DIY Turmeric Juice and its Benefits

Turmeric is an integral part of Indian and other cuisines of Asian countries. Along with its use as a cooking ingredient, turmeric plays a prominent role in herbal medicine. There are more than 300 antioxidants as well as other nutrients in turmeric that offer many health benefits.

Along with turmeric powder that is readily available in the market, you can use raw turmeric juice to reap its health benefits. According to the University of Maryland, the recommended dosage of turmeric powder is 1 to 3 grams (½ to 1½ teaspoons) daily.

Also, the roots of the turmeric plant are used in preparing herbal medicines. Fresh, raw turmeric looks like ginger. The outer skin is brown and the flesh has a deep orange color. Turmeric root has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor.

Fresh turmeric root is available at health food stores. It is very simple to extract its juice.

1. Wash a few pieces of fresh turmeric root thoroughly in running water and peel them.

2. Grind the turmeric roots in your juicer to get the juice.

3. Collect the juice pulp and run it a couple more times.

Keep the juice in the refrigerator and use it within the next 3 days. You can use this fresh turmeric juice in your smoothies, soups, turmeric milk or in cooking your favorite dishes.

You can also extract turmeric juice by blending a few fresh turmeric roots along with a cup of water and then straining the mixture. Another option is to simply grate the fresh turmeric root and strain its juice through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.

Here is a refreshing, healthy beverage recipe using turmeric juice.

1. Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh turmeric juice in a jug.

2. Add the juice of 1 to 2 lemons, depending on your taste.

3. Optionally, add a little ginger juice.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey.

5. Add 2 cups of cold water and mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Serve this drink with ice, and store the excess juice in the refrigerator for a couple of days only. You can also flavor this healthy beverage with fresh mint or coriander leaves.

Turmeric juice is generally safe for most people. However, some may experience stomach upset. When taken in excess, it may also cause stomach ulcers.

Moreover, turmeric may not be suitable for people suffering from gallstones and biliary tract obstruction. It also act as a blood thinner.

Here are some of the health benefits of raw turmeric juice.

1. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Turmeric has a compound called curcumin that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This compound even works better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because it inhibits multiple proinflammatory pathways. Unlike curcumin, most NSAIDs are also associated with numerous side effects.

Hence, turmeric juice helps reduce pain and inflammation, two common symptoms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The juice may even slow the progression of these diseases.

2. Treats Alzheimer’s Disease

Turmeric juice can be useful for preventing or delaying the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, which causes gradual memory loss. Inflammation is one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

The anti-inflammatory property of raw turmeric reduces the brain inflammation by blocking the pathway of the COX-2 enzyme that leads to neural inflammation.

In addition, regular intake of turmeric juice improves the flow of oxygen to the brain. This can also prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Prevents Cancer

Raw turmeric juice is a potential treatment against cancer. The curcumin in turmeric helps the body get rid of free radicals and reduces damage to cellular membranes and DNA, which can otherwise raise your risk of cancer.

Turmeric can help prevent or treat different types of cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, liver, oral, skin and colon cancer. You can enjoy the protective anticancer benefits of curcumin by adding a little raw turmeric juice to water and drinking it every morning on an empty stomach.