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One day Mr Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, drank some potion and mused upon gold.
He mused and mused. And then a moment of enlightenment. He suddenly realized that the human desire for gold is not for gold but for the means of freedom and benefit.
We, believe him, specially when it comes to turmeric milk. Why? Because the other name for turmeric Milk is Golden Milk. And it is a true means of freedom from many health ailments and is highly beneficial
It is a soothing blend of numerous turmeric benefits and the goodness of milk.
Surely, it won’t make you rich despite being golden, but it will offer you something far richer – good health. However, it comes with a caution tag as well.
In this article, we’ll reveal to you each drop of turmeric milk to its tiniest atom. What it is. The numerous benefits it offers. How we must prepare it. Also, a tiny bit of cautionary headband to wear if meeting it regularly.
What is Turmeric Milk?
Simply put, turmeric milk is a mix of warm milk and a bit of turmeric.
Around the world, turmeric milk is known by many names. The most iconic name is ‘golden milk’. This name comes from the rich golden colour the milk acquires from turmeric.
In India, it is also known as ‘Haldi Doodh’. Apart from turmeric, many people use a few other spices as well such as
- Cinnamon powder
- Black pepper powder
- Cardamom
- Ginger
But hey, what kind of turmeric do we use? In how much quantity? We’ll look into it in the recipe section. Before this, let’s understand why we must consume it.
Turmeric Milk Benefits — the Gold that Truly Makes You Richer
India has been a land of natural remedies. Its philosophy around health and healing has always considered humans and nature to be intertwined. If ails come from around, so do the elixirs. For a long time, Indians have been using turmeric milk for its many benefits. Its most popular use remains using it as a healing drink that is given after an injury. But this is not the only benefit that turmeric blesses us with.
So, let’s sip this natural drink, sense its richness, and witness a world that thrives in benefits.
1. A potential brain booster
Surely, the taste of golden milk is such that it puts a smile on anyone’s face. And as they say, when the mood is good, the brain stays at its best. But this is not the boost we are talking about.
Turmeric contains curcumin. Now, this chemical has been researched for its brain-related benefits. When we drink a glass of turmeric milk, this same curcumin does two things to our brains:
- Form new neural connections, which means better cognitive skills [1]
- Create new brain cells, which means brain growth [2]
2. Lulls you to some sweet sleep
At the end of a tiring day, all we need is a good relaxed sleep. But apart from it, we also need a glass full of warm and golden milk.
First things first, warm milk contains a sleepy spell. You drink it, and you feel sleepy. For this sheer reason, it has traditionally been recommended to be consumed during the night. And when you blend it with turmeric, you get an extra layer of good sleep. It is because turmeric helps in getting more sessions of deep sleep. [3][4]
Alright. But there is one more thing to gulp down. Do not consume it when you are about to embrace your calm and cosy bed. Keep these points in mind as well —
- Consume it at least one and a half hours after your dinner
- Do not consume before just going to bed
- Keep the temperature to be lukewarm. It’ll have a calming effect on your body
- You may also add a pinch of nutmeg powder [5]
And once you are done, let it soak you with calmness and sleep.
3. An excellent healer
This should have been the number one point in our haldi milk benefits. Such is its popularity. We’ve always heard and seen our mothers coming toward us with a glass full of warm turmeric milk after an injury or accident. And of course, mothers cannot be wrong when it comes to the health of their children. They carry the healing knowledge traditionally.
Turmeric is known to heal the body inside and out. Its antiseptic properties protect the wound from bacteria trying to creep into your body through open wounds. Furthermore, turmeric is known to heal wounds quickly.
Turmeric also reduces inflammation in the body. It means a big relief for your painful joints. And because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also used well to deal with menstrual pain. [6]
You may increase its pain-healing potential by blending ginger as well in the milk. However, you should be a bit cautious as both these ingredients produce heat in the body.
4. A potent army of protective antioxidants
The mirror that reflects the grace of youth, that same mirror shows the withering life as we age. Although we must embrace the truth of life, we must also do things to enhance our lives. We must age gracefully. And antioxidants are one of the paths we must walk.
Human cells suffer tremendous damage from free radicals. These free radicals knock off electrons from our cells and thus leave them damaged. But fear not. Chug down a glass of lukewarm golden milk. And there you are, protected from the damage done by free radicals.
And hey skincare enthusiasts, you surely must know how antioxidants help enhance skin health. Feeling good already, right?
Here are a few more good effects of antioxidants:
- Supports brain health
- Reduces signs of ageing
- Strengthens immunity
5. A hearty drink for your heart
A good heart means a good mood and a good mood means a good heart. an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century,
And know what? Turmeric means both. One of the best turmeric milk benefits is that it has the power to enhance your heart health. All this becomes possible due to one of its potent active ingredients – curcumin.
Curcumin has long been studied for its potential effects in enhancing heart health. This means that when you drink golden milk on a regular basis, your blood vessels get a touch of grace. As a result, your heart stays comparatively healthy. You can play, laugh, and gossip about your neighbours, all without worrying about any impact on your heart. [7]
Pro tip: Add cinnamon for added benefits
6. Deals with derailed digestion
If you suffer from terrible stomach pain and indigestion, and god ascends before you. What would you ask? A relief from all of this? Surely.
But we’d suggest you ask for a glass of turmeric milk. It is because turmeric is well known for its effectiveness in treating indigestion.
But where turmeric helps in aiding digestive issues, overdosing on it can create cramps and other issues as well. So, always know where to stop.
7. Lends you a protective shield against viruses, fungi, and bacteria
One good reason why injured people are given turmeric is that it prevents the growth of bacteria. Not only this, it has always been served traditionally in case of cold and cough. Why? Because turmeric is brilliant. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Perfect trilogy. [8]
Now, turmeric is not the only thing that makes golden milk a punch of goodness.
You can make it more potent by adding:
Cinnamon, is widely known for its effectiveness in fighting the cold. And then there is black pepper. And then there is ginger. All these ingredients are a perfect slap to cough and cold.
As we saw, golden milk is truly a golden drink that makes you rich. But how should we prepare it? What is the right way?
How to make golden milk?
As told before, the recipe for turmeric or golden milk is simple. However, we can make this drink more potent by adding a few more ingredients. Let’s chug down the recipe.
Ingredients:
- Milk (preferably cow milk)
- A small chunk of fresh turmeric root (or organic turmeric powder if you can’t find the root)
- Cinnamon powder
- Black pepper
- Fresh Ginger root
- Any organic sweetener
Recipe:
- Cut a small half-inch piece of fresh turmeric root. This will lend you its maximum benefits.
- Take a small pinch of cinnamon powder
- Cut a small half-inch piece of ginger
- Take 3-4 small black peppercorns and crush them to powder (this will retain its freshness)
- Add all these to 250 ml of milk and put it to boil
- Once the milk boils up to the brim, lower the flame and wait for flavour and colour to emerge
- Turn off the gas, strain it into a glass, and let it cool down until lukewarm
- Add sweetener for taste
To get its maximum benefits, drink golden milk around one hour before your bedtime. Also, if you want it to be prepared traditionally, just add turmeric and black pepper.
Now, we understand the reason behind adding ginger and cinnamon to this milk. Because they have several health benefits. Great.
But why do we add black pepper? According to Ayurveda, black pepper magnifies the absorption of turmeric into our bodies. All these spices together enhance their impact significantly. But we, humans, have a tendency to turn any potion into a toxin. This happens due to ignorance. So, what should we keep in mind to ensure that turmeric milk benefits do not turn into side effects? [9]
Turmeric Milk benefits at night
Turmeric milk has a soothing and warm nature that provides comfort and relaxation, creating a sense of coziness and ease before going to bed. Apart from its warmth, drinking turmeric milk at night promotes better sleep, leading to improved rest and relaxation.
Enjoying a warm cup of turmeric milk before bed can create a sense of comfort and relaxation, preparing you for a peaceful night’s sleep. It also aids in digestion, potentially preventing discomfort or bloating that might disturb your sleep.
What to know when consuming haldi milk for the long term?
Consuming turmeric milk now and then is alright. However, if you are considering it to make your long-term buddy, know the precautions you must take.
- If you are undergoing any blood thinning or other medications, consult your doctor.
- Don’t consume too much in summer as it causes heat within the body.
- Higher amounts can cause stomach discomfort. So, know when to stop.
- Use higher-quality organic turmeric. You can consider Aashirvaad turmeric powder as it is a superior quality natural turmeric.
- See if you developing any allergies due to it.
Other than these, you are good to hold your lukewarm glass.
Conclusion
Turmeric milk — a recipe that traditionally got started somewhere on the Indian spans and reached every house globally. As brighter it seems, as rich it is. Where you indeed get the many benefits of milk through it, the spices inside it bless you with healing wisdom. It helps your brain. It enhances your sleep quality. And when you think this is all, it starts working on healing, saving cells from damage, the and body from viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc. You just cannot deny its brilliance.
However, always make sure that you are taking note of the precautions written above. Never consume it in high amounts and with blood-thinning medications. Other than this, let the words of Mr Ralph Waldo Emerson be true, that the desire for gold is not for gold but for freedom and benefits.
So, embrace today this natural drink and enhance your lifestyle. Because there are a few things that do not glitter but still are more than gold. And to get
FAQs
Adding black pepper to turmeric milk enhances its benefits because black pepper contains piperine, a compound that boosts the absorption of curcumin.
Turmeric milk is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as an upset stomach or allergic reactions. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
The frequency of consuming turmeric milk can vary depending on individual preferences and health conditions. However, consuming it a few times a week is generally considered beneficial. It’s important to note that while turmeric milk offers potential benefits, it should not replace a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Drinking turmeric milk every day is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. Drinking it daily can provide a consistent intake of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which may offer various health benefits.
The timing of drinking turmeric milk varies based on individual preferences and health goals. It can be consumed before bedtime to promote relaxation and better sleep, in the morning for a gentle energy boost, after a workout to aid in muscle recovery, or alongside meals to enhance nutrient absorption.