Golden Milk: The Health Benefits of Turmeric, Black Pepper, and Coconut Oil

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk or haldi doodh in the Indian subcontinent, has gained popularity worldwide owing to its numerous health benefits. Made by mixing turmeric, black pepper, virgin coconut oil, and milk, golden milk is a powerhouse of nutrition that can treat a variety of ailments. Though it is a traditional remedy in India, it is fast becoming a popular health drink around the world, especially among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.

What Is Golden Milk And How Is It Prepared?

Golden milk is a healthy drink filled with the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of turmeric, black pepper, and virgin coconut oil when mixed with milk. It is usually consumed after dinner or before bedtime due to its calming and sleep-inducing properties. To prepare golden milk at home, you will need the following ingredients:

– A glass of milk: fresh cow’s milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
– Fresh turmeric root or organic turmeric powder
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Virgin coconut oil or ghee
– Honey or jaggery

First, heat the milk in a saucepan and add a teaspoon of grated turmeric root or a spoonful of turmeric powder. Add a pinch of black pepper, a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil or ghee, and a spoonful of honey or jaggery to sweeten it. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, strain the liquid, and your delicious and healthy glass of golden milk is ready.

Benefits of Golden Milk

Golden milk is a nutritional powerhouse with numerous health benefits. The combination of turmeric, black pepper, and virgin coconut oil or ghee creates a balanced and nourishing drink with the following health benefits:

1. Reduces Pain and Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and black pepper help reduce swelling and pain in the joints. The healthy fats in coconut oil or ghee also provide additional benefits by lubricating the joints, reducing stiffness, and improving flexibility.

2. Aids in Optimum Digestion and Weight Loss

The healthy fats in coconut oil or ghee and the fiber in honey or jaggery promote efficient digestion and weight loss. The spiciness of black pepper and the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric also support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

3. Good for the Heart

Golden milk is good for the heart as the ingredients work together to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and thin out the blood. This prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduces the risk of heart diseases.

4. Helps Diabetics Control Sugar Spikes

Turmeric and coconut oil help regulate insulin levels and prevent sugar spikes in diabetics. This reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

5. Improves Brain Function

Golden milk promotes brain health as turmeric, black pepper, and healthy fats are metabolized in the liver and turned into brain food. This helps prevent degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and also improves memory and cognitive function.

6. Boosts Immune System

The antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of the ingredients in golden milk provide a