Recently, golden milk has been gaining international recognition for its health benefits but it is a new trend only in the west. People in India have been drinking golden milk for centuries in order to deal with the common cold. As fancy as it sounds, golden milk is just turmeric combined with any kind of milk. This simple two-ingredient drink is surprisingly powerful.
Anti Inflammatory Properties
A 2003 study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that curcumin which is found in turmeric helps prevent inflammation by inhibiting the molecules responsible for causing it. If you follow the recipe given below and mix in some ginger and cinnamon as well, you will be even better protected from inflammation.
Powerful Antioxidant
Much like green tea, golden milk also has powerful antioxidants. Once again, curcumin is the component which provides this benefit. A study conducted in the University of Punjab in India six years ago proved that curcumin can help prevent cells from being damaged. It also keeps you from being physically stressed due to oxidants and ensures that your cells work better. Consuming antioxidants can keep decreasing your chances of contracting cardiac issues and even prevent certain kinds of tumors from forming.
Improves Immunity
This is the reason behind golden milk’s growing fame. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ensure that your immune system is better able to deal with diseases. This theory was substantiated in the BioMed Research International Journal in 2014.
Benefits Of Milk
The basic components of golden milk are turmeric and any kind of milk you prefer. Whichever type of the latter you chose, it is likely to make your bones stronger. All milk contains either vitamin D or calcium or both. While milk from cows is rich in both components, varieties like almond and coconut are also good for the body.
The Perfect Recipe
Golden milk can be customized any way you like but if you want to have something that’s been tried and tested, check out this recipe. It’s low on calories and contains other spices which have been carefully picked out for the additional boost they can give to your health. A warm glass of this drink can lift your spirits when you’re sick or even if you drink it for your health in general.
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of milk (no added sweeteners)
- A teaspoon of turmeric
- Grated ginger according to taste
- A half teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of black pepper
- A teaspoon of organic honey or maple syrup if you prefer something sweeter.
Method:
All you need to do is combine all these items together in a pan and let the mixture boil. Then lower the flame and allow it to simmer for a few minutes till you can smell the fragrance and taste the flavors. After straining it into your cup you can add a little bit of cinnamon as a topping. This mixture can be kept in the fridge for five days and warmed up as and when it is required.
