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A Simple Jamu Juice Recipe and Why It’s So Good For You

An image of Jamu juiceHave you ever heard of Jamu juice? It is an anti-inflammatory, healthy drink from Indonesia made with fresh ginger, turmeric, coconut water, and lemon. According to data, the average American consumes over 38 gallons of sugar-sweetened beverages yearly. So, if you're looking for a more nutritious alternative, this juice may be the one for you.

According to some, drinking Jamu juice may help you fight viral infections, lower your blood cholesterol, and lose weight. Here's everything you need to know about Jamu juice, including how to make it and its numerous health benefits.

What Is Jamu Juice?

Jamu juice is a well-known, traditional Indonesian drink. It is a Javanese herbal blend composed of ingredients derived from various plants.

The word "jamu" translates to "remedy." Locals have long consumed this drink as a health tonic. It has many variations, but the common ingredients are ginger and turmeric.

Don't worry if you've never heard of jamu before; you're not alone. Even though jamu is a staple of the daily diet for most Indonesians, foreigners initially find it unique. This warm yellow drink has a sweet, earthy, and mildly peppery flavor. The recipe for Jamu juice differs by region, with most families having their variation.

Health Benefits of Jamu Juice

Jamu juice is a natural remedy with anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce swelling and pain. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

In addition to its powerful antioxidant properties, this herbal drink has numerous health benefits. It can aid digestion, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss.

This herbal drink is also high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can help boost the immune system by fighting infections and promoting white blood cell functioning.

Jamu juice is only becoming popular outside Asia, particularly in the United States. As a result, little research has been done on it. Examining each ingredient of this herbal juice is important to understand how drinking it can improve your health.

Health Benefits of Turmeric in Jamu Juice

Turmeric has been a natural remedy for centuries. It's a yellow-orange spice used in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Curcumin is turmeric's active ingredient.

In human studies, curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This means that it can potentially help prevent type 2 diabetes or reduce the severity of the condition.

Mixed research shows turmeric can help protect the heart. Some studies show it lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol, while others find no effect. According to the findings of one study, taking turmeric after heart bypass surgery may help reduce the risk of future heart attacks.

In addition, laboratory studies on animals have shown that turmeric can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. It can also improve the efficiency of enzymes that detoxify the body.

Health Benefits of Ginger in Jamu Juice

Ginger is an underground stem plant of Asian origin that has been used in cooking, medicine preparation, and even drinks since ancient times.

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and one of the world's oldest and most widely used medicinal plants. It has been traditionally used as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, and sore throats.

Ginger aids in weight loss by increasing metabolism and stimulating body fat burning. It does this by increasing the production of heat and sweat, which can help you drop some excess pounds.

An image of fresh ginger rootThis herbal root has antioxidant properties that help to prevent conditions such as the flu, colds, cancer, and premature aging. It can also help to protect the stomach against ulcers by reducing the growth of H. pylori, the main causal agent of gastritis and stomach ulcers.

In addition, one 2014 study found that drinking ginger regularly may reduce bone density loss in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Health Benefits of Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a major cause of many modern health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. One major contributor to inflammation is chronic stress. According to the data, stress levels are at an all-time high. Stress activates the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response, which signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

Your body has only adapted to using NEM in times of extreme danger, such as during a fight or flight response. But the body needs to rest and digest after the stressor has passed. Prolonged stress, on the other hand, can keep your adrenal glands working overtime to produce cortisol. Eventually, they become fatigued, and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) results.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a major contributor to AFS. This is hard to detect but can be caused by obesity, lack of sleep, an inadequate diet, hormone imbalances, and chronic stress. The Inflammation circuit of the NEM, consisting of the immune system, gut, and microbiome, is responsible for the inflammation in your body.
Many of the compounds in Jamu juice—especially turmeric and ginger—may help control this inflammation, thus reducing the risk of related conditions like heart disease and AFS.

