Drinking turmeric milk or golden milk is growing increasingly popular. Also known as haldi milk, it is usually made by heating cow’s milk with turmeric and other spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper. These days, turmeric milk is also being made with plant milk like soy, oat and almond. One of its most famous proclaimed health benefits is its ability to support our natural immune system and joints.
Turmeric and milk come together to create a super-comforting drink with multiple health benefits the recipe dating back to hundreds of years. Here are the top five health benefits:
Supports the digestive system Whether you enjoy turmeric milk with your breakfast or use it to help you unwind at the end of the day, it works in more ways than one when it comes to supporting your digestive system.
Turmeric is the golden star of the show when it comes to golden milk. This bright spice contains a compound called curcumin, which is considered its most important active ingredient, especially when it comes to its digestive-supporting benefits. It can help to support normal gut health by relieving bloating, abdominal pain and excess gas. It has been found that curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which our bodies need to break down fat in the foods we eat. The black pepper that goes into helps the body to absorb curcumin. Ginger is a common addition to turmeric milk and is also associated with better digestion by stimulating various digestive enzymes to speed up the time it takes our bodies to process foods, which could help to prevent constipation and similar conditions.
Full of antioxidants. The curcumin found in turmeric is especially rich in antioxidants. Our bodies need antioxidants to help reduce the oxidative stress and damage that free radicals can cause. Not only can curcumin neutralise free radicals with their suitable chemical structure, they can also stimulate your own body’s antioxidant enzymes. Cinnamon used in the recipe is also packed full of antioxidants.
Reduces inflammation. Turmeric has been seen to be an excellent natural anti-inflammatory for the human body. Researchers believe turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin can help reduce inflammation and swelling by blocking enzymes and other proteins that create inflammatory responses in the body. If you’re looking to make the most of golden milk’s anti-inflammatory benefits, then make sure to sprinkle in some ground or freshly grated cinnamon which has been named as one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods.
Supports the joints. Consuming curcumin can help to ease symptoms of arthritis like joint stiffness and mobility.
Good for the brain. A cup of golden milk a day could help nourish your mind as well as your body. Curcumin has the potential to increase a compound called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This BNDF has been seen to help brain cells grow and helps your brain form new connections and pathways, which is essential for learning and memory making.
Another golden milk ingredient that can help with memory retention and reaction time is ginger. Ginger’s effect on the brain has been found to enhance cognitive function and brain health.
How to make golden turmeric milk
Pour 250ml of your milk of choice into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add in a tsp of ground turmeric, a pinch of black pepper and other spices and sweeteners you want to add into the mix. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes so the flavours can mix and develop fully. A few strands of saffron can add an exotic feel. Pour into a cup and sip the goodness.
Can you drink turmeric milk for coughs?
Sure! Golden milk can soothe the throat two-fold with its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its warm, calming feeling in the body.
Try adding in some honey to sweeten this delish drink and make it even more soothing for your throat.
