Turmeric is a golden-colored spice that has been used for centuries as a natural medicine. It is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin.
When added to water, turmeric can provide a range of benefits for your health. Here are some of the most significant benefits of drinking water with turmeric:.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, long-term inflammation can contribute to chronic illnesses like heart diseases, arthritis, and cancer.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease inflammation in the body. Drinking turmeric water regularly can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, decrease muscle soreness after exercise, and improve skin health.
2. Boosts Immune System
Turmeric has potent antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases.
The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against infections and diseases. Drinking water with turmeric can help boost your immune system, reduce your risk of infections, and aid in faster recovery from illnesses.
3. Aids Digestion
Turmeric has been used as a digestive aid for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It stimulates and strengthens the digestive system, helping to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas.
It can also help increase bile production, which aids in fat digestion, and can even help prevent stomach ulcers by reducing the growth of Helicobacter pylori.
4. Promotes heart health
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function. Endothelial cells line the blood vessels and are responsible for their health.
Turmeric can improve endothelial function and decrease the risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
5. Relieves Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes joint pain and inflammation. Turmeric can help alleviate arthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation and stiffness in the joints.
Turmeric has been shown to be effective in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Prevents Cancer
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help prevent cancer by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Curcumin has been shown to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells and can even help kill cancer cells.
7. Detoxifies the Liver
The liver is a vital organ that helps detoxify the body, convert food into energy, and produce bile. Turmeric can help improve liver function by increasing bile production and reducing inflammation.
Drinking turmeric water can help promote liver health, prevent liver damage, and improve liver function.
8. Improves Brain Function
Turmeric can also have positive effects on brain function. Curcumin has been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps create new brain cells and promotes brain growth.
Turmeric can also help improve memory, attention, and mood.
9. Promotes Skin Health
Turmeric has been used for centuries to improve skin health. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Drinking turmeric water can also help improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and brighten the complexion.
10. Helps with Weight Loss
Turmeric can also aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and increasing fat burning.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that curcumin can help prevent obesity and metabolic disorders by regulating lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation.