For years golden milk has been used by Indians for several medical reasons. Golden milk is also known as turmeric milk – recently it has been gaining popularity in western culture as well. The bright yellow hot drink is usually made by warming up the milk along with turmeric and other spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and sometimes black pepper.
According to Indian Ayurveda, Golden milk or turmeric milk can boost immunity and stave off severe illness. Turmeric milk is used as a medicine to treat common flu, cough, cold, joint pain, and many other illnesses. In this article, we are discussing the benefits of drinking turmeric milk regularly. To know more about the benefits of this magical drink, continue reading!
Benefits of Golden Milk
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidants
Turmeric is the key ingredient in Golden Milk or turmeric milk, it is a very popularly used yellow Spice found in Asia. The primary function of turmeric is to provide yellow color to different Indian curries. Curcumin is an active component that is found in turmeric which has various Ayurvedic benefits. Curcumin is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and is of great benefit for treating different kinds of inflammation. 
Antioxidants are compounds that help in fighting any kind of cell damage and protect your body from oxidative stress. Antioxidants are extremely essential for the proper functioning of your body cells. Researchers claim that antioxidants help in lowering the risk of most infections and diseases.
Help in improving memory and brain function
According to many, golden milk also has great benefits for your brain. Regular consumption of turmeric milk helps in improving memory and brain capacity. According to various studies conducted by researchers around the world, curcumin may result in an increased level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that helps in forming new connections and promote the growth of brain cells. A low level of BDNF might lead to brain disorders including diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Works as a wonderful immunity booster
Turmeric is loaded with immunity-boosting properties and it is one of the most common reasons for consuming turmeric milk. Turmeric powder is packed with antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial compounds that help us stay protected from various kinds of infections. If you suffer from cold and flu regularly, drinking a cup of turmeric tea every day before sleep might help you recover.
Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Currently, the number of people dying out of heart disease is increasing every single day throughout the world. The key ingredients used in the preparation of turmeric milk are cinnamon, turmeric, and Ginger. All these three ingredients help in reducing the risk of heart diseases. Curcumin, the major component of turmeric, helps in reducing cholesterol levels along with protecting us against the pathological changes occurring due to atherosclerosis.
In a study conducted, patients undergoing heart surgery were advised to take 4 grams of turmeric before and after their surgery. People who took turmeric had very less chance of heart attack during their stay in the hospital.
Turmeric has the capability of uplifting mood
The main component of turmeric, curcumin, seems to have mood-boosting and depression curing capabilities. In a 6 week study, 60 individuals suffering from massive anxiety and depression were advised to take turmeric regularly as an antidepressant. The patient taking turmeric regularly for a massive improvement in their mood and also able to hear their differentiation to some extent.
Depression is often linked with BDNF and turmeric seems to have the capability of boosting the level of BDNF in the human brain. It has the potential to cure symptoms of depression. However, scientists are yet to establish the effectiveness of turmeric in curing anxiety and depression.
Lowers blood sugar level
Cinnamon and ginger are mostly used in preparing turmeric milk and both of these ingredients have the capability of slowing down blood sugar levels. For instance, faking around 1 to 6 2 grams of cinnamon per day might help in lowering down fasting blood sugar levels by 29%. In addition, cinnamon also helps in reducing insulin resistance.
Similarly, adding a small amount of Ginger to your regular diet might also help in lowering down fasting blood sugar level by around 10%. However, it Should be noted that most people prefer drinking their golden milk sweet by adding honey or maple syrup but if you are trying to lower down your blood sugar level you should consider avoiding any sweetener.
Might reduce the risk of cancer
Cancer is a very fatal disease and is spread by uncontrollable cell growth inside the human body. Apart from the conventional cancer treatment, regular consumption of turmeric milk might also help in killing isolated cancer cells in test tubes and prevent the growth of new vessels which in turn limits the spread of the disease. According to various studies conducted, all ingredients used in preparing turmeric milk might work as a protection against cancer. However, the results of various researchers are conflicting and additional research is also needed.
A combination of ginger and turmeric helps in improving digestion
Most people today suffer from severe digestion issues, however, if turmeric milk is taken regularly it might help in resolving digestion. Turmeric and Ginger together when taken regularly helps in relieving digestion. Turmeric also has the capability of relieving symptoms of ulcerative colitis. turmeric helps in the better digestion of fat by increasing the production of bile by 60%.
Delay or irregular stomach emptying can lead to indigestion issues. The combination of turmeric and ginger results in regulating the stomach emptying process. Turmeric and ginger tea has the capability to cure chronic indigestion issues like dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is an extremely discomforting disease that includes pain in the upper part of the stomach.
Turmeric milk helps in making our bones strong
Due to turmeric being rich in calcium and vitamin D content, it helps in making our bones very strong. Regular consumption of turmeric milk contributes to a strong skeleton. All kinds of milk including Cow’s milk and various plant-based glasses of milk are rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Both of these nutrients are extremely essential for building and maintaining strong bones.
If the calcium content in your body is not up to the mark, the bones start removing their natural calcium to maintain the normal calcium level in the blood. This makes the bones weak and brittle over time and which in turn leads to various bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis. If you consider making turmeric milk using plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk, choose the type of milk that is rich in vitamin D. Regular intake of turmeric milk is essential to maintain healthy bones.
Golden milk has several skin benefits
Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that help in healing several types of wounds, prevent acne and breakout helps in reducing scars and lightening dark circles. When turmeric is taken regularly with drinks or with solid food items, it helps in making your skin naturally glowing. In India, women also like to apply turmeric externally on their faces to achieve glowing and healthy skin.
How to Make Golden Milk
Golden milk is extremely easy to prepare and can be prepared within a few minutes at home. Below we have discussed how to prepare turmeric milk. To know in detail, continue reading!
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, an inch of ginger root in a glass of milk.
- Boil the milk for 10-20 minutes on low flame. Keep stirring the boiling milk continuously.
- Once the milk is ready and the raw smell of turmeric is gone, strain the milk and it is ready to drink.
- If you do not like the bitter taste of turmeric milk, add honey or sugar to make it sweet. However, turmeric milk is advised to be taken unsweetened.
- For added flavor, you can also add cardamom, ginger, clove, or cinnamon while the golden milk is boiling. Adding these spices makes the milk even more beneficial to turmeric milk.
- Additionally, you can add a pinch of black pepper to the turmeric milk which helps in better absorption of the milk into your body.
Golden milk or turmeric milk is a delicious drink loaded with various antioxidants that have many health benefits. Regular intake of turmeric milk helps in lowering heart diseases, makes bones strong, and also lowers the risk of disease. To reap the most out of turmeric milk, avoid adding any sweetener to your drink. Talking about health, one must monitor their sugar levels regularly. For finding out the best glucometers available in India, click here.
You can prepare fresh turmeric every day and consume it before going to bed. It is advised to drink around a cup of turmeric milk every day.
