Why You Should Be Drinking Golden Milk
If you’re interested in health and fitness, you may have come across the term “golden milk.” What is this? And why is everyone raving about it? Golden milk is when you mix milk (coconut, regular, or almond) with ground turmeric, ginger, and coconut oil into a magical beverage that has tons of health benefits. If you’re looking for a drink that is worth its weight in gold, this is the one.
History and How Golden Milk Became Known
Golden milk, also known as “haldi doodh” or “turmeric latte,” is a warm, comforting beverage with a rich history that can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India. The origins of this drink are rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian system of medicine that promotes holistic wellness through natural remedies.
It’s not exactly clear who invented golden milk, as its creation is likely a result of the collective wisdom of Ayurvedic practitioners over centuries. The main ingredient, turmeric, has long been revered for its medicinal properties, especially its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In Ayurveda, turmeric is believed to balance the body’s energies, known as doshas.
Golden milk gained popularity in the West in recent years, thanks to the increasing interest in health and wellness, as well as the growth of alternative and holistic medicine practices. It has been embraced by people seeking natural remedies for various ailments, including inflammation, digestive issues, and stress.
While traditional golden milk recipes typically contain a combination of turmeric, black pepper, coconut oil, and honey, modern adaptations may include additional ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, or plant-based milk alternatives to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. As the drink continues to gain recognition worldwide, it remains an example of how ancient wisdom can inspire contemporary health and wellness trends.
Some Pros and Cons of Drinking Golden Milk
Drinking golden milk, a beverage made with turmeric, has both potential benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant effects: Golden milk is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Improved digestion: Some components of golden milk may aid in digestion and alleviate digestive issues.
- Potential brain health benefits: Curcumin has been linked to improved brain function and a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Lowered risk of heart disease: Some studies suggest that curcumin may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to turmeric or other ingredients in golden milk.
- Can interact with certain medications: Turmeric may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and medications that reduce stomach acid.
- May cause gastrointestinal issues: In some cases, consuming large amounts of turmeric can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea.
- Uncertainty about optimal dosage: There is limited research on the optimal dosage of turmeric or golden milk for health benefits.
- While golden milk offers potential health benefits, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with its ingredients.
What are the benefits, exactly? The secret is in turmeric
It is extremely beneficial to your cells and can help prevent cancer. It’s also one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories in existence, so it can treat just about any disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric is used for skin problems, joint, and muscle pain wound healing, and stomach problems. Ground turmeric is expensive and easy to come by. If you make your golden milk with coconut milk, your body converts the fat into a substance that destroys lipid-coated viruses, which include the herpes virus, influenza, measles, and so on. Coconut oil is another healthy fat that can raise your good cholesterol, HDL, and improve digestion.
There are a couple of ways to make golden milk, but if you want the best combination of ingredients, choose high-quality coconut milk, coconut oil, ground turmeric, ground ginger, and a dash of black pepper. Why black pepper? It helps the body absorb turmeric. If it’s too spicy for you, add a sweetener like honey and pure vanilla extract.
A quick recipe
To make the drink, pour your milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix.
Continue simmering until the beverage turns golden.
You can drink it hot, or cool it and add ice.
It will keep in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that turmeric stains just about anything it touches, so drink with a straw and clean up any spilled milk right away.