If you love iced tea and want to improve your health, this refreshing beverage is a fantastic choice. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and combat dehydration, which can have serious side effects like thicker blood, increased blood pressure, and higher cholesterol levels. Dehydration can also raise the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.

Drinking water is important, but sometimes it can get boring. This Turmeric and Ginger Iced Tea offers a flavorful alternative that helps you stay hydrated without unnecessary calories. Plus, it comes with numerous health benefits.

Turmeric is a remarkable ingredient known for its health benefits. It contains curcumin, which improves the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels. This is crucial as endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in heart disease, making it harder for blood vessels to regulate blood clotting and pressure.

Turmeric also supports brain health. Studies show that a compound called aromatic-turmerone can boost neural stem cell growth in the brain, which may help those with Alzheimer’s or stroke victims recover brain function.

Ginger is another powerful ingredient in this tea. It contains gingerols, which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research indicates that ginger can significantly enhance heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, preventing the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol), and protecting against atherosclerosis.

Ginger also benefits the brain by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, essential chemicals for brain cell communication that affect memory, focus, sleep, and concentration. Many adults have low levels of neurotransmitters, so drinking this tea could be beneficial.

Honey adds a sweet taste and has health benefits too, especially for brain health in post-menopausal women. Rich in antioxidants, honey helps prevent cellular damage and brain cell loss. Research has shown that honey can prevent cognitive decline and dementia, and improve brain circulation.

Finally, the recipe includes a bit of black pepper, which enhances the flavor and helps your body absorb the nutrients from the other ingredients more effectively.

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 refrigerator

Instructions:
1. Measure the turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Place them in a small saucepan.
3. Cover with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and 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 grit and fresh ginger if used. This will smooth the texture.
8. Store the concentrated mixture and dilute it with 3 cups of water in a quart jar in the refrigerator. Adjust water and sweetener to taste.