Health Benefits of Lemon

This citrus fruit is high in vitamin C and contains potassium, calcium, and dietary fiber. It also contains antioxidants, which fight free radicals, delay aging, and reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Lemon's phytonutrients and fiber may support heart health by improving circulation and helping to manage heart rate and blood pressure. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is a well-known superfood with benefits beyond being used as a natural sweetener.

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming honey promotes antimicrobial activity in the body. This aids in the prevention of conditions caused by bacterial infections. Topically, it can also help wound healing and be used as a remedy for herpes lesions and burns.

Honey may also help promote key neurological pathways that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being. This natural sweetener may contain minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc, although this depends on where it was produced.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut water is a popular summer beverage. It is refreshing when chilled, has a mildly sweet taste, and helps replenish your body's electrolytes. It also contains high vitamin C, potassium, thiamine, and manganese levels.

Drinking coconut water can help you relax and stay hydrated. When you are dehydrated, your body slows down, resulting in decreased muscle function and increased mental fatigue.

Another advantage of coconut water is that it aids in removing toxins and properly functioning the kidneys. Increased urination may also help reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.

Homemade Jamu Juice Recipe

All of the ingredients in Jamu juice are extremely beneficial to your health. That's why this herbal beverage is so nutritious. Plus, it is extremely simple to make at home.

Ingredients:

An image of Jamu juice ingredients on a cutting board

  • Whole organic turmeric – 125 grams (about 4.4 oz., or ½ cup)
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 6 teaspoons
  • Organic coconut water – 1 liter
  • Fresh whole ginger – 20 grams (about 0.7 oz., or 4 teaspoons)
  • Pure organic honey – 6 teaspoons

Method:

  1. Thoroughly wash the ginger and turmeric.
  2. Cut the ginger and turmeric into small chunks. You have the option of removing the skins or leaving the skins on.
  3. Put everything in a blender or food processor.
  4. Blend for one minute or until smooth.
  5. Pour the liquid into a pot and bring to a boil.
  6. Allow to cool before filtering the mixture through a fine strainer.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

How to Store Jamu Juice

Jamu juice can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from going bad. You can also freeze your juice, although make sure to leave room at the top of the container, as liquid expands when frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes for Jamu Juice

  • If you don't have lemon, use lime instead.
  • If you can't find fresh turmeric or ginger, you can use turmeric powder or ginger powder, but it won’t taste the same or have as many health benefits. About one inch of root equals about one teaspoon of powder.
  • You can substitute regular water for coconut water.
  • To make your drink more interesting, add black pepper or tamarind.
  • If you don’t peel the ginger or turmeric, it's important to wash them thoroughly in hot water.
  • If the taste of this drink is too strong for you, you can dilute it with water.

Precautions

Jamu juice is safe for most people, although there are a few things to note:

  • Turmeric has a strong staining color, so after making the juice, thoroughly clean your kitchen counter, utensils, and blender or food processor.
  • Do not drink too much Jamu juice, as your body may not be used to its fresh herbal ingredients.
  • Jamu juice does not have any known side effects. But if you notice any form of nausea, stomach pain, or headache after consuming it, you should stop taking it immediately and talk to a nutritionist.

In Conclusion

Jamu juice is more than just the latest trendy drink. It contains true superfoods and their numerous health benefits.

This herbal drink is not expensive, and you can prepare this tasty juice at home whenever you want using turmeric, ginger, honey, lemon, and coconut water.

Remember that despite its many health benefits, Jamu juice is not a miracle drink. For the best results, combine it with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This includes exercising, drinking plenty of water, eating more organic fresh fruits and vegetables, and controlling stress levels.

If you want to know more about anti-inflammatory foods, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234.

© Copyright 2023 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Lam’s Key Question

Jamu juice's primary benefit is its ability to reduce inflammation. But, ginger, one of its main ingredients, has also been shown to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Plus, coconut water could aid in restful sleep. More sleep means more weight loss, according to research.

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