Want to Blast Belly Fat? Try These 3 Delicious and Healthy Turmeric Drink Recipes
Turmeric is a vibrant orange spice with exceptional versatility. From curries to roasted vegetables, this spice infuses its earthy and slightly bitter flavor into any dish. Beyond savory cooking, it also works well in drinks, adding a warming kick to a morning latte or cup of tea. Better still, it's packed with health-boosting compounds that help ward off inflammation, weight gain, and mood swings. Below are is a deeper look into turmeric's health benefits and three turmeric drink recipes to get you started.
Turmeric Benefit #1: It Reduces Diabetes Risk
Turmeric is packed with curcuminoids, anti-inflammatory compounds that, according to researchers reporting in journal Diabetes Care, may help ward off diabetes. How? The researchers' randomized study found that curcuminoids improved the function of the cells that produce and release insulin (known as beta cells). Prediabetic study participants who consumed turmeric every day for nine months did not develop type 2 diabetes.
Turmeric Benefit #2: It Supports Weight Loss Efforts
Adding turmeric to your daily diet can help you slim down faster, suggests a 2019 review of studies. A key finding: Ingesting curcumin (a compound in turmeric) each day was shown to lower body mass index in participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after eight weeks. Similar research published in the journal Drug Research (Stuttgart) found that participants who consumed turmeric daily lost significantly more belly fat in eight weeks than those who did not consume turmeric.
Turmeric Benefit #3: It Boosts Mood
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory compounds could also help you feel more cheery. That’s the word from researchers reporting in the journal Phytotherapy Research. In their small study, six weeks of daily curcumin consumption helped to reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder in patients.
Spiced Matcha Latte Magic
Ingredients & Directions:
2 tsp. matcha powder
1 ⁄4 tsp. turmeric
1 ⁄4 tsp. ground ginger
2 cups coconut milk
Heat first 3 ingredients with 1 cup water; divide between 2 mugs. Top each with milk. Makes 2 servings.
Turmeric-Ginger Coffee Craze
Ingredients & Directions:
1 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 ⁄ 2 tsp. ground ginger
1 ⁄4 cup hot espresso
Microwave first 4 ingredients until warm, 1 min. Divide espresso between 2 mugs; top each with almond milk mixture. Makes 2 servings.
Golden Turmeric Tea
Ingredients & Directions:
1 cup oat milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 tsp. turmeric
1 ⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cinnamon stick
1 black tea bag
Bring all ingredients plus 1 cup water to boil; reduce heat. Simmer 10 min.; strain. Divide tea between 2 mugs. Makes 2 servings.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.
