Whether you love turmeric because of its health benefits or its earthy flavor, one thing’s for certain: this herb has gained massive popularity recently. But what exactly is turmeric, and what health benefits does it provide?
Continue reading for everything you need to know about this powerful spice.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric comes from an ancient yellow root spice related to the ginger family and it’s best known for its uses in South Asian dishes. REF#1901
Turmeric root is very similar to ginger root and has a long history of being used in the healthcare profession in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to its antioxidant properties and immune system support. REF#1902
Turmeric has a very distinctive earthy flavor and is commonly combined with milder spices to help balance its strong taste. This herb is often enjoyed as an herbal tea, and comes in both loose-leaf tea and prepackaged tea bags.
What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
Firstly, turmeric may help with digestive health. It contains compounds that encourage the production of digestive enzymes, which can aid in the breakdown of food. REF#1904 Additionally, turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support overall digestive function. REF#1902
Turmeric may also support brain function. It contains compounds that can help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which is believed to contribute to cognitive decline.* Some research has suggested that turmeric may help improve memory and attention. REF#1903
In addition, turmeric may support cardiovascular health. It contains compounds that may help maintain healthy blood vessels and support circulation. REF#1902
Turmeric is also believed to have potential benefits for joint health. Its soothing properties may help ease stiffness and discomfort in the joints. REF#1902
Furthermore, turmeric may support liver health. It contains compounds that may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins. REF#1905 This could be particularly beneficial for those regularly exposed to toxins in their environment or through their diet.
Lastly, turmeric may have potential benefits for skin health. Its soothing properties may help calm redness and irritation, and it contains compounds that may support the production of collagen, which is important for maintaining healthy skin. REF#1906
So, as you can see, turmeric has a lot of potential health benefits to offer. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, incorporating turmeric into your diet may be a simple way to support your overall well-being. You can add it to dishes such as curries, soups, and stir-fries, or even make a turmeric latte for a tasty and healthy beverage.
Turmeric Drink Products
If you are looking to add turmeric to your diet to help with your overall well-being but don’t know where to start, try starting with Gaia Herbs’ Golden Milk.
Based on a traditional recipe that has been around for centuries, this tea blend is delicious in both dairy and non-dairy milk, or even mixed into your coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. There are options to fit every dietary preference.
This tea includes organic Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Dates, Cardamom, Vanilla, and even Black Pepper, which can help support the bioavailability of turmeric’s curcuminoid compounds. REF#1907
Adults should take one teaspoon once a day mixed into any warm beverage of their choice.
You can also try our Turmeric Boost® Restore. This herbal supplement is caffeine-free, has no artificial sweeteners, and contains a blend of Turmeric, Holy Basil, Ginger, and Black Pepper.
Simply add two teaspoons a day to your favorite milk or smoothie to receive optimal results. You can even drink it as an iced tea if you prefer.
Continue reading for a delicious, non-caffeinated, chai-flavored drink recipe to help you incorporate turmeric into your daily routine.
Turmeric Chai Tea Recipe with Turmeric Boost Restore
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black tea, brewed to desired strength
- 1 serving Turmeric Boost® Restore
- 1/4 cup plain almond milk (or your favorite milk)
Preparation:
- Combine the almond milk and Turmeric Boost Restore in a small cup.
- Add to your prepared tea for a delicious and supplemental boost.
Whether you are looking to add turmeric to your diet to help support your overall health or if you’re just looking for glowing skin, make sure you get your daily dose of turmeric with this delicious latte recipe.
REFERENCES:
- 1. Balzer, Deb, "Mayo Clinic Minute: Are There Health Benefits to Taking Turmeric", Mayo Clinic News Network, November 7, 2018. 1
- 2. Mount Sinai Health System, "Turmeric", n.d.. 2
- 3. Cleveland Clinic, "The 7 Health Benefits of Turmeric", . 3
- 4. Yang, J., Hong, J., Fu, Z., and Ma, Z. (2022), "Effects of Dietary Curcumin on Growth and Digestive Physiology of Seriola dumerili", Frontiers in Marine Sciences. 4
- 5. Farzaei, M. H., Zobeiri, M., Parvizi, F., El-Senduny, F. F., Marmouzi, I., Coy-Barrera, E., Naseri, R., Nabavi, S. M., Rahimi, R., & Abdollahi, M. (2018), "Curcumin in Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Cellular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Clinical Perspective", Nutrients, 10(7), 855.. 5
- 6. Thangapazham, R. L., Sharma, A., & Maheshwari, R. K. (2007), "Beneficial role of curcumin in skin diseases", Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 595, 343–357. 6
- 7. Prasad, S., Tyagi, A. K., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2014), "Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice", . 7