Earth is a planet that has innumerable plant species, many undiscovered and many as rare as a blue diamond. Many old researchers and sages have said that this planet has remedies for every disease in the form of a plant if used correctly. India is a land where general illnesses and even some chronic conditions are still cured with home remedies. In the form of medicinal leaves, healing herbs or spices, plants have always been a part of Indian medicare. Very basic ingredients on shelves can help ease ailments of the body if consumed in a routine. The most elemental home remedy in India for seasonal illness and cases of flu is turmeric with milk and turmeric milk benefits a lot of kids as well as adults. Common colds, fevers, and coughs can be easily healed with this concoction; hence the west has kept its name- golden milk.
There will be many that praise haldi milk benefits. In winter, turmeric milk benefits keep a person warm and free from cold and cough, if they have it at night. Along with known turmeric milk benefits in treating common flu, the biggest benefit of drinking turmeric milk is that it improves immunity and is good for the skin. There might be some sense in why many Indian communities believe that haldi or turmeric is a sacred plant. Modern science has made a lot of progress and its research on turmeric milk benefits suggests that it has the qualities of being a naturally suited steroid for human beings. Its steroidal qualities make it a strong anti-infection while providing anti-oxidants to the body. Here’s how turmeric milk benefits us-
How is Turmeric Milk Good?
Turmeric milk has its benefits mainly from turmeric-infused and cooked with the milk. Other spices are mixed with Haldi in the milk which has added benefits. Researchers are most intrigued by the qualities of turmeric as a spice and natural disinfectant. Turmeric comes from the ginger family which is also considered medicinal. The most important compound present in turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and has high steroidal values that can ward off infections.
The benefits of drinking turmeric milk clearly show up in several health conditions. Along with respiratory disorders, digestive ailments, liver issues, and bodily inflammation, turmeric milk is also great herbal medicine for heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. Drinking haldi milk every day after dinner also benefits elders facing joint pain issues or arthritis.
Why is the Right Amount of Turmeric Important?
Turmeric milk has a lot of benefits including care for heart diseases, but the amount of turmeric you add to the milk is important. Turmeric is a great substance but it also has a lot of heat packed inside it. Turmeric heats the body to boost the functions of the immune system. However, having too much turmeric with hot milk may result in abnormal body heat. For some people, this increased heat in the digestive system may result in the production of gasses and also cause loose motions. So if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to add less turmeric than the general amount that your grandma suggests.
What are The Health Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Milk?
Turmeric milk is a well-known medicinal drink that is made out of yellow powder and its benefits are concocted with milk as a base. Turmeric or Haldi is a necessity in Indian households as it is the most important spice used in curries to give them colour and to add aromatic value to the food. Here are the important benefits of drinking turmeric milk-
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Powdered turmeric is essential in Indian homes and rituals given its excellent antioxidant and disinfecting qualities. The active compound of turmeric- curcumin- is the main component that contains antioxidant qualities and is used as a medicine in Ayurveda. Antioxidants are compounds needed by the body to ward off cell damage and recover them from the stress of oxidation in tissues.
Antioxidants are necessary for the body to keep away infections from the cells, and help them to function properly. Research on the human body suggests that foods with lots of antioxidants are great for healing from infections and keeping away diseases by increasing immunity. Along with turmeric, the Haldi milk also contains the antioxidant benefits of ginger and cinnamon, which are also revered in Ayurveda.
2. Helps reduce Inflammation and Joint Pain
The three key ingredients of turmeric milk- cinnamon, ginger and curcumin- have been researched extensively and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have also come to conclude that curcumin in turmeric shares its anti-inflammatory properties with some modern drugs. The good part is that it does not share any of their side effects.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric milk can be used to help with the joint pains that are associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A study on patients with arthritis showed that 500g of curcumin reduces joint pain if consumed every day. It has better effects on the pain than 50g of synthetic drugs. So, if you have recurring joint pains, you can enjoy the turmeric milk benefits by having it at night before sleep.
3. Improves Immunity
With the recent waves of the Coronavirus, many people in India turned to turmeric milk because it benefits the immune system. They were right to do so. Curcumin in turmeric also has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has been used since ancient times to protect the body against the attack of seasonal germs that cause flu, colds and fevers. Curcumin supports the immune system in such a way that its ability to fight against viruses and bacteria increases, and even if you’re infected by a pathogen, a little fever wouldn’t get you hospitalized. Another tip: If you’re suffering an irritating dry cough and turmeric milk is working too slow on you, try these other home remedies for dry cough relief and you won’t be disappointed!
4. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Turmeric milk has a great effect on diabetics. The added cinnamon and ginger can lower blood sugar levels and even cut down insulin resistance allowing the cells to use blood sugar better. Cinnamon regulates the amount of glucose that is absorbed in the digestive tract by burning up the excess glucose in the gut itself. This lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin usage. Turmeric milk thus helps in the management of diabetes, all you have to do is drink it without honey or sugar.
5. Protects Against Heart Diseases
Heart Diseases are a major cause of fatality in India but probably not in the houses that use turmeric milk regularly. The cardiothoracic benefits of ginger, turmeric and cinnamon infused in the milk are known to regulate the breathing capacity and lower heart rates in times of bad weather like monsoons. The steroidal component curcumin in turmeric has been studied with patients and it is known to reduce the blockages in blood vessels and improve the linings of blood vessels to function at top efficiency. This allows the heart to regulate blood pressure in a better way thus, preventing heart diseases from getting serious.
6. Protects Against Cancer
Cancer is a fatal disease that is heavily affecting humankind. And while it is impossible to have a foolproof plan against it, we can do our best to lead a healthy life and do everything right to prevent it. . Turmeric milk has medicinal benefits that improve the functions of cells and help them split, rather than grow uncontrollably and causing a tumour. Cinnamon, one of the ingredients in turmeric milk induces tumour cell death and prevents them from growing. Curcumin too can limit the growth of blood vessels in the tumours, hence diminishing their growth.
Isn’t it great what a tablespoon full of spices can do for health? Turmeric milk contains nutrition that the body needs and acts as a superfood. You too can make and drink Haldi milk and see its benefits, here’s how to-
Making Turmeric Milk
Ingredients-
• A cup of unsweetened milk (cow milk is a suggested choice)
• A teaspoon of turmeric
• A small piece of finely chopped ginger or half a teaspoon of ginger powder
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• Pinch of black pepper powder
• A tablespoon of honey (optional)
Direction-
Making turmeric milk is easy. Just put a cup of milk in a deep pan on medium heat. As you start seeing fumes from the milk, add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon powder, and black pepper powder and bring the milk to a boil. Add a tablespoon of honey for some sweetness but that is entirely up to you to reduce or eliminate it from the recipe. Strain the yellowed milk from the vessel in a glass. It can be made in advance for six days of consumption and stored in a refrigerator. Boil turmeric milk and have it routinely at night before bedtime to see the benefits sooner.
F.A.Q.
Q. Does turmeric milk help with sleep?
A. The nutritional benefits of drinking turmeric milk certainly help with sleeplessness. It promotes uninterrupted sleep and regeneration.
Q. Does turmeric milk improve digestion?
A. Yes, turmeric milk has qualities that improve the absorption of nutrients through intestinal walls, while reducing the amount of waste accumulation.