Turmeric water: Health benefits and how to make it
Turmeric or haldi, a commonly available spice in the Indian kitchen, is a superfood in its own right. It is known to have amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Not just that, it is rich in curcumin, a compound that is popular for its miraculous healing abilities. Here are five health benefits of turmeric, and how you can make healthy, detoxifying turmeric water at home.
Heart disease is among the leading causes of death across the world. So naturally, you need to steer clear of factors that could lead to heart conditions. Notably, chronic inflammation is a major reason behind heart disease. That's why taking turmeric regularly can help significantly reduce the risk of this ailment. What's more? It can also help improve the lining of blood vessels.
Increased levels of stress could lead to weight gain because when stress hormones (cortisol) get out of whack, fat starts to accumulate near the stomach area. Now, since turmeric can effectively balance your stress hormones, it can help keep extra fat from building up around your waist. In fact, several studies have shown that curcumin intake can reduce the growth of fat cells.
High cholesterol is caused by oxidative stress, brought on by chronic inflammation and high blood sugar. Thus, turmeric, by reducing inflammation in the body, can significantly help reduce cholesterol levels. One particular study of human volunteers found that taking 500 mg of curcumin daily dropped their total cholesterol by over 11%, while their HDL (good cholesterol) went up by 29% in just a week.
Brain function: Curcumin in turmeric has the power to boost a protein in the brain called BDNF, high levels of which are linked with better memory and mood, while low levels may increase the risk of Alzheimer's and depression. Skin health: Turmeric's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities make it a great anti-aging agent. It can reduce the risk of many skin conditions like acne etc.
Apart from these popular health benefits, turmeric can also help balance blood sugar, reduce joint pain, detoxify the body, boost the immune system, improve digestion, enhance sleep, and even provide protection against cancer. However, don't go overboard. Limit your daily intake to 500-1,000 mg.
To prepare turmeric water at home, follow these simple steps: Take a pan, put some water in it and boil it. Then, take another cup, and add one teaspoon of turmeric and half a teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Then, pour the hot water into this cup. You can also add some honey for sweetness. Stir the mix well, and drink it lukewarm.
