Amidst a global pandemic, we can see almost everyone stressing on the importance of building immunity. Apart from wearing masks and washing hands regularly, each of us have to do our part in boosting our body’s immunity to fight COVID-19. The food we consume has a powerful role to play in determining our overall health. As a result, it is important to ensure that our bodies receives the necessary nutrition.
Golden Milk or Turmeric Milk is an Indian drink with a myriad of health properties good for skin, hair, and the whole body. This ancient drink repackaged into a neo-modern avatar is the current rage in the wellness market. In India, people drink golden milk as a beverage right from childhood. It is also used as a home remedy to fight off various infections and enhance immunity. A warm glass of turmeric milk before bedtime is just the right thing to make you sleep like a baby and wake up feeling fresh and energetic.
What is Golden Milk?
Called by various fancy names such as golden milk latte, golden tea, turmeric milk, haldi doodh, etc., the golden milk is a combination of milk, turmeric, and some spices. The name comes from the colour of the drink, which is golden due to highly pigmented turmeric.
What are the health benefits of Golden Milk?
Traditionally in India, turmeric milk has the status of a health elixir; the go-to-drink to heal all problems. It is given to get relief from cold, cough, and other infections. It soothes the throat and improves the body’s defence mechanism.
Most of the goodness comes from the turmeric present in golden milk. Milk and other spices add to the health benefits.
Boost Your Immunity with Golden Milk
Immunity is the body’s ability to protect itself against diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Studies have shown that turmeric can play a significant role in building the body’s immunity. It perks up the body’s defence forces to fight against any infections, which might attack the body.
In addition, turmeric helps in reducing free radicals in the body to stimulate the enzymes for building immunity and experience an overall sense of well-being. As a result, drinking turmeric milk every day can be the defence against the mighty coronavirus.
Other Health Benefits of Golden Milk
Now that we know how golden milk can boost your immunity, let us go back to the roots and learn about the other medicinal properties of this wonder root called turmeric. Curcumin is the main compound present in turmeric, which gives it the healthy food status. The list below summarizes what all wonders this humble root can do:
- To treat coughs and colds
Turmeric has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Hence, it can assist in healing respiratory problems like cold, running nose, cough, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, etc. A cup of golden milk will give relief from these ailments.
- Joint pains and arthritis
The anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric help in reducing swelling in the joints and gives relief to arthritic patients. Pain caused due to back problems can also be relieved by having turmeric milk.
- As a detox agent
Turmeric acts as a wonderful detoxifying agent by flushing out harmful chemicals accumulated in the body. It helps liver by boosting its ability to remove toxins. Also known to be a super blood purifier, turmeric helps in cleaning the lymphatic system.
- Easing menstrual cramps
Being antispasmodic in nature, turmeric helps in giving relief from menstrual cramps and soothes the abdomen. Ancient medicine also advises taking turmeric milk for women, who are trying to conceive.
- Immunity booster
Turmeric is an excellent natural immunity booster. It perks up the body’s defence forces to fight against any infections, which might attack the body. Drinking turmeric milk every day during the monsoon can ward off seasonal health problems.
- Powerful anti-oxidant and prevents early aging
Damage due to oxidation is one of the main reasons behind the early ageing. Being antioxidant in nature, turmeric neutralizes free radicals, and also, enhances the power of our body’s antioxidant enzymes.
- Desi Aspirin
Turmeric is also called desi aspirin because it is known to ease the body of pains and aches. Headache, muscle ache and general body pain can be healed by having turmeric milk.
- Healing of wounds and injuries
Being anti-inflammatory, turmeric is used in the cure of wounds, eczema, cuts, psoriasis, and other skin problems.
- Improving complexion
This miracle herb is a well-known Indian beauty formula to keep skin youthful and glowing. Antimicrobial properties help in keeping the skin soft and smooth. The antioxidants present in turmeric fight free radicals, which damage our skin. By controlling excess oil secretions from sebaceous glands, it keeps the skin flawless and blemish free.
In addition to the above list of benefits, golden milk also contains the goodness of milk and spices like pepper and cardamom. Milk helps in inducing sleep, provides calcium and improves bone health. Spices aid in digestion and overall wellness of the body.
How to make a cup of Golden Milk?
The recipe is simple and easy to make.
Ingredients
- A cup of milk (You can take coconut milk or soy milk if you wish to go vegan)
- 3/4th teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (Optional)
- 1/4th teaspoon black pepper to enhance the taste
Mix the above ingredients in a pan and boil on a stove. Let it simmer for a minute and switch off the flame.
Drink spiced golden milk while it is still hot.
You can also add cardamom to up the yumminess quotient.
The versatility of this simple and easy-to-make health elixir cannot be stated enough. In addition to being healthy, it also has a delicious taste. Sip on this incredible drink to stay healthy, active, and energetic.
