9 amazing benefits of turmeric milk from India, interested in trying? : uses, side effects, interactions

Indonesian people are less familiar with turmeric milk because usually this spice is processed into herbal medicine. But after knowing the various benefits of turmeric milk for body health, you might be interested in trying it. Don't worry, you don't have to fly all the way to India to taste this unique milk, you know! You can make it yourself at home.

The nutritional content of turmeric milk

Turmeric milk is also known by the name golden milk, turmeric latte, or haldi doodh. This drink is made from cow's milk mixed with turmeric and other nutritious spices.

In one cup of turmeric milk, contains various important nutrients for the body, including:

• Calories: 130 calories
• Fat: 5 grams
• Protein: 8 grams
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Sugar: 12 grams of lactose, the natural sugar found in milk
• Carbs: 12 grams

This unique milk is actually used as a medicinal drink by Indians. Indeed, what are the benefits?

The benefits of turmeric milk for body health

The active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, has long been recognized for its benefits in the history of ancient Indian medicine. These antioxidants are able to fight cell damage and protect the body from oxidative stress.

Summarizing the various studies reported on the Health Line page, here are some of the benefits of turmeric milk for health:

1. Relieve joint pain and inflammation

Studies show that turmeric's curcumin compounds have very strong anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin itself is often processed into various drugs for arthritis problems such as steoarthritis or rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis).

The study found that daily intake of 500 milligrams of curcumin was more effective at reducing joint pain compared to 50 milligrams of generic arthritis drugs

2. Improve brain health

Studies show that curcumin can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a compound that plays a role in the formation of new cells in the brain. Low BDNF levels are often associated with various brain disorders, one of which is Alzheimer's disease.

For this reason, there is potential for turmeric milk to improve brain health while reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, additional spices from turmeric milk, such as ginger or cinnamon also have curcumin compounds.

3. Improve mood

A study asked 60 people with depression who were divided into 3 groups to take curcumin, an antidepressant drug, and a combination of both for 6 weeks.

The results showed that people who drank a combination of turmeric milk and antidepressant drugs experienced better mood enhancements. These better mood swings will certainly make depressive symptoms less likely.

Depression is a mood disorder that has also been associated with lower BDNF levels.

4. Protect heart health

Heart disease has caused death worldwide. Interestingly, the curcumin content of turmeric can improve the function of the endothelial layer, which is the layer that encloses blood vessels while keeping the heart healthy.

5. Keeping blood sugar levels stable

If you make turmeric milk without added sweeteners, then you can get the benefits of turmeric milk. Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon from turmeric milk can reduce the amount of glucose absorbed in the intestines after you eat so that blood sugar will be better controlled.

6. Potential to reduce cancer risk

Cancer occurs due to uncontrolled growth of cells around the body's tissues. Until now, conventional treatments to cure this disease are still being explored.

One study states that there is a relationship between cancer and the 6-gingerol compound in ginger and curcumin which can prevent the growth of cancer cells from spreading to other body tissues.

7. Has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties

In India, turmeric milk is often used as a cold remedy. One of the ingredients of cinnamaldehuyde is antibacterial. Then, curcumin in turmeric and ginger which can boost the immune system.

The stronger the body's defense against disease, the harder it is for viruses, bacteria, or fungi to cause a more severe infection, so that the body will recover faster.

8. Healthy digestion

Digestive disorders such as ulcers can cause pain in the upper abdomen. Well, one of the natural ingredients that are usually used to alleviate this condition is ginger and turmeric.

Ginger speeds up the process of delayed gastric emptying. Meanwhile, turmeric increases bile production to digest fat better.

9. Strengthens bones

Besides turmeric, the main ingredient of turmeric milk is cow's milk. You definitely know the benefits of milk, right? Yes, milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, two important nutrients that build and maintain bone density.

In addition, vitamin D also increases the ability of the intestines to absorb calcium in food. Adequacy of calcium and vitamin D can reduce the risk of various bone diseases, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Easy recipe for making turmeric milk at home

Source: The Year In Food

You don't want to miss the abundant benefits of turmeric milk, right? You can try making turmeric milk at home through the following recipe.

Materials needed:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cow's milk or other cow's milk alternative, unsweetened
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 small piece of grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan filled with hot water. Reduce the heat, let the water boil for 10 minutes or until it smells of turmeric.

Strain the drink and put it in a glass. Then, serve with a cinnamon "spoon". This drink can last for 5 days if stored in the refrigerator. However, you need to reheat it when you are going to drink it.