcumin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell death in a number of different types of cancer, including breast, colon, and lung cancer.
INCREASED FOCUS AND ENERGY:
Several studies suggest that turmeric may have potential benefits for focus and energy. One study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that curcumin supplementation improved attention and working memory in healthy adults. Another study found that curcumin can improve cognitive function in older adults with memory complaints.
UPLIFTS MY MOOD:
Just one small cup of turmeric in the morning has a big impact on my mood! And there’s some science to this. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that a curcumin supplement was as effective as Prozac (a common antidepressant medication) in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder.
HUNGER SUPPRESSANT:
I mostly drink turmeric tea in the mornings while I’m fasted. I find that it lowers my hunger. Some studies have found that curcumin may have an effect on the hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, such as ghrelin and leptin. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanism by which curcumin might affect appetite.
It’s important to point out that individual experiences may vary, and turmeric may not have the same effects on everyone. Also, turmeric may interact with certain medications, so it’s always best to consult with your doctor before starting using it regularly.
Let me know what you think in the comments! How do you use turmeric?