Haldi or turmeric has always be intrinsic to Indian food and skin care, all thanks to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and vitamin C content. This spice has long been used in condiments, cuisine, and textile dyes, apart from being used medically. In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, it has long been used as a cure for ailments like skin disorders, allergies, and joint discomfort. In fact, if you’re looking for a detox, the health benefits of turmeric water can astound you.
Yes, turmeric water can be even more healthy.
Dietitian Vidhi Chawla of Fisico Diet Clinic, spoke to Health Shots and listed the health benefits of drinking turmeric water regularly.
“Turmeric is known to have medicinal benefits and can help you fight many diseases. Alongside, turmeric water works as a natural detox to help your body get rid of toxins and rejuvenate the body,” says Chawla.
Can turmeric water help weight loss?
For starters, it’s a wonderful way to get the benefits of turmeric without having to put up with its strong flavour. This herb is touted to aid in weight loss because it has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
A 2015 study, European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Science, found that overweight adults who took an 800 mg supplement containing 95 percent curcumin (a compound found in turmeric) along with a strict diet saw Body Mass Index changes of up to 2 percent during the first 30 days, increasing to 5-6 percent after 60 days, equivalent to a loss of more than 8 percent body fat.
Here are 6 other health benefits of turmeric water:
1. Improves your bowel movements
Turmeric is known to boost your digestion by increasing the production of bile in the gallbladder and other digestive enzymes. Turmeric helps with reducing the symptoms of bloating and boosting your metabolism. A robust metabolism system also helps with weight loss.
2. Prevents heart diseases
“More often than not, heart diseases are caused by an increased level of cholesterol. Turmeric is known to lower cholesterol levels and improve the lining of blood vessels,” says Chawla. It also helps in regulating blood pressure and blood clotting.
3. Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
Medical science still hasn’t found a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, making it essential to prevent it from occurring. Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps in inflammation and oxidative damage, which are the major causes of the disease.
4. Reduces inflammation
A warm glass of turmeric water at night can help your body to fight inflammation. Vidhi says, “The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help in fighting the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory disorder.” Turmeric water also eases the pain in the joints of the elderly.
5. Improves skin health
Turmeric is known to purify the blood as it helps to remove toxins. The antioxidants present in it help the cells from damage, brighten the skin tone and slow down the ageing process. Turmeric water makes the skin more radiant and healthier.
6. Boosts the immunity
Lastly, turmeric water helps in building a robust immune system. Turmeric has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which has made it a global sensation for a healthy immune system.
Here’s when to consume turmeric water:
For ages, turmeric has been found to heal and cure many ailments in our body and is an indispensable part of the Indian spice palate. Chawla says, “Other than adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder to your meals, you can have turmeric water every day for additional benefits. You can have a glass of warm turmeric water—with a teaspoon of honey for added taste—before breakfast or at night before you go to bed.”