A traditional medicine
New detox drinks are being concocted on a daily basis, and while vegetables and fruits make for some not-so-delicious healthy and nutritious drinks, there is nothing to beat the efficacy of a glass of Ayurvedic potion. Turmeric has long since been a part of traditional medicinal practices, and it maintains its position as your granny’s go-to remedy to a number of problems.
What is turmeric
Dubbed ‘The Golden Spice’, turmeric is a spice that comes from the flowering plant curcuma longa, and is part of the ginger family. The spice is native to India and Southeast Asia, and is often used as an agent to enhance the flavour and colour of food. Warm and bitter in taste, the roots of turmeric are used as a medicine, and today we will discuss how drinking a glass of turmeric water daily can help you in staying healthy.
Improves digestion
Turmeric improves digestion by influencing the gallbladder to produce bile and other digestive enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion. Starting your day with a glass of turmeric water prepares your digestive system for the rest of the day.
Prevents Alzheimer’s
Curcumin, the medicinal compound found in turmeric, is known to counteract the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The compound blocks the formation of beta-amyloid, the protein substance that causes cell and tissue damage which gradually leads to Alzheimer’s.
Prevents heart disease
Drinking turmeric water can do wonders for your heart. Turmeric reduces cholesterol levels and prevents atherosclerosis, and in doing so, the spice protects against blood clots and plaque buildup in the arteries.
Improves skin health
Turmeric is a natural blood purifier as it helps in removing toxins from the blood. Its antioxidant properties protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which brightens your skin tone and adds a healthy glow, and it slows down the ageing process, making you look young.
Reduces inflammation
The curcumin found in turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that can counter the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions like chronic inflammatory disorder. A warm glass of turmeric water can provide relief to the joints by reducing inflammation.
Helps in weight loss
Turmeric water is known to prevent fat accumulation in the body, which can be vital in the process of weight loss.
Boosts the immune system
Turmeric contains lipopolysaccharides, endotoxins that boost immunity and lower the risk of colds, flu, and other infections. Drinking turmeric water daily, especially in winter can help the body in defending against pesky viruses.
Considerations
Under certain circumstances, you must be cautious before drinking turmeric water, as it may have some potential side effects.
- If you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction, do not consume turmeric water as turmeric can exacerbate the problems.
- Turmeric might slow down blood clotting and cause more bruising and bleeding, so if you are scheduled for surgery, avoid using turmeric at least two weeks prior.
- If you suffer from diabetes, consume cautiously, as curcumin might make your blood sugar levels too low.
- High amounts of turmeric might prevent the absorption of iron, so if you suffer from an iron deficiency, reduce the intake of turmeric.