One of the best ways to utilise turmeric as a natural nutrient is to include it as the main ingredient in what has become known as “Golden Milk”.  Golden milk is also referred to as Turmeric Milk which in the past was only drunk in India.  Turmeric is loaded with health benefits and is becoming more popular.  Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory food and turmeric powder is one of several natural remedies.  Turmeric supplements are often used as a home anti-inflammatory treatment.  

Turmeric and milk can be mixed as a creamy hot milk drink, that is both delicious and packed full of nutrients.  Golden milk originated in India but is fast becoming a very popular drink in western nations because it is one of several natural remedies for inflammation and also has many other health benefits.  Besides its natural anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.  Free radicals adversely alter proteins, lipids and DNA, which can in turn trigger many diseases within the body.  Therefore, turmeric’s natural antioxidants play a very important role in combating and perhaps managing human diseases, by helping to prevent cell damage. 

The best way to access these powerful nutrients is by drinking Golden Milk.

Golden Milk is a super-healthy beverage that is soothing and relaxing and may be taken 2 or 3 times per week.  Because of golden milk’s many important health benefits, its popularity is increasing worldwide.  Golden milk is used for its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant benefits.  It aids in warding off joint pain, chronic diseases, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s and is beneficial in helping fight many other diseases and their symptoms.

How to Make Golden Milk

To make golden milk, just warm up plant-based or dairy milk and add in turmeric powder. You can have it by itself or simply add in other great spices such as ginger and/or cinnamon to taste. (See recipe below )

Golden milk has so many benefits to the body. As mentioned, it is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits including immune strengthening properties.  Golden milk is also well known for its anti-fungal benefits which helps reduce infections but helps increase the immune strength.  The ingredients in golden milk aid in fighting off fungal problems with its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Many people these days have reduced their intake of calcium rich milk, thus putting strain on bone strength, which increases the risk of bone disease.  However, by taking golden milk, including dairy milk, which is rich in calcium and Vitamin D, the drink can greatly contribute to stronger bones and reduce the chance of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis.   By taking more enriched good quality cow’s milk rather than plant-based milks, it will strengthen the skeletal frame, warding off injuries and disease.  However, many people prefer to use plant-based products such as coconut, almond or cashew milks.  These are just as delicious and creamy but have other benefits. 

Golden milk is easy to make at home.

AN EASY WAY TO MAKE GOLDEN MILK

Ingredients

120ml or 1/2 cup of milk of choice unsweetened

1 tsp of turmeric

A pinch of black pepper {which helps the body absorb the curcumin}

Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder, a natural anti-inflammatory

1 small piece of grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ginger powder

1 pinch of ground black pepper

1 tsp of sweetness honey or maple syrup {optional}

Instructions:

• Pour milk into a small saucepan, add all the ingredients.
• Mix all ingredients and slowly bring to the boil, reducing the heat to a simmer for 10 mins or until aroma.
• Stir and allow the flavours to blend.
• Simply use a fine strainer to pour the golden milk into mugs, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a wonderful drink.

Golden milk will keep for 5 days in a refrigerator, then simply reheat and serve.

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8 Benefits of Golden Milk

1.         Packed with natural anti-inflammatory properties, Golden Milk may aid in chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease and may play an important role in lowering the risk.   These anti-inflammatory properties may also improve joint pain.

2.         Golden Milk is loaded with antioxidants that aid cell function and may help in fighting against infections.  They may also lower the risks of diseases and skin related issues. The antioxidants may prevent and fight infections.

3.         Turmeric, with its active curcumin properties, may aid greatly in helping reduce depression symptoms and may aid those with mood imbalance.  Studies are ongoing in this area of health.

4.         The curcumin in golden milk, along with cinnamon and ginger combined, may also play an important role in improving and maintaining brain and memory function.  These may reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  Studies are continuing in the area of difficulties around the brain and memory functions.

5.         Unsweetened golden milk with added ginger and cinnamon may also aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels.

6.         May greatly protect against heart disease by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Ginger, cinnamon and turmeric, the key ingredients in Golden Milk, may help lower cholesterol.   The curcumin in turmeric may improve blood vessel lining function.

7.         Drinking turmeric and milk along with food may contribute to a stronger bone structure as Golden Milk is rich in Vitamin D and Calcium which in turn helps in maintaining calcium levels.  These bone strengthening benefits have a greater chance of reducing the risks of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

8.         Golden Milk has immune boosting functions with its antibacterial and antiviral properties aiding against the common cold.  Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may aid in strengthening the immune system. The compounds in ginger and cinnamon may also help respiratory infections.

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