Ginger and turmeric golden duo shots are trending on social media and at many health cafes and juice bars as a wellness drink. This is not surprising due to their numerous health benefits from boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and potentially aiding in weight management, due to the potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of both ingredients.
Ginger and turmeric are two common spices that have numerous health benefits. Both have been used for centuries to help treat a range of ailments, from migraines to fatigue and chronic inflammation. Both have been studied extensively as herbal medicines that have also been used to help enhance immune function, decrease nausea, and relieve pain.
This article takes a look at some of the potential benefits of ginger and turmeric, side effects, and provides a DIY recipe to experiment with to create your own Golden Duo Elixir at home.
Table of Contents
Ginger and Turmeric: The Golden Duo
Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for various conditions; its medicinal properties are due to phenolic compounds such as gingerol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric has also been used as a natural remedy for various conditions; its medicinal properties largely come from curcumin, which has been shown to aid in treating and preventing several chronic conditions.
Benefits of Turmeric
- Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce pain, swelling, and arthritis.
- Improves digestion: Turmeric can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and reduce bloating and gas.
- Boosts immunity: Turmeric has antioxidant properties that can help strengthen the immune system.
- Reduces blood sugar: Turmeric may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Supports heart health: Turmeric may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Benefits of Ginger
- Relieves nausea: Ginger is well-known for its ability to relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Improves digestion: Ginger can help stimulate the production of digestive juices and reduce gas.
- Anti-inflammatory: Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Regulates blood sugar: Ginger may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
- Boosts metabolism: Ginger can help increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
Combined Benefits of the Ginger and Turmeric
When consumed together, ginger and turmeric offer even more health benefits. They have synergistic effects that can:
- Potent antioxidant effects: Studies suggest that these spices combined may offer great antioxidant potential to fight free radicals and oxidative stress that, over time, may lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
- Enhance anti-inflammatory properties: The combination of curcumin and gingerols can provide stronger anti-inflammatory action, which can be beneficial for those with chronic inflammation, muscle pain, and arthritis.
- Improve digestion: Both spices can aid digestion by stimulating enzyme production and reducing gas.
- Reduce pain: Turmeric and ginger can work together to relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis and muscle soreness.
- Immune support: Both possess immune-boosting properties, which help to strengthen the body’s defenses against infections and illness.
- Boost brain health: Curcumin and gingerols have been shown to improve cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
- Weight management: Some studies suggest that turmeric may aid in weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing inflammation, while ginger may help to control appetite.
Potential Side Effects of the Golden Duo
While when used in moderation, both ginger and turmeric are considered to be safe and healthy additions to a balanced diet, there are some potential side effects.
- Ginger, when used in excess, may decrease blood clotting, and it could interfere with certain blood thinners.
- Ginger may also impact blood sugar levels, meaning that those taking blood sugar medications should consult with their healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
- Turmeric, when used in excess, has been linked to rashes, diarrhea, and headaches. Additionally, you would need to use a supplement or consume large amounts to reach the doses used in most studies.
- Both ginger and turmeric, when taken in high doses, could increase the risk of digestive discomfort such as diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn.
DIY Turmeric and Ginger Shot
To make a potent golden duo shot at home, you will need a few things:
- Tools: a knife, cutting board, a blender, cheesecloth or very fine strainer, and a glass storage container.
- Ingredients: fresh ginger, fresh turmeric root, black pepper, an orange, and water.
- Optional ingredients: lemon juice, honey, or other things to enhance flavor and nutritional value, such as olive oil, a banana, kale, an apple, or blueberries, depending on personal preferences.
Step 1: Chop the ginger and turmeric into 1–2-inch pieces and peel your orange. While optional, the orange adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of vitamin C. A pinch of black pepper may help improve nutrient absorption.
Step 2: Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Add more or less water until you have your desired consistency.
Step 3: Strain the juice using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp. Press lightly on the pulp to extract the juice.
Step 4: Pour the juice into small glass bottles. Store them in the fridge for up to five days.
Summary
In conclusion, ginger and turmeric are versatile spices with numerous health benefits such as supporting heart health, fighting inflammation, promoting immune function, reducing chronic pain, supporting digestion, and settling nausea.
Both can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet with minimal risk of adverse effects on health for most people. However, while research on the potential health effects of ginger and turmeric is abundant, the evidence on the health effects of the two combined is more limited. Be sure to consume in moderation and consult with your healthcare provider before combining the two.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
This article was written by TJ Webber at WHN
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