Turmeric Water Can Help You Lose Weight, Reduce Inflammation and More
Although turmeric spice has been around for centuries, the spice is really making a name for itself lately. We’re sure you’ve spotted it included in countless new products lining grocery store shelves, but there’s no need to splurge on trendy (and likely pricey) items. Instead, you can get all the benefits from a simple two-ingredient drink called turmeric water.
How to make turmeric water? As the name suggests, all you need is water and turmeric. Because it’s made by boiling the water, it’s frequently called turmeric tea. The only difference seems to be the temperature at which you prefer to drink it — either cooled down to room temperature or enjoyed as a hot tea. Either way, it’s similar to golden milk lattes, but without any dairy (or dairy alternatives) and extra spices involved.
How to make turmeric water
To make turmeric water, NDTV Food recommends starting by boiling water in a kettle or on the stove. While waiting for it to heat up, add a teaspoon of ground turmeric to a cup. You can grate fresh turmeric root if you prefer, but you’ll probably want to sift that out from the liquid after it’s brewed for a smoother drinking experience. When the water is ready, pour it over the spice and wait for it to steep for a few minutes. The website also recommends adding lemon juice at this point for extra flavor and waiting until it’s lukewarm to drink. Easy peasy!
The health benefits of turmeric water
Now that you know how to make turmeric water, think of the perks you’ll get as you sip. The bright spice is most renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to a high level of a compound known as curcumin. The polyphenol helps prevent chronic inflammation and ease issues like joint pain or arthritis. It may also lower the amount of fat our bodies store, making it a perfect choice for anyone hoping to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight.
As if that wasn’t enough already, curcumin has been shown to increase a hormone function called the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). According to researchers, decreased levels of BDNF are connected to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Another study points out that inflammation and oxidative stress play a negative role in the development Alzheimer’s. We’ve already mentioned curcumin is great at warding off this disease, but it’s always worth repeating. It’s all the more reason to give yourself a tasty turmeric boost with this simple drink.
Psst: You can amp up the curcumin in your turmeric water by adding a pinch of cracked black pepper to the brew. It shouldn’t overwhelm the flavor, but will make it easier for your body to process the curcumin and absorb the nutrients. Drink up!
