Love iced tea and looking to boost your health at the same time? You can do great things for your heart, brain, and overall body with this tasty and refreshing drink. It’s an excellent way to stay hydrated and fight dehydration.

Dehydration can happen faster than you think, leading to serious issues like thicker blood, which makes it harder for blood to flow, increasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels as your body tries to conserve water. This can also raise the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.

Even if you know how important it is to drink enough water, it can get boring. By swapping some of that water for this iced tea, you’ll not only stay hydrated but also avoid extra calories and enjoy more flavor. Plus, you’ll be promoting better health.

There are other great reasons to try Turmeric and Ginger Iced Tea. Each ingredient brings its own health benefits.

Turmeric

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Extensive research has shown that multiple factors contribute to this disease, and turmeric is one of the things that can help reverse its progress. Curcumin, a powerful compound in turmeric, improves the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is a major factor in heart disease, making it harder for the endothelium to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, and other essential processes.

Turmeric also supports brain health. A 2014 study suggested that aromatic-turmerone, another compound in turmeric, can increase neural stem cell growth in the brain by up to 80% at specific concentrations. This could potentially help people with Alzheimer’s or those recovering from a stroke.

Ginger

Ginger is a delicious, warming spice loaded with medicinal benefits due to its gingerols, the oily resin from the ginger root with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Israeli researchers have found that ginger dramatically benefits heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL), and preventing atherosclerosis.

Ginger is also good for the brain. It boosts levels of important neurotransmitters, which are chemicals the brain uses to communicate between cells. These neurotransmitters control memory, focus, sleep, and concentration. Studies show that 86% of American adults have suboptimal levels of neurotransmitters, so drinking this tea can help boost yours.

Honey

Honey adds a sweet flavor to the tea and brings its own health benefits. It improves brain health, especially in post-menopausal women who often experience hormone-related intellectual decline. The high level of antioxidants in honey can prevent cellular damage and brain cell loss. Research from the University of Babylon found that honey’s antioxidants can prevent cognitive decline and dementia, and enhance the cholinergic system and brain circulation.

Finally, the recipe includes a bit of black pepper, which not only enhances the flavor but also helps make the nutrients in the ingredients more accessible to your body.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup plus 3 cups of water (1 cup for steeping, 3 for dilution)
– 4 tsp dried organic turmeric
– 4 tsp dried ginger (or two inches fresh ginger root)
– ¾ tsp black pepper
– ¼ cup honey

Supplies:

– Quart jar for storing in the fridge

Instructions:

1. Measure the turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Place them into a small saucepan.
3. Add the 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.
5. Add honey after turning off the heat.
6. Cover the saucepan and let it steep for at least an hour, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
7. Strain the mixture using cheesecloth to remove any gritty powder and fresh ginger (if used) for a smoother texture.
8. You can store the concentrate and make one drink at a time or add the 3 cups of water and store it in a quart-sized jar in the fridge. Adjust water and sweetener to taste.

Enjoy this delicious iced tea while reaping all its wonderful health benefits!