From the lands of mystic healing – INDIA, for thousands of years the locals of the sub-continent – have stood by this Golden Elixir – Turmeric Milk. As the name suggest, the major ingredients of the plain version, as the name suggest are MILK + TURMERIC, but do not let the simplicity fool you. These combination along with the right conditions can do wonders to your body. Here are a few amazing health benefits of the Golden milk:
Shields our body from Oxidative stress
As mentioned earlier, one of the key ingredient is turmeric, a yellow spice famously used in almost all food type in the subcontinent of South Asia, which gives food its yellow color. Its the ‘Curcumin‘, the active source in turmeric, has been widely known for its use in Ayurvedic & Siddha medicine for centuries due to its strong antioxidant base. Antioxidants are fighting elements that protect our cells from damage, shielding our body from oxidation. Studies regularly show that health benefits of the Golden milk, that is – antioxidants tends to help bring down your risk of disease & infections.
Protects our from Neuron degeneration conditions – Alzheimer & Parkinson’s Disease
Several International Studies show that ‘Curcumin‘ and its activate form in Golden milk tends to increase levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which is a compound that helps neurons in the brain to form new connections & enhances the growth of brain cells. Lower levels of BDNF in the body can be directly linked to reduced brain functions, which if unattended may lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Reduces built-up of ‘Tau Protein’ that damages brain
One of the major effects of Alzheimer’s is an increase of a particular type of protein in the brain cells, known as the ‘Tau protein’. Animal studies shows that active compounds in other ingredients of Golden milk like ‘cinnamon’ tends to reduce this formation of ‘Tau protein’. Cinnamon also tends to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by improving brain function.
Improves Brain functions & Memory
Ginger, being a part of this magic drink, tends to also boost brain function by enhancing reaction time & memory. Furthermore, ginger also tends to protect against brain function loss which are primarily due to age factor.
Shields you from Heart Disease
Cardiovascular health of participants in one of the studies conducted by an International university, has shown drastic improvements thanks to the frequent consumption of Golden milk (3 times a week), thus proving the health benefits of Golden milk. In one study, participants who underwent heart surgery were given either 4 gms of curcumin or a placebo for a few days before and after their surgery. Those who took curcumin had 65% less likeliness to experience a heart attack during their hospitalization stay than people in the placebo group.
Helps to maintain Blood sugar levels
The active ingredients particularly ginger & cinnamon that gives its distinct taste to the Golden milk, tends to lower blood sugar levels when consumed in the longer run. In one study, 3 to 6 grams of cinnamon powder each day lowered the fasting blood sugar levels by up to 29%. Also studies have found that cinnamon tends to reduce insulin resistance as well. Insulin-resistant cells are less likely to consume or absorb sugar from your blood, so indirectly reducing insulin resistance generally tends to lowers blood sugar levels .
Also, did you know that Cinnamon tends to reduce glucose absorption capacity in your gut after each meal, which can further enhance sugar control mechanism of your body.
Cancer fighting ingredients in Golden Milk
Conventional precautionary measure against cancer tends to be more expensive, thereby alternative anti-cancer remedies are always looked up more often than you think. Pointing out some research that suggests that the active spices used in turmeric milk may offer benefits in this regard.
In a study, active ingredient factors attribute anti-cancer properties to 6-gingerol, a substance found in high dosage in ginger. Similarly, An animal study reported that activated compounds in cinnamon (due to catalytic reaction between ingredients) tends to bring down the growth factor of cancer cells
Curcumin – The Hero of today’s article, also being the active ingredient, tends to kill isolated cancer cells in a lab environment thus preventing the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, hindering their capacity to multiply
Now, lets look at the optimal way to prepare the Golden milk (Easy-to-make Recipe):
Key Golden Milk Ingredients
- Whole, raw, fresh dairy milk, almond milk = 100 – 120 ml (or Home-made nut milk for our lactose intolerant friends)
- Ground turmeric powder = 1 tsp
- Coconut oil = 1/2 tbsp
- Freshly ground black pepper = 1 pinch
- Freshly Grated Ginger = 1 small piece or 1/2 spoon of ginger powder
- Ground Cinnamon = 1/2 tsp
- Ground Cardamom = 1/2 tsp
- Raw honey or maple syrup(As per taste need)
Two ways of preparing the Golden milk
1. Traditional route – Blend all ingredients (in the above order) one by one then simmer on the stove till the you get 10 – 20% consistency than your average milk drink. Ideally it takes about 20 mins to achieve that viscosity. Filter the milk, if you do not like spices to interfere while drinking. Serve it warm with honey.
2. On the go route (Easy-to-make) – Powder the above ingredients (except for milk and honey) and the mentioned quantity and add 1 tablespoon of the mixture to 120 ml of raw milk while being simmer on stove. Get it to boil for 15 mins. Optionally you can filter out the powder before serving the milk with honey
