When I first heard of golden milk I thought of how cool it is they make a milk with a gold color and wondered why I had never seen it! Turns out upon research I was oh so wrong. golden milk is a nickname given as it is made from turmeric, and not actually created with a gold artificial color of some sort.
Background
Golden milk is traditionally an Indian drink used with the warming up of cows milk or also plant-based milks. Seasonings were then placed into the milk to give it a new use that was claimed to aid in various health benefits such as boosting and fighting against illnesses. Because of curcumin, a component in turmeric known for its use in ancient medicines, this milk ends up being packed with antioxidants. Not only is curcumin an active ingredient but golden milk also calls for both cinnamon and ginger which are also popular for their high antioxidant properties as well!
Health Benefits
I wanted to know more on what specifically this milk has been proven to do, and Healthline.com says
“Chronic inflammation is thought to play a major role in chronic diseases, including cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. For this reason, diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce your risk of these conditions. Research shows that ginger, cinnamon and curcumin — the active ingredient in turmeric — have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies even suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin are comparable to those of some pharmaceutical drugs with none of the side effects.
These anti-inflammatory effects may reduce joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, one study in 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that 500 milligrams of curcumin daily reduced joint pain more than 50 grams of a common arthritis drug or a combination of curcumin and the drug. Similarly, in a 6-week study in 247 people with osteoarthritis, those given ginger extract experienced less pain and required less pain medication than those given a placebo”
Curcumin is also linked with improving memory and brain functions, mood swings, heart disease, lower blood sugar, reducing the risk of cancer, and even digestion. The list is expansive of things golden milk has been shown to improve and aid in, which is why it has become more and more popular in Western culture. Luckily, its also easy to create or supplement.
Supplementation or in the Kitchen
Medicalnewstoday.com gives the step by step guide so you can prepare it in your own kitchen. They say:
“Golden milk is available online, in health stores, and in some grocery stores. However, a person can easily make golden milk at home.
To make golden milk, a person will need:
½ cup nondairy milk, such as coconut or almond milk
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground black pepper (optional)
1 tsp honey
Combine all the ingredients in a pot. Next, bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes or until it is fragrant.
To serve, strain the mixture through a fine strainer to remove the spices. Golden milk will keep in the refrigerator for around 5 days.”
The nice thing about this milk is that it can also be used as a powder in the form of a protein, or you can also use it like a normal vitamin. Garden of Life is a great brand that has numerous organic or probiotic supplements that pertain to golden milk. Their mission is to help chronic obesity or diabetes giving nutritional value to their products and promote overall wellness for our bodies. They even offer a supplement especially catered towards golden milk called Garden of Life’s Mykind Organics Golden Milk Recovery & Nourishment. This supplement states it is:
“ideal for bedtime recovery and nourishment. Delicious Golden Milk has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition. Garden of Life added organic coconut water to enhance hydration, a powerful blend of organic ginger, black pepper and Ashwagandha together with organic fermented whole turmeric root and 44 mg of curcumin – the key bioactive compound found in turmeric.”
Recovery and nourishment
Fermented organic turmeric with ginger
Organic black pepper & probiotics for digestion
Certified USDA Organic & Non-GMO Project Verified
Certified Gluten Free by NSF, Certified Vegan & Kosher
mykind Organics entire line of Herbals is Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified ensuring these herbals are clean and grown without toxic pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. They also use an Organic, Non-GMO Verified extraction method so no harsh chemicals or conventional corn alcohol are used.”
Overall
Clearly this milk holds a ton of power when it comes to benefitting the body and promoting health and awareness towards healthy working joints, a healthy mind, and a healthy immune system. A Happy You is a Healthy You!
