6 Health Benefits of Adding Turmeric to Coffee

Turmeric coffee is recently carving out its way as the most trending coffee. Turmeric coffee has the benefits of both curcumin present in turmeric and caffeine present in coffee. Turmeric has an antioxidant compound known as curcumin that gives color to it. It possesses numerous beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, pro-aging, and pain-relieving properties.⁽¹⁾

At home, turmeric coffee can be made by mixing other spices as well including black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, butter, and coconut oil, according to an individual’s personal choice.

Turmeric has one drawback, it is hard for the body to absorb, which limits its usefulness. ⁽²⁾ A study shows curcumin absorption can improve when combined with fat and liquid with a pH value of 6 or higher. ⁽³⁾ A substance of low pH is more acidic. Coffee has a pH of 5 but when combined with whole milk or plant-based milk the acidity can get balanced and there is a better chance of absorbing the health-boosting curcumin obtained from turmeric in coffee. Adding other fat sources such as oil or butter can also improve the absorption of curcumin.

Also, black pepper that is commonly paired with turmeric in turmeric coffee can improve the absorption of curcumin due to the presence of piperine in it.⁽²⁾

Due to curcumin and other related compounds present in turmeric, there are many potential benefits of turmeric coffee.

Curcumin helps in bringing down chronic inflammation linked with ailments such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and digestive disorder.⁽⁴⁾

Turmeric coffee is also made by adding ginger and cinnamon that can add to the anti-inflammatory benefits.

For the regular coffee drinker, the morning cup of coffee is a warm comforting first thing they keep their hand on. The added anti-depressant activity of curcumin is an energizing jolt and this beverage is sure to lift up a depressed mood.⁽⁵⁾

Curcumin helps people with type 2 diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels.⁽⁶⁾

Controlled blood sugar is important to prevent complications from diabetes that include heart and kidney disease, nerve and vision damage.

Adding turmeric to your coffee makes the coffee beneficial in maintaining blood sugar levels. But, remember not to add too much sugar or honey to it, which could affect adversely.

With the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric in coffee can help in removing harmful pathogens from the body.

Research suggests turmeric plays a role in relieving stomach discomfort due to irritable bowel syndrome including symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. ⁽⁷⁾

A small study published suggested adding curcumin along with the prescribed treatment helped in soothing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. ⁽⁸⁾

Inflammation can also be a trigger for heart disease and turmeric coffee can give an anti-inflammatory punch to it. A study showed curcumin along with cinnamon and ginger could help with the risk factors including cholesterol and blood pressure.⁽⁹⁾

Not to forget that there are numerous lifestyle habits that contribute to heart diseases including alcohol, tobacco, stress, and reduced activity levels.

A small amount of turmeric is enough to stain the fingers and the countertop. Also, a small amount is required to flavor dishes. This means half a teaspoon of turmeric is enough to be added to the coffee to relish its benefits. The amount can be increased or decreased according to an individual taste.

Despite the numerous benefits, turmeric coffee is not an all-cure, which means it should not be taken as the only cure for the above ailments.

It can be an addition to the prescribed medications along with the necessary precautions as per the disease.

Also, overdoing caffeine may cause irritability, lack of focus, heartbeat irregularities, and poor sleep.

Turmeric can be a healthy addition to the normal coffee you drink. Add it to enjoy the benefits of both curcumin and caffeine.