When it comes to weight loss, the market is flooded with products promising quick results, from detox teas to diet pills and meal replacement shakes. Rather than resorting to potentially harmful options in an attempt to shed a few extra pounds, why not try out turmeric lemonade for weight loss?
In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of turmeric and provide you with a delicious turmeric lemonade recipe to help you kickstart your weight loss goals the healthy way!
Key Takeaways
- It is better to go for a natural remedy to lose weight than using a bunch of weight loss products that promise great results.
- Turmeric lemonade is a drink that is made with natural ingredients and has other health benefits that could be beneficial for weight loss.
- Turmeric boasts anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compound curcumin. It may also help with mood disorders and liver function.
- Turmeric may aid weight loss by promoting liver health, detoxification, and increased metabolism.
- You can incorporate turmeric into your diet with a few easy recipes such as the turmeric lemonade recipe, turmeric shot, ginger turmeric tea, and turmeric latte.
What is Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is bright yellow in color, derived from the underground stems of the Curcuma longa plant [3]. It contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which is primarily the main reason behind the many health benefits of Turmeric.
Turmeric is not only used to enhance the flavor of dishes, it is also used as dietary supplements and for its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is hailed for its remarkable health benefits, thanks to its potent medicinal properties. It has been used for years in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian form of treatment, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Below are some of the health benefits that turmeric provides:
Anti-inflammatory properties
One of the most well-known benefits of turmeric is its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a bioactive substance that can help to fight inflammation. Studies have found that consuming curcumin can help with arthritis pain and inflammation.
May help with mood disorders
Curcumin compounds in turmeric can help to treat mood disorders. It may help to boost serotonin and dopamine in the brain, reduce inflammation, and encourage brain plasticity. Thus, suggesting its usefulness in treating conditions such as major depressive disorder (MAD) [2].
Helps to improve liver function
Turmeric has been found to support liver health and function. It aids in detoxification by stimulating the production of bile, a substance that helps remove toxins from the liver. Turmeric also has antioxidant properties that help protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals and toxins, promoting overall liver health and function.
Turmeric for Weight Loss
The natural cleaning function of turmeric can help with weight loss, by removing toxins accumulated in the liver. Turmeric also increases bile production which increases metabolism and fat emulsification [4].
Turmeric Lemonade Recipe
Let’s explore how turmeric can be incorporated into your diet with a simple turmeric lemonade recipe. Turmeric lemonade combines both the vitamins from the lemon and the healing properties of turmeric for better results.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unpeeled finely grated fresh turmeric root (or 0.5-1 tsp turmeric powder)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 cups boiling hot water
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp raw honey, or more according to preferences
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
How to make it:
- Start by finely grating both the turmeric root and the ginger. If you are not intending to use the turmeric root. just switch it out and replace with turmeric powder;.
- Boil the 3 cups of water either in a kettle or on a saucepan.
- In a large pitcher, add the grated turmeric and the ginger then followed by a boiling hot water on it.
- Stir in a pinch of sea salt and add in raw honey (adjust to taste), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fresh orange juice and mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Allow the mixture to steep for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors of the turmeric, ginger, and citrus juices into the water.
- You can either serve it on its own or add some ice cubes to make it cold. Garnish with some lemon slices or fresh mint leaves and you are good to go!
Other Turmeric Recipes
Aside from turmeric lemonade, there are also other recipes that you can make with turmeric, for similar health benefits. Here are some recipes, what you will need and some ingredients on how to make them.
Turmeric Shot
Turmeric shot is a quick recipe to make that provides powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging benefits among others.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 whole oranges, peeled
- 2 pitted dates
- 2-2 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp peeled ginger
- A pinch of black pepper
How to make it:
- Using a high-speed blender, add lemon juice, peeled oranges, pitted dates, turmeric powder, peeled ginger, and black pepper (all ingredients).
- Blend it all together and then strain it using a mesh strainer or a clean dish towel. Be careful of the stains from the turmeric.
- Once it is fully strained, divide and serve it in shot glasses.
Ginger Turmeric Tea
This ginger turmeric tea is a great alternative if you want a warm cup of drink that has a bit of a spice kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chopped ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lemon wedge
How to make it:
- Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Add in the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon and give it a stir.
- Reduce to medium-low heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a glass and stir in the honey.
- Serve with a lemon wedge and enjoy.
Turmeric Latte
Turmeric latte, or golden milk, is a warm and cozy drink to have that can be served either iced or hot. Here’s a recipe to try and complement as part of your weight loss diet.
Ingredients:
- 350ml almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- pinch of black pepper
How to make it:
- Start off by grabbing a saucepan. Add in all the ingredients and whisk constantly over low heat.
- Once it comes to a slight boil, turn off the heat.
- Pour it into a mug and serve with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon at the top.
Other Resources
For more weight loss-related resources, you may also like these articles:
Peptide Injections for Weight Loss
7-Day Weight Loss Low-Carb Diet
Summary
In summary, turmeric lemonade may help with weight loss because of the properties of both turmeric and lemon. Lemon provides a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants while the curcumin in turmeric provides anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties. When combined, it can be beneficial for gut health and metabolism.
However, do take note that this can only help with weight loss to a certain extent. Ultimately, it still comes down to your lifestyle, incorporating exercise and following a healthy diet. For exercises and workout plans for weight loss, try out our Justfit App for free!
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Arthritis Foundation (n.d.) Supplement and Herb Guide for Arthritis Symptoms [online]. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/supplement-and-herb-guide-for-arthritis-symptoms Fernando, I. (2023) 10 Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin [online]. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric
Restivo, J. (2024) Turmeric benefits: A look at the evidence [online]. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/turmeric-benefits-a-look-at-the-evidence
Shah, M. (2022) Does Turmeric Work for Weight Loss? Let’s Find Out [online]. Available at: https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/turmeric-for-weight-loss/