Turmeric coffee is a drink made by adding turmeric to coffee. While research on the drink itself is limited, both ingredients have well-studied health benefits.
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and can boost focus and energy levels. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Combining the two may benefit joint pain, heart health, and weight management. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits.
Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is a normal part of your body’s natural defense against injury or infection. However, chronic (long-term) inflammation can damage healthy cells, increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other health conditions.
Studies show that curcumin may be particularly beneficial for inflammation-related diseases, including irritable bowel disease (IBD), arthritis, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and depression.
Turmeric coffee may help reduce pain caused by inflammation.
Research suggests that turmeric may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen in reducing pain and inflammation. Data also indicates turmeric may improve pain and range of motion in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Curcumin has also been shown to help reduce muscle soreness after exercise, potentially improving exercise recovery and athletic performance.
Coffee and turmeric offer a range of antioxidants, compounds that neutralize harmful molecules to prevent cell damage and disease.
A review of studies found that the antioxidants in turmeric, especially curcumin, significantly improve antioxidant activity in the body and reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there are more free radicals than antioxidants in the body. Over time, it can play a role in aging, chronic inflammation, and cancer.
Similarly, coffee contains antioxidants, like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which can also help protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress.
Turmeric may boost the heart health benefits of coffee.
Research from the American Heart Association (AHA) shows that consuming more turmeric may lower your risk of dying from heart disease. This may be because curcumin helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque buildup hardens and narrows the arteries over time. This can reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood, leading to chest pain, discomfort, or even a blockage that can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Curcumin can also improve zinc levels in the body. Some studies have linked zinc deficiency with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Coffee contains several compounds, including chlorogenic acid and caffeine, which may slightly increase fat burn and weight loss.
Turmeric also seems to have beneficial effects on weight loss. A research review found that supplementing with curcumin helped reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. However, the weight loss was relatively small, averaging less than 2 pounds.
More research is needed to understand how turmeric affects weight loss, especially when consumed in amounts typically found in turmeric coffee.
Adding turmeric to your morning brew may help with digestive health. In one study, curcumin helped relieve gas and bloating in people with indigestion.
Other studies suggest that curcumin may improve gut health and digestion by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria in the gut.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may also help relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, improving stomach pain and overall quality of life.
Turmeric coffee may have a positive effect on mood. A recent study found that people who drink 2-3 cups of coffee per day have a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Another research review suggests that curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce depression. However, research is still in its early stages, and more human studies are needed.
Regular coffee is known for boosting alertness, focus, and energy. In the long term, research suggests that caffeine in coffee may help lower the risk of brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Emerging research suggests that curcumin may have similar brain health effects. One study found that curcumin can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF plays a role in memory and learning, with low BDNF levels associated with memory impairment and brain diseases.
More research is needed to confirm this.
Turmeric coffee has a warm, slightly peppery, and gingery flavor. Many people add other spices, like cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, or a touch of honey for added sweetness.
If you’re new to turmeric coffee, it’s a good idea to start with a small amount of turmeric and adjust as needed to your taste preference.
Most studies focus on curcumin supplements, which contain a much higher concentration than the amount typically found in turmeric coffee. The curcumin present in turmeric is also poorly absorbed by the body. Since coffee is acidic, it may further reduce curcumin’s stability, making it harder for the body to absorb.
Pairing black pepper with turmeric has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin by as much as 2,000%, increasing its potential health benefits. Adding a source of fat, like oil or milk, can also help your body absorb curcumin better.
Turmeric is generally well tolerated in amounts added to coffee. Some people may experience mild digestive issues with high doses. Potential side effects include:
Turmeric can interact with medications, such as the blood thinner warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you take a turmeric or curcumin supplement, discuss potential medication interactions with your healthcare provider.
