Turmeric has been having a moment – and a fairly long one, at that. Having been used for hundreds of years in eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, the western world has caught onto its impressive health properties. Now, it seems like every health food store, organic market, and coffee shop are offering turmeric-based products and drinks such as turmeric-ginger shots. Many people have jumped on the turmeric bandwagon, but they don’t actually know the true facts about this bright orange root vs the non-science-backed claims found, well, everywhere. This is the truth about turmeric, as well as how to incorporate it into your daily routines, including making your own turmeric-ginger shots.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a brilliant, orange-yellow-colored spice that comes from the underground stems of the curcuma longa plant. It comes from the same family as its more well-known cousin, ginger, and can be found growing in warm climates all around the world. Turmeric has a long history as both a dye for clothing, to add flavor in cooking, as well as for its health benefits. These benefits actually come from the plant’s active ingredient, curcumin. There are many claims as to what curcumin, aka tumeric, can do for your health. The following 7 are backed by science.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
As already mentioned, turmeric contains curcumin. Curcumin is known for its incredibly potent anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes and blocking the pathways that lead to inflammation in the body. This means that regularly consuming turmeric, whether you add it as a spice in food, make it into a warming drink, or take it as a supplement, can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is important, as this chronic inflammation has been linked to various conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and many autoimmune disorders.
2. Possible Anti-Cancer Benefits
Curcumin’s ability to prevent and improve chronic disease led to research on its potential as an anti-cancer agent. Research has shown that it does, in fact, possess some anti-cancer properties. Ex vivo studies suggest that curcumin may help to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. While turmeric cannot replace cancer treatments, incorporating it into an already healthy lifestyle may help reduce caner risk long term. You should, however, talk to your doctor about including turmeric into your regime, particularly if you are considering supplements, to ensure that it won’t have adverse interactions with any of your medications.
3. Anti-Diabetic Effects
For people with diabetes, one of the most important things they deal with every single day is the regulation of their blood sugar. Curcumin has been found to help achieve this, keeping blood sugar levels stable and thus earning it the title of anti-diabetes. It does this by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, therefore helping people manage their diabetes and the associated complications. If you have diabetes, speak with your doctor about incorporating turmeric into your daily routines. If you are pre-diabetic, consider doing the same and supporting your overall metabolic health.
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4. Anti-Diarrheal
Some of us struggle with loose stools more than others, and for those with sensitive digestive systems, natural solutions to reduce instances of diarrhea are very much needed. Turmeric is known for its anti-diarrheal effects, helping to alleviate problems with loose stools. This is likely thanks to curcumin’s antimicrobial properties, which combat harmful bacteria in the gut and therefore reducing frequency and severity of diarrhea. That being said, if taken in too-high concentrations or simply consumed too much, turmeric can do the exact opposite. Though it is much more difficult to consume this amount in the form of real food, it is easy to do so in the form of supplements. If you are considering turmeric supplementation, make sure to speak with your doctor or another practitioner with knowledge of turmeric supplementation to decide if, and to what extent, this could be good for you.
5. Antimicrobial Benefits
This naturally brings us to our next benefit of turmeric: Antimicrobial. Curcumin’s antimicrobial benefits don’t stop at just improving and preventing diarrhea. Rather, these potent properties can help to fight against a wide range of pathogens, bacteria, and fungi. This means that regular incorporation of turmeric can actually improve your immune resistance and decrease instances of infection and illness.
6. Antiviral Properties
In terms of improving immunity, turmeric can also help improve your resistance to viral infections, as well as bacterial. This is because curcumin actually helps to inhibit the replication process of viruses. Studies show its potential to combat viral diseases and enhance the body’s immune response to viral pathogens. So again, adding turmeric into your daily diet may support and strengthen your immune system, protecting you against viral illnesses.
7. Antioxidant Effects
Antioxidants are incredibly important for the protection of our health. Curcumin is about as potent of an antioxidant as they come. The antioxidant properties of curcumin are vital at combating oxidative stress and free radical damage in the body. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful molecules and protect cells from damage, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases and slow down the aging process. Antioxidants are something that we should all be consuming daily, which is why daily consumption of turmeric can be so powerful for your health and longevity.
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What are Turmeric Ginger Shots?
One of the quickest and easiest ways to reap the benefits of not only turmeric, but ginger, too, is to take a turmeric-ginger shot every morning. While you can buy these, they are often very expensive and likely have added ingredients that you don’t necessarily want or need. Thankfully, they are fairly simple and relatively inexpensive to make at home.
DIY Recipe for Turmeric Ginger Shots
The following are the only ingredients you need for your homemade turmeric-ginger shots. The black pepper is included as it has been shown to enhance the abosorption of curcumin.
- 1 ½ cups of unsweetened coconut water
- Juice from one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder (or grate fresh turmeric)
- 1 tablespoon of ginger powder (or grate fresh ginger)
Instructions:
- Pour the unsweetened coconut water into a shaker cup.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously to ensure they are well combined.
- Strain through a fine sieve or squeeze through cheese cloth, if desired.
- Once mixed, pour into a small glass to be taken as shot, think 2 to 3 ounces in size.
These shots can be taken every morning when you wake up. Though it is best made fresh, you can make enough for up to three days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. If you notice at any point you are experiencing gastric upset or other adverse effects, stop taking the shots. Finally, it is usually best to take them at least 15 minutes before brushing your teeth, as the turmeric can stain your teeth.
Incorporating Turmeric Ginger Shots into Your Daily Routine
Turmeric-ginger shots don’t only need to be taken in the morning. If morning time doesn’t work for you, consider taking them:
- As a midday pick-me-up to energize and revitalize your body and mind.
- As part of your post-workout routine to aid in recovery and promote muscle repair.
- In smoothies or juices for a flavorful and nutritious boost.
Turmeric is a powerful plant that, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can really boost your health. Incorporating turmeric-ginger shots into your daily routine can help to support inflammation reduction, digestive health, and immune function, among other benefits. Try making your own and see how after one week, or even better, one month, you feel.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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