Turmeric coffee has gained a ton of popularity over the recent years, thanks to its serious potential health benefits and unique, warming flavor. More and more people are incorporating this golden beverage into their daily routines, seeking a healthier alternative to their regular cup of joe.
In this ultimate guide to turmeric coffee, we will explore the ins and outs of this trendy drink, from its health benefits and recipes to tips on how to make the perfect cup.
Our goal is to provide you with solid information on turmeric coffee so you can understand what all the buzz is about and, perhaps, try it for yourself.
We’ll cover the key ingredients, talk about the benefits, and share a delicious recipe to get you started.
Now, let’s embark on this flavorful journey and discover the golden world of turmeric in coffee!
The Key Ingredients of Turmeric With Coffee
Before jumping right into the benefits and recipes of turmeric coffee, let’s take a minute to look at the key ingredients that make this drink so unique and beneficial. While there are many variations of turmeric coffee, the basic ingredients are pretty much the same.
Turmeric Powder
The star ingredient, turmeric powder, is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is a vibrant yellow-orange spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking, particularly in Indian cuisine. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties responsible for the benefits we’re chatting about here.
Black Pepper
Adding a pinch of black pepper to your turmeric coffee may seem odd, but it’s actually an important part of the process. Black pepper contains piperine, a substance that increases the absorption of curcumin in the body by up to 2000%! By including black pepper in your turmeric coffee, you’re improving your odds of getting the maximum benefits from the curcumin.
Coconut Milk or Plant-Based Milk
Many turmeric coffee recipes call for the use of coconut milk or other plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk. These options not only provide a creamy texture to your drink (like regular cows milk) but also add an extra layer to the flavor profile.
Ground Ginger and Cinnamon
These “warming spices” are often added to turmeric coffee recipes to enhance the flavor profile and add more benefits. Ground ginger and cinnamon both have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and taste great when combined with turmeric, making them perfect complements to turmeric in your coffee!
Sweetener (Optional)
Some people prefer adding a touch of sweetness to their turmeric coffee. You can use natural sweeteners like honey (not vegan), maple syrup, or agave nectar as you prefer.
Now that you know the key ingredients of turmeric coffee, let’s explore the benefits and reasons why so many people are trying out this golden liquid.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric coffee offers a plethora of health benefits due to its combination of powerful ingredients. These advantages have made it a popular choice among health enthusiasts and people wanting natural remedies for various health issues.
It’s also important to point out that it’s currently believed to take 4-8 weeks of daily turmeric use to see the benefits discussed here.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It helps combat inflammation and helps with symptoms associated with arthritis, heart disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant Properties
Curcumin also possesses potent antioxidant properties that help neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Enhanced Curcumin Absorption
Adding black pepper with turmeric in your coffee can increase the absorption of curcumin, making it more effective in providing all these wonderful benefits. Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, enhances the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2000%.
It actually helps with the absorption of multiple nutrients as well as providing anti-oxidants, so if you check out some supplement bottles in your drawer or local store, you’ll probably notice it or Bioperine (piperine extract) on many of the bottles.
Improved Gut Health
Turmeric in coffee can also improve your gut health by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, and potentially helping those with irritable bowel syndrome or other gut-related issues. It’s believed that turmeric may help with heart burn, weight loss, diabetes, and even mental health, which are all tied to our gut.
For more on gut health, check out our article here or read about how Amare gut-brain-axis supplements improved Sarah’s life:
Cognitive Decline
Some studies suggest that the curcumin in turmeric may help protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Natural Pain Relief
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is believed to act as a natural pain reliever for those suffering from chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory issues.
Keep in mind that while turmeric coffee has numerous potential health benefits, it should not replace conventional treatments and medications for specific health conditions without talking to your doctor first.
Cancer
There have been some reliable studies that suggest turmeric (curcumin specifically) may help fight cancer, slow the disease, and even help chemotherapy work more effectively. While there have been multiple studies showing promising results, the FDA has not approved curcumin for cancer treatment (or any medical treatment), as there have not been enough studies to say with any certainty that it works or how it works. If you or a loved one are undergoing cancer treatment, speak to your doctor about adding turmeric into your daily routine.
How to Make Turmeric Coffee at Home
Preparing a delicious and healthy cup of turmeric coffee is easy and can be done with a few simple ingredients. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide to making turmeric coffee at home.
First of all, you’ve got options:
The recipe below is basically a combination of golden milk and coffee. However, you can choose to make this without any milk, by just adding the spices into your coffee directly. You can also make this without coffee, and you’d be drinking golden milk (an ancient Indian drink that can help with colds, inflammation, pain, sleep quality and more.)
Regardless of whether you want a keto-friendly milk-less mix or caffeine-free option sans coffee, make sure you don’t boil the turmeric. It’s believed that heating turmeric can actually help with absorption, but if it’s too hot, the curcumin starts to break down and you’ll lose some of the health benefits. You can drink it iced though!
You can watch our video making this recipe here or read the written directions below:
Questions and Answers
What is turmeric coffee?
Turmeric coffee is a beverage that combines coffee with turmeric, a golden spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It often includes other spices and milk or plant-based milk for added flavor and health benefits.
What are the health benefits of turmeric coffee?
Turmeric coffee may offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving effects due to its main active ingredient, curcumin. It could also help lower blood sugar levels, improve gut health, fight cancer, and reduce the risk of heart and kidney diseases.
How much turmeric should I add to my coffee?
Typically, about 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) to 1 tsp of turmeric per serving is sufficient. 1 tsp a day is often recommended. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and any dietary restrictions.
Can turmeric coffee help with inflammation and pain relief?
Yes, the curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which could potentially help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
How does turmeric coffee taste?
Turmeric coffee has a warming, earthy flavor with a slight bitterness, which is often balanced by the addition of milk, sweeteners, and other spices.
Does turmeric coffee have caffeine?
Yes, normally turmeric in coffee contains caffeine from the coffee beans used in the brew, but you can always choose decafe beans or go with a golden milk latte that doesn’t have any actual coffee in it.
How can I improve the absorption of curcumin in turmeric coffee?Adding a pinch of black pepper can enhance curcumin absorption, as it contains piperine, a compound that increases bioavailability.
Can I drink turmeric coffee every day?
Turmeric coffee can generally be consumed daily, but it’s important to consider your individual tolerance and any potential interactions with medications or supplements.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with drinking turmeric coffee?
In moderate amounts, turmeric coffee is generally safe. However, excessive consumption of turmeric or curcumin supplements may cause digestive upset in some people.
What are the best plant-based milk options for making turmeric coffee?
Popular plant-based milk options include almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. You can choose based on personal preference and dietary needs.
Can I add other spices to my turmeric coffee?
Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to enhance the flavor and provide additional health benefits.
How does turmeric coffee affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels?
Turmeric may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It can also help with blood pressure regulation, though the caffeine in coffee may have counteracting effects. Monitor your individual response to determine the best balance for you.
Can turmeric coffee help with weight loss?
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties could potentially support weight loss efforts, but more research is needed to confidently say this is a fact.
Is turmeric coffee suitable for people with dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or vegan diets?
Yes, turmeric coffee can be adapted to suit many dietary restrictions by choosing appropriate milk alternatives and making sure that any additional ingredients meet your specific dietary requirements.