8 Amazing Reasons Why You Need to Add Turmeric Milk to Your Diet

Turmeric may have a bitter smell, but the yellowish powder can turn any drink into a super drink due to its many properties. This is the reason why your grandmother always asked you to drink turmeric milk or golden milk before going to bed. Whether it is healing wounds or curing colds, turmeric milk has always been on the top of the list of home remedies in every household. If you’re wondering what makes it so healthy, know that turmeric milk has several benefits.

Health Shots asked Bhakti Samant, chief dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, to share her insights on the benefits of turmeric milk and its effects on health.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Milk

Coming from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, turmeric is a yellow spice that offers health-promoting qualities attributed to an active ingredient found there called curcumin. When combined with milk, the benefits of turmeric and milk are enhanced, says the expert. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of turmeric milk:

1. Contains anti-inflammatory properties

Drinking turmeric milk can help avoid problems like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of such problems. A study published in Alternative Medicine Review found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of joint pain and inflammation in the body.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that help fight free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to various chronic diseases. The curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain overall health and slow down the aging process. It also reduces the risk of cancer, heart diseases and other similar diseases.

3. Strengthens immunity

If you often get sick, you should try including turmeric milk in your diet. It has immunomodulatory properties that help support the immune system and improve the body’s ability to defend itself against infections and diseases, says Samant.

Read also: 9 superfoods to control your immunity to seasonal changes

4. Improves digestion

Are you experiencing digestive issues such as indigestion and bloating? Drinking turmeric milk can help relieve symptoms. The expert claims that turmeric milk contains properties that stimulate the production of bile in the liver, thus contributing to the proper digestion of fats.

5. Good for your brain

Drinking turmeric milk may even support brain health. Samant claims that regular consumption can help delay or even reverse brain diseases and age-related diseases in brain functions. A study published in the journal Neuropeptides found that curcumin can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a compound that helps increase brain cell growth.

6. Helps Wound Healing

Studies have shown that turmeric contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic properties that aid in wound healing. It accelerates the healing process and promotes wound healing. It also helps fight against various infections, including bacterial and viral infections.

7. Improves Heart Health

Did you know that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide? This drink’s key ingredient, turmeric, may also help reduce the risk of heart disease. A review of basic cardiology research found that curcumin improves the function of blood vessel walls, known as endothelial function, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart. Drinking turmeric milk can also help reduce risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure that lead to heart disease.

Read also: 5 foods that can prevent the risk of heart attack

8. Reduces the risk of anxiety and depression

Since drinking turmeric milk promotes brain health, it can also help promote your mental health. The expert claims that curcumin has antidepressant effects and can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How to make turmeric milk?

The dietitian shares a simple recipe to prepare turmeric milk easily:

• Heat a cup of dairy or non-dairy milk in a saucepan.
• Add half or a teaspoon of turmeric powder or a small piece of fresh turmeric root into the milk.
• Add a pinch of black pepper. It contains a compound called piperine that can improve the absorption of curcumin, she explains.
• Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes and mix well.
• Strain the milk to remove any remaining turmeric particles.

Note: The curcumin content of turmeric can vary significantly depending on factors such as the source of the turmeric and how it is processed. On average, turmeric contains around 2-5% curcumin by weight. To get around 100 mg of curcumin in the body from turmeric, you will need to consume around 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams (2 to 5 grams) of turmeric.

Keep that in mind

Although you can enjoy this soothing and nutritious drink as part of your daily routine, the expert says it is not a substitute for medical treatment when needed. You should consult your healthcare professional before including it in your diet or if you have any specific health concerns.