Turmeric milk, also known as golden milk, has been a popular drink in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is made by combining turmeric, a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties, with milk, which is rich in calcium and other nutrients.
Turmeric is one of the widely used spices in Indian cooking. So I always have that in my pantry and I try to incorporate turmeric powder in most of my recipes. And Turmeric Milk (or Golden Milk) is one of the best ways to use turmeric powder.
All through my childhood, my Mom used to make Turmeric Milk whenever I got sick. It helps in reducing the inflammation, pain, and also boosts the immune system and it is often referred to as “Mother of All Healing”.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the Turmeric plant & it is often used in Asian food. The yellow color of the curry often comes from the turmeric powder. It is yellow in color and is warm and bitter in taste. It has so many medicinal properties that it has been used in many Ayurvedic medicines from a long time ago.
What are Turmeric health benefits?
1.Reduces Inflammation:
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking turmeric milk regularly can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, digestive issues, and other chronic conditions.
2.Boosts Immunity:
Turmeric milk contains antioxidants and other nutrients that help boost the immune system. Drinking it regularly can help protect against colds, flu, and other illnesses.
3.Promotes Digestive Health:
Turmeric milk can help soothe the digestive system and reduce symptoms of bloating and gas. It also contains prebiotics, which promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
4.Enhances Sleep:
Turmeric milk can help promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. It contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep.
5.Improves Brain Function:
Turmeric milk may have cognitive benefits due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that taking a curcumin supplement improved working memory and attention in healthy adults.
6.Helps Reduce Cholesterol:
Turmeric milk may also help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. A study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine found that taking a curcumin supplement for eight weeks resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
7.Can Help with Depression:
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to have antidepressant effects in some studies. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that taking a curcumin supplement for six weeks resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms of depression.
How to make Turmeric Milk
Here are two simple recipes for making turmeric milk:
Basic Turmeric Milk Recipe:
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1.Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2.Add the turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper, and whisk to combine.
3.Heat the mixture until it comes to a simmer, whisking occasionally.
4.Remove from heat and stir in honey, if using.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Vegan Turmeric Milk Recipe:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or any other sweetener)
Instuctions:
1.In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat.
2.Add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper, and whisk to combine.
3.Heat the mixture until it comes to a simmer, whisking occasionally.
4.Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup.
5.Pour into a mug and serve warm.
Note: You can adjust the amount of spices and sweetener according to your taste preferences. You can also add other spices such as cardamom or nutmeg for added flavor.