Turmeric is trending this year {find out the other health trends here} and I’m not about to let this one get away from me. Yes, I’m finally catching onto the trends before they are so last year. Confession, this may be one of the few I have actually caught on to. Lame I know. But when we get to it, turmeric has some pretty substantial health benefits, definitely ones I want. Plus, if you ask me, there is no better way to have turmeric than in a turmeric drink.
It’s refreshing, soothing, hydrating and full of nutrients. I don’t think you’ll want to pass this one up. Plus it can be mixed up into a concentrated form and watered down all week long. It’s my go-to hydrating beverage that I may be slightly obsessed with.
Before we get started, let this be my fair word of warning. It doesn’t necessarily taste like the warm and bright color leads you to believe. Don’t get me wrong, I still find it enjoyable but if you go in expecting orange juice, you’ll be blindingly mistaken.
what is turmeric
Turmeric root has been used in cooking and medicinally for thousands of years. It has an interesting taste and aroma. Some would describe it as peppery, warm and bitter with a beautiful orange color {that does indeed stain – if you see my children walking around with orange tint clothes, this is why}. Turmeric is often found as the leading ingredient in curries but now can be found in a variety of things including soups, smoothies, golden milk teas and even waters, such as this. I believe this is just the beginning of where we will continue to see turmeric emerge.
So what’s all the hype about?
Turmeric is a pretty impressive herb and something to take note of.
Turmeric is one of the most widely studied spices on the planet with over 6000 peer reviewed studies. Obviously a sign of how powerful it can be. Once a spice that didn’t get a lot of attention, definitely not a leading spice in the western diet, may be changing. Or better said, should be changing and making its way into our daily diets.
health benefits
Given the research turmeric has lately been said to be more beneficial than many prescription drugs. Beating out pharmaceuticals is a big deal but again shows how powerful food can be in our own health. Not to mention how inexpensive it is compared to its effectiveness and without side effects. So what exactly can turmeric do for us?
The biggest value seen with turmeric {the active ingredient curcumin} is the massive anti-inflammatory effect it has on the body. Given that over 200 disease processes begin and end with inflammation, not to mention the aging process also happens due to inflammation, it’s something to take note of. As you can imagine, turmeric has then been found to help countless diseases processes and even prevent them because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
For instance with Alzheimer’s disease, Duke found more than 50 studies on turmeric’s effects in addressing Alzheimer’s disease. The report indicated that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of the compounds responsible for the plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in the brain. Another report from Duke found more than 200 citations for turmeric’s benefits on cancer and more than 700 for curcumin and cancer. In fact, they found that this alone was effective {in animals} for preventing and/or the treatment of; colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer and oral cancer. Even comparing favorably to that of traditional chemotherapy treatments.
This is why turmeric is known as the worlds most powerful spice.
We could continue to talk about its benefits with; arthritis, cardiovascular disease, the immune system, hormonal flow issues, GI problems, mental disease like depression and anxiety as well as countless others.
The important thing to note is that any time we can lessen inflammation, we amp up how our body functions.
how to get it
Recently I’ve decided that I personally am going to make sure and get my fair share of turmeric in my diet. The research is there and man, even if it can help a fraction, it is so worth it. The problem is I don’t prefer traditional uses of turmeric like curries. So I’ve had to get creative and that meant adding it to the very thing I do everyday anyways, drink.
Initially I made this golden milk chai latte which is divine, but I can’t drink warm beverages all day. Instead I needed something refreshing. What is more refreshing than citrus and water? A big dose of turmeric and ginger, that’s what. So together I created this refreshing citrus turmeric drink and I hope you enjoy as well.
You can make a large concentrated batch, store it in a mason jar with these amazing lids and then shake. I store in the refrigerator and add about 1/4 – 1/2 cup to your water each day {or multiple times like me if you love it that much}. The taste may take some getting used to, so note that you can vary the amounts of turmeric and ginger. Gradually add more as your taste develops for it, start out slow. If you’re new to turmeric it can throw you off. Also, don’t forget to note that it will stain {I wish I didn’t know so well}.
If you’re looking for high quality turmeric {that is extremely cost effective} this is the brand I prefer. It will last you a long time. I try to add it in whenever I can not only to help my hormonal levels {turmeric helps with estrogen metabolism as well as decrease inflammation} but increase my immunity during the long winter months.
Game changer. Hormone changer. Immune changer. Thirst quencher.
disclaimer
Turmeric is extremely powerful and can act as a pharmaceutical. People who are taking certain medications such as anti-coagulants like aspirin or warfarin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should speak with their doctor or pharmacists before adding too much into their diet. However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid them because turmeric can help reduce the adverse affects of powerful medications. Just talk with your doctor and get the okay.
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- 3 oranges {about 2 cups fresh orange juice}
- 2 lemons {about 1 cup fresh lemon juice}
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch of ground black pepepr
- 2 tablespoons honey {optional}
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds {optional}
- fresh mint leaves {optional}
- Place freshly squeezed orange juice, and lemon juice into a quart mason jar.
- add in turmeric powder, ginger, black pepper, honey, and chia seeds.
- Place a lid on and shake well.
- Open and add fresh mint leaves and sliced oranges and lemons.
- Add ¼-1/3 cup to 2-3 cups of water.
- Store remainder in refrigerator until use.
- Enjoy!