What is Turmeric Milk ?

Golden Milk, an ancient Ayurvedic beverage with roots dating back centuries, features turmeric as its main ingredient, a staple in Ayurvedic traditions renowned for its medicinal properties. Historically consumed to enhance overall wellness, bolster immunity, and facilitate digestion. Turmeric is the star ingredient in golden milk, imparting its vibrant golden hue and potent health-promoting benefits. Its active compound curcumin, recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in the mitigation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and assorted chronic ailments.

8 Health Wonders of Golden Milk

• Loaded With Antioxidants

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice widely used in Asian cooking to impart color to curry dishes, serves as the primary ingredient in golden milk. Within turmeric lies curcumin, its active component, which has been integral to Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, owing to its potent antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants, crucial for cellular function, combat oxidative stress, shielding the body from cellular damage.
Research consistently underscores the potential of antioxidant-rich diets in reducing the risk of infections and diseases. Furthermore, many golden milk recipes incorporate cinnamon and ginger, both renowned for their remarkable antioxidant properties.

• Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

Turmeric, the star of golden milk, contains curcumin, a compound renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Chronic inflammation is believed to be a significant contributor to chronic diseases, including cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. Consequently, diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may lower the risk of developing these conditions.
Research indicates that ginger, cinnamon, and curcumin— the active component in turmeric— possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies even suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin are comparable to those of certain pharmaceutical drugs, with none of the associated side effects.

• Helps in improving memory

Some studies suggest that curcumin may aid in enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF is a compound crucial for facilitating the formation of new neural connections and fostering the growth of brain cells.
Decreased levels of BDNF may be associated with various brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, other ingredients in certain substances might offer potential benefits.
For example, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of a specific brain protein known as the tau protein. Both test-tube and animal studies propose that compounds found in cinnamon could potentially reduce this accumulation.
Moreover, both cinnamon and ginger exhibit potential in ameliorating symptoms linked to Parkinson’s disease, enhancing brain function, improving reaction time, memory, and guarding against age-related cognitive decline, as evidenced by animal studies.

• Potential for Lowering Cancer Risk

Cancer is characterized by uncontrollable cell proliferation. In addition to conventional therapies, there is a growing interest in alternative anti-cancer treatments. Interestingly, some studies propose potential benefits of the spices present in golden milk in this context.
Moreover, curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis in isolated cancer cells in laboratory settings and hinder the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, thereby impeding their metastasis.

• Provide Protection from Heart Disease

Heart disease stands as the leading cause of death worldwide. Interestingly, the key ingredients in golden milk, namely cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, have all been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Curcumin, specifically, has shown potential in enhancing endothelial function, crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.
In a particular study, individuals undergoing heart surgery were administered either 4 grams of curcumin or a placebo in the days leading up to and following their surgery. Remarkably, those who received curcumin were 65% less likely to suffer a heart attack.
Furthermore, these ingredients exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may further contribute to protection against heart disease. However, it's worth noting that studies in this area are limited in size and quantity, necessitating further research before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

• May Positively Enhance the Mood

It seems that turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, might enhance mood and alleviate symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
Depression may also be associated with decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Since curcumin appears to elevate BDNF levels, it could potentially alleviate depression symptoms. People who only took curcumin felt better in a similar way to those who took antidepressants.
Additionally, curcumin stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation and promoting feelings of well-being.

• May Aid in Improving Digestive System

Research indicates that turmeric, a component of golden milk, might aid in alleviating symptoms of indigestion. Moreover, turmeric could enhance fat digestion by boosting bile production by up to 62%.
Furthermore, studies suggest that turmeric may support healthy digestion and reduce flare-ups in individuals with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory digestive condition characterized by gut ulcers.
Ginger, another ingredient found in golden milk, may alleviate pain and discomfort by accelerating stomach emptying in individuals experiencing dyspepsia.

• Possesses Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Characteristics

Golden milk contains a wealth of antioxidants, essential for neutralizing free radicals and maintaining cellular health. Frequently utilized as a household remedy for colds, this yellow beverage is acclaimed for its immune-boosting qualities.
Additionally, the components of golden milk possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially enhancing the immune system.
Furthermore, fresh ginger compounds have been shown to hinder the growth of certain bacteria and ginger extract might combat the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), a prevalent respiratory infection. Similarly, lab studies suggest that cinnamaldehyde, the active ingredient in cinnamon, could inhibit bacterial growth and potentially aid in treating fungal-induced respiratory tract infections.

How to Prepare Golden Milk?

Creating golden milk at home is a simple task. To prepare a single serving, or approximately one cup, follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) of your preferred unsweetened milk
• 1 teaspoon Tea Haven’s Turmeric Latte (Contains cinnamon and black pepper)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Directions:

To prepare golden milk, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes until aromatic and flavorful. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into mugs.

The Bottom Line

In summary, golden milk transcends being merely a delightful beverage; it serves as a wellness elixir offering numerous health benefits. From alleviating inflammation to enhancing sleep quality and bolstering the immune system, the advantages of integrating golden milk into your daily regimen are indisputable