Turmeric and Ginger: Is this duo a recipe for disaster?
Turmeric and ginger, two vibrant spices with a lengthy history of usage in traditional medicine, are today very well-liked in the health and wellness market. However, what would happen if these combined? Does it diminish their impacts or improve their advantages?
Benefits of turmeric
Hailed for its vivid colour and unique aroma, turmeric has a long list of health advantages. Curcumin, a vitamin with anti-inflammatory qualities, is the main ingredient responsible for its efficacy. Turmeric has drawn notice for its ability to treat a variety of health problems, from being a plant that relieves arthritis to easing the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
Curcumin may be especially useful in treating inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the common cold, arthritis, and metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in the journal Molecules. Still, given the inconsistent results of studies and curcumin’s low systemic absorption, more research is necessary to confirm its effects.
Benefits of ginger
Due to its many health advantages, ginger—known for its pungent flavour and aroma—is a mainstay in traditional medicine. This spice’s several active ingredients, which include gingerols and paradols, can accomplish everything from ease pain to reduce nausea.
Is consuming Ginger and Turmeric together safe?
Turmeric and ginger seem like a marriage made in heaven, offering a potent combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to early research that was published in Molecules, the two may work together more well than they would separately to reduce inflammation
Side effects of consuming them
While ginger and turmeric offer a pyramid of health benefits, they are not without their potential side effects. High doses of these spices may lead to gastrointestinal upset, heartburn, diarrhoea, and even allergic reactions in some individuals.
How to properly consume turmeric?
Include turmeric in all of your daily meals and drinks to reap its nutritional benefits. Haldi milk, which is made by mixing turmeric, milk, black pepper, and sugar, is a great way to start the day. To enhance the taste and health benefits of rice dishes, stews, and curries, generously add turmeric. To make turmeric tea, steep fresh turmeric or powder in hot water; you can also add honey and lemon, if you’d like. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to your smoothies in the morning along with fruits like pineapple and mango. Combine spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and turmeric to make colourful salad dressings.
How to properly consume ginger?
The first step in consuming ginger correctly is to choose fresh ginger root from the merchant. Ginger can be peeled with a spoon or a peeler, then sliced or grated. Ginger can be added to hot water to produce ginger tea, or it can be sliced and used to smoothies, stir-fries, soups, and other dishes to give them a zesty edge. Since ginger has a potent flavour, start with a tiny amount and taste as needed.
Ayurvedic benefits of Turmeric
One of the main ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has many health advantages. Due to substances like curcumin, which have anti-inflammatory qualities, it can effectively reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain and other disorders like arthritis. Turmeric strengthens the immune system, stimulates the formation of bile to aid with digestion, and detoxifies the body by cleaning the kidneys, liver, and blood. Additionally, it balances the three doshas, enhances circulation, supports respiratory health, and promotes skin health. According to Ayurvedic principles, turmeric is a multipurpose herb that can improve general health and well-being.
Ginger’s Ayurvedic benefits
An essential ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, ginger has several health advantages. By promoting the production of saliva and facilitating the passage of food through the digestive tract, it facilitates digestion and reduces indigestion and bloating. It relieves inflammation caused by diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis because to the component gingerol, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Because ginger is known to reduce nausea, it can help with motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and morning sickness during pregnancy. Its capacity to decrease blood sugar, strengthen the immune system, and have antiviral and antibacterial qualities all add to its health advantages. Additionally, ginger relieves menstrual cramps, lowers cholesterol, improves brain function, and lessens muscle discomfort and pain.
Medicinal properties of Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has strong anti-inflammatory qualities that can aid in lowering the body’s level of swelling and inflammation.
Antioxidant: Turmeric has a lot of antioxidants that work to scavenge dangerous free radicals, preventing cell damage and lowering the chance of developing chronic illnesses.
Pain relief: Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, turmeric may be able to reduce pain, particularly in disorders like arthritis.
Improves Digestion: The gallbladder is stimulated to create bile by the use of turmeric, which helps with digestion. Additionally, it could lessen gas and bloating symptoms.
IBoosts immune system: Turmeric’s antioxidants have the potential to fortify the immune system, aiding the body’s ability to fend against diseases and infections.
Medicinal properties of Ginger
Because of its many health benefits, ginger is a well-liked natural treatment for a wide range of conditions. Strong anti-inflammatory properties of its key ingredient, gingerol, can help lessen arthritic symptoms and inflammation all throughout the body. Due to its well-known ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, ginger is advantageous for people undergoing chemotherapy, recovering from surgery, and pregnant women. Additionally, it helps with digestion by producing more digestive juice, which relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion symptoms.
How much turmeric is too much?
While taking turmeric as a nutritional supplement or as a spice in cooking in moderation is typically safe, taking too much of it might have negative consequences, particularly when taken in large doses. Curcumin, the key ingredient in turmeric, has a daily maximum intake of 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg per kg) of body weight. Overconsumption could result in gastrointestinal problems as nausea, diarrhoea, or upset stomach.