How to make “golden milk” and why is it so appreciated in India?

The combination of fresh milk and turmeric is called "golden milk." This product has a piquant taste, soothing effect and healing properties. It has long been used in Indian medicine to treat chronic ailments. We will tell you in detail what benefits "golden milk" brings to the body, how to properly prepare and consume it.

What is golden milk?

Many mistakenly call golden milk a mixture of ordinary cow's milk and ground spices. However, the right drink is prepared according to Indian technology, which allows to increase the bioavailability of certain chemicals.

Golden milk has a yellow tint and a viscous consistency. It tastes sweet with light spicy notes. In India, such a drink is used as a natural antibiotic: for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, mycoses, intestinal diseases.

Chemical composition

When drying and grinding turmeric, it retains almost 100% of the nutrients present in fresh roots. Thanks to the use of spices, the human body is saturated with vitamins, macro- and microelements, flavonoids, dietary fiber and amino acids.

Table 1. Composition of ground turmeric

100 g of turmeric powder contains 3 daily iron norms.

In addition, the composition of the drink is affected by milk, which acts as the main ingredient. For example, a cow contains a large amount of vitamin B12, which is useful for the hematopoietic system. Goat is rich in vitamin A, which strengthens eyesight, and easily digestible proteins. Coconut milk is high in B vitamins, potassium and magnesium. But it is quite high-calorie - 230 kcal per 100 g.

TOP 7 beneficial properties of golden milk

Golden milk benefits adults, children and the elderly. Why should this product, unusual for the CIS, be included in your diet?

1. Strengthens the immune system.The drink promotes the development of protective antibodies that help the body cope with viruses and bacteria. Drink golden milk in the cold season, so as not to catch ARVI. If you are already sick, turmeric will relieve the symptoms of a cold: it will relieve inflammation in the throat, eliminate a dry cough and a sensation of aches in the body, lower the temperature. The drink will prevent the development of complications.
2. It cleanses the blood.With the constant use of junk food, toxins accumulate in the blood.They lead to rashes on the skin (in the form of acne, blackheads), increased production of subcutaneous fat, general weakness. Milk with turmeric perfectly removes decay products from the body. As a result, you begin to feel light, and the skin becomes clean and pleasant to the touch.
3. Normalizes digestion.With diarrhea and flatulence, doctors recommend consuming skim milk with the addition of turmeric. It will improve the work of the stomach and intestines.

   The substance curcumin contained in turmeric fights pathogenic microflora and parasites, and reduces inflammatory processes in the digestive tract. In addition, golden milk supports pancreatic health.

4. Prevents diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Turmeric milk is rich in calcium and phosphorus. These macronutrients are involved in the construction of bone and cartilage, tooth enamel.

   As part of the drink, calcium and phosphorus are in easily digestible form. It is especially useful to use the product for the elderly and children.

5. Improves brain function.Due to the high content of B vitamins, milk with Indian spice improves mental ability, in particular attention and memory. It also has a mild sedative effect, helps to cope with nervous tension, insomnia, headache, migraine.

   The nervous system will get the most benefit if you drink golden milk at night. To enhance the calming properties, you can add a teaspoon of honey in a cup with a drink.

6. Reduces the risk of liver and gall bladder diseases.Curcumin present in the drink has a positive effect on liver function. It protects the body from the negative effects of the decay products of alcohol, salts of heavy metals, and other toxins. Golden milk prevents such dangerous diseases as fatty hepatosis and cirrhosis.

   A drink with turmeric enhances the outflow of bile. When used regularly, it reduces the risk of gallstones.

7. Protects the body from cancer.The drink contains a large amount of antioxidants, in particular vitamin E. These substances neutralize the negative effects of free radicals on body cells. The chance of getting cancer is reduced.

If a person already suffers from cancer, golden milk slows down the growth of cancer cells.

Does golden milk help you lose weight?

People who want to lose weight can safely include turmeric milk in their diet. With a low calorie content (up to 70–75 kcal per 100 g), it well saturates the body, prevents overeating and cravings for sweet food.

Turmeric has the following beneficial properties:

• removes excess fluid from the body;
• accelerates the breakdown of fats;
• normalizes metabolism - as a result, the calories obtained with food are converted into energy, and not into fat deposits.

B vitamins, which are rich in golden milk, help the body properly absorb proteins, fats and carbohydrates. A person with a healthy metabolism feels alert and does not gain weight.

Potential harm and contraindications

In large doses, golden milk can harm the body. A day is enough to drink 250-300 ml of milk with the addition of 1 teaspoon of turmeric paste. If you abuse the drink, you may experience bloating, heartburn, hypoglycemia, a strong decrease in blood pressure.

When consuming fat cow's milk, there is a risk of diarrhea or high blood cholesterol. And if you add too much turmeric to the drink - hair loss and skin problems.

Despite the presence of useful properties, golden milk has a solid list of contraindications. The drink should not be consumed in the following cases:

• pregnancy (especially 1 trimester);
• lactation;
• kidney stones, gall bladder;
• gastritis, an ulcer in the acute stage;
• the presence of internal bleeding, including menstruation;
• taking blood thinners;
• preparation for surgery;
• diabetes;
• inflammatory joint diseases, in particular gout.

Children can be given milk with turmeric only from 3 years old. It is advisable to start with small doses - ¼ teaspoon per glass.

With caution, the drink should be taken to hypotensives and persons with increased acidity of gastric juice.

How to cook golden milk?

On the Internet you can find many recipes for golden milk. But the most useful for health will be a drink prepared according to traditional Indian technology.

First you need to make turmeric paste. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Dissolve 50 g of orange powder in 0.5 cups of water.
2. Add 0.5 teaspoon of hot ground pepper and mix. This component will enhance the effect of curcumin in the drink.
3. Put the mixture on the fire and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.

Ready turmeric paste is stored in the refrigerator for 1 month. To prepare a healing drink, add 0.5–1 tsp. mix into a glass of milk. Mix well, heat on a stove or in a microwave oven, but do not bring to a boil.

At the end, add 1 teaspoon of unrefined vegetable oil (such as olive) to milk and drink it to your health.

Honey can only be mixed with a cooled drink or consumed with bite.

Golden milk got its name in vain. For health, this is a precious drink. Turmeric milk has a positive effect on the immune, circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. It tastes good and provides a feeling of fullness for a long time. Helps to lose weight and increase efficiency. If you do not have contraindications, be sure to supplement the diet with a healing product.