Ginger & Turmeric Power Couple: How to Boost Your Immunity and Energy Levels Naturally

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Ginger & Turmeric Power Couple: How to Boost Your Immunity and Energy Levels Naturally

Ginger and turmeric come from the same Zingiberaceae family of rhizomatous plants, and they’ve been used for their medicinal, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties for centuries.

Whether you use them as spices in your meals or make energy shots to help improve your immune system, these zingy roots are a power couple with unparalleled healing properties.

Curious to know more about these two incredible superfoods? Learn all about the health benefits and nutrients of ginger and turmeric and discover the best recipes you can make with them.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a rhizome belonging to the same family as turmeric with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can use ginger in a powdered form as a spice or use the root in teas, juices, and smoothies.

Some of the most incredible health benefits of ginger include:

  • Treating nausea (morning sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach)
  • Fighting fungal infections
  • Improving the function of the digestive system
  • Easing pain (may help with headaches, menstrual cramps, joint and muscle pain)
  • Helping regulate blood sugar
  • Improving brain function and protecting the brain from cognitive decline
  • Soothing inflammation in the body

The main active ingredients of ginger are gingerols and shogaols which are responsible for most of the plant’s antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, also known as the golden root, is a bright-orange rhizome that’s a close relative to ginger. It’s considered as one of the most healing plants in the world, with plenty of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.

The active component that makes turmeric such a precious superfood is curcumin – a strong antioxidant which gives the root its healing and immune-boosting properties.

Some of the most important health benefits of turmeric include:

  • Fighting inflammation in the body
  • Fighting free radicals that lead to premature aging and cancer
  • Boosting your immune system response
  • Soothing and healing effects on your digestive system
  • Treating surface skin conditions and wounds
  • Helping prevent cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases

Note: Curcumin (the main active ingredient in turmeric) can’t absorb into the body on its own. This is why it’s best to consume turmeric with black pepper, which contains a compound called piperine. This compound can help curcumin become more bioavailable to the metabolism, and thus more easily absorbed.

We talked more in-depth about turmeric and its strong anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits here.

Energizing Turmeric Ginger Smoothie

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 1 small ripe banana
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks (optional)
  • ½ tsp. ginger, fresh, grated
  • ½ tsp. turmeric, fresh, grated
  • ¼ tsp. pumpkin spice or cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
  • ½ cup milk of choice

Preparation:

In a high-speed blender, add all the ingredients together and blend until well incorporated. If the mixture is thick, add more water. Strain through a mesh strainer or nut milk bag. Add ice cubes if desired and enjoy.

Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients:

  • 2 bags of organic green tea (or 2 teaspoons of loose leaf green tea)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp. honey (or other sweetener of choice)
  • 1 tbsp. minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp. minced turmeric
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2-4 mint leaves, chopped
  • A dash of cayenne pepper

Preparation:

In a small pot, bring the water, minced ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to a boil. Remove from heat, add the mint leaves, and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. In two cups, divide the honey, tea bags, and lemon juice. Strain the ginger turmeric water into the cups and stir well. Drink warm.

Mint Lime Ginger Shots Recipe

Servings: 4 shots

Ingredients:

  • 3 limes
  • 2 oranges
  • ½ cup chopped turmeric
  • ½ cup chopped ginger
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tsp. honey (optional)
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil (optional)

Preparation:

In a juicer: Add the turmeric, ginger, oranges, and limes. Pour the juice into a measuring cup and add the honey, pepper, and coconut oil. Whisk vigorously to incorporate. Divide into shots and enjoy.

In a high-speed blender: Squeeze the oranges and lemons first. Pour the juice into the blender, add the rest of the ingredients, and blend for 30 seconds. Strain using a nut milk bag or a small fine mesh strainer. Divide into shots and enjoy.

These Powerful Roots Can Help You Boost Your Health and Immune System Naturally

Ginger and turmeric are two of the healthiest superfoods on the planet, packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

Whether you prefer warm ginger tea with honey and lemon or freshly squeezed shots, these powerful roots will keep your body and mind healthy and balanced.

What’s your favorite way of consuming ginger and turmeric? Share your tips and recipes with us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook and let us know.

 


Frosina A. Ivanovic is a content marketing specialist and writer. She’s passionate about quality coffee, travel, wellness, and digital marketing. You can connect with Frosina on LinkedIn or her website, Zhillmatic.