Boost immunity and aid weight loss: Add this product to water for better health
Photo: Turmeric is very useful for the body (freepik.com)
Turmeric is a spice that most of us have in our kitchens. This yellow powder enhances digestion, detoxifies the body, promotes weight loss, and improves skin appearance.
Find out why you should drink turmeric water daily and the best time of day to do it in the article from RBC-Ukraine.
What you need to know about turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a type of perennial herb from the ginger family. It is grown in tropical climates and is commonly known in Ukraine primarily as a powdered spice.
Turmeric is low in calories and rich in fiber, as well as vitamins E, K, and B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc. However, its healing properties are largely attributed to curcumin, a polyphenol with strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic effects.
Curcumin's antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, thus reducing inflammation in the body. It also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Many scientific studies have proven that curcumin has anti-cancer properties. It fights free radicals, prevents cancer development, kills cancer cells, and inhibits the growth of existing tumors. It also supports cancer treatment, enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, reduces their side effects, and prolongs the lives of cancer patients.
Benefits of turmeric
Helps with weight loss
Turmeric supports digestive system function, increases bile production in the gallbladder, thereby speeding up and improving digestion. It is beneficial when consuming hard-to-digest foods as it aids in fat digestion. It also alleviates bloating, gas, and constipation. An effective digestive system promotes proper metabolism, supporting weight management and the loss of unwanted pounds.
Improves skin condition
The antioxidants in turmeric combat free radicals that contribute to the aging process, particularly noticeable on the skin. Therefore, daily consumption of turmeric water can enhance and even out your complexion while restoring your skin's glow and youthful appearance.
Detoxifies the body
Turmeric drinks also support liver function and stimulate it to produce enzymes that help break down toxins and cleanse the blood. It improves digestion and supports bowel peristalsis, positively affecting liver health.
Strengthens immunity
Curcumin in turmeric is an antioxidant with antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. These qualities mean that turmeric water boosts immunity and prevents damage caused by free radicals. The lipopolysaccharide present in turmeric also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making turmeric water helpful during infections by significantly accelerating recovery and preventing recurring illnesses.
Supports heart health
Curcumin prevents cholesterol deposits in blood vessels and lowers LDL cholesterol levels. It also improves endothelial function. As a result, it supports heart health and the overall circulatory system while reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Lowers blood sugar levels
Turmeric drinks regulate insulin levels, preventing insulin resistance and supporting diabetes management.
Turmeric water recipe
Preparing turmeric water is simple and requires just four ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup warm water
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
Add turmeric, lemon juice, a pinch of pepper, and honey (if desired) to a cup of warm, but not hot, water. Stir and drink immediately, without letting the turmeric settle at the bottom.
When to drink turmeric water - at night or in the morning?
To reap all the health benefits of turmeric, it is best to drink a cup of turmeric water every morning on an empty stomach.
However, it's important to note that this treatment may not be suitable for everyone, as there are significant contraindications for consuming high doses of turmeric.
Sources: PubMed Central and Nutrients.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
