Benefits of turmeric infusion, a natural boost to your health

Turmeric is a spice known for its health benefits that can be used and consumed in many ways, including as an infusion. If you haven’t tried turmeric tea yet, we recommend you do so to maximise your health.

In this article, we tell you:

• What are the health benefits of turmeric?
• How turmeric tea helps you boost your health 
• Different turmeric tea recipes

What is turmeric: origin and ways of consumption

Turmeric is a spice with origins dating back more than 4,000 years to South Asia. Throughout history, it has been appreciated both in cooking and in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. And it remains so today.

There are several ways to consume turmeric:

• Turmeric powder: often used as a spice in cooking.
• Turmeric capsules: an interesting option for those who do not enjoy the taste of turmeric and for easy and quick consumption.
• Turmeric infusion: is a form of consumption that has gained popularity due to its higher bioavailability. This means that the body can absorb more of turmeric’s beneficial compounds more effectively when it is consumed as an infusion.

The best time to consume turmeric infusion is in the morning or before meals. This maximises the absorption of its compounds. This infusion can be taken up to three times a day. However, it is important to take individual needs into account and to pay attention to how the body reacts when it is taken.

Benefits of turmeric infusion

Turmeric tea is not only a tasty and comforting drink but also has many health benefits. In this regard, it is well known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine, where turmeric has been used for a multitude of purposes, from pain relief to promoting good digestion.

Today, science has begun to support many of the ancient uses. Many studies on the benefits of turmeric have been conducted in recent years.

Here’s what those benefits are and how turmeric tea can help improve your health.

It is a powerful antioxidant

Turmeric is a rich source of antioxidants, essential for protecting our cells from free radical damage. That’s why consuming turmeric tea provides you with a healthy dose of antioxidants that can help neutralise these free radicals.

Has anti-inflammatory properties

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various diseases. Turmeric infusion can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Improves brain function

Some studies also suggest that turmeric may boost brain function and reduce the risk of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This is because curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has neuroprotective properties.  For example, one study found that turmeric, a compound found in turmeric, may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

It has benefits for the heart

Turmeric may support heart health by improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of blood vessels. This may also help regulate blood pressure.

Improves skin health

Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can support skin health. In this regard, consuming turmeric infusion can reduce redness and inflammation, improve acne and delay the signs of ageing. It can be an excellent natural remedy in the skincare routine.

Improves digestion

Turmeric can help improve digestion by stimulating bile production in the liver. In this respect, it may reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.

Lowers cholesterol

Turmeric can improve blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. As a result, taking turmeric tea is a good remedy to strengthen the immune system.

Strengthens the immune system

Turmeric is rich in bioactive compounds, which can strengthen the immune system, the main line of defence against viruses and bacteria. Turmeric tea can therefore be an excellent way to improve defences and boost natural health.

Relieves arthritis symptoms

We have already seen that turmeric is an important ally in tackling diseases such as arthritis. Although there is no cure, thanks to alternative medicine, there has been a lot of research into ways of tackling its treatment, and one of the elements that have given the best results has been turmeric. One study found that several natural compounds, such as curcumin, proved to be a much more potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent than others of pharmacological origin. In addition, another animal study found that curcumin can alleviate arthritis-induced inflammation.

Helps in the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is another disease that cannot be cured, but taking turmeric tea can regulate blood sugar levels.

Possible risks and side effects of turmeric tea

Although turmeric is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption can cause some side effects. These can include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea and dizziness. In addition, in very high doses, turmeric can cause stomach ulcers.

On the other hand, it may interact with certain medicines, such as anticoagulants, and increase the risk of bleeding. Hence the importance of informing the doctor about its use, so that interactions can be assessed.

Who should not drink turmeric tea?

People with gallbladder disorders, bile duct obstruction, stomach ulcers or gastro-oesophageal reflux should avoid turmeric. It should also be avoided by people who are about to undergo surgery or who are taking blood-thinning medications.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before consuming turmeric.

Healthy alternatives: infusions or teas

For people who cannot consume turmeric for any reason, there are many other natural alternatives of herbal teas and teas to consider:

• Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can improve heart health and brain function.
• Ginger tea can aid digestion and relieve nausea.
• Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties and can help improve sleep.
• Rooibos tea is another antioxidant-rich, caffeine-free option.
• Horsetail tea has many health benefits.

How to make turmeric infusion

Turmeric tea is a very easy drink to prepare. To make it, you will need one teaspoon of turmeric powder, two or three cups of water and sweetener (honey or agave syrup). Follow this easy process:

1. Heat the water in a saucepan until it boils.
2. Add the turmeric powder and reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Strain the infusion into a cup and add sweetener to taste.

Turmeric tea is quite versatile and you can customise it by adding other healthy ingredients, such as fresh ginger, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve digestion.

You can also add lemon or lime for a refreshing twist, cinnamon for a sweet and warming taste, or coconut or almond milk for a creamier texture. Black pepper can help increase the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric.

Boost your natural health by drinking turmeric infusion

As you have seen, turmeric is more than just a spice, it is a powerful ally for your health. In an infusion, it is a delicious and natural way to take advantage of its multiple benefits, so it can be a very interesting complement to your daily wellness routine.

Moreover, as it is possible to combine turmeric infusion with many other ingredients, you can get a drink to your liking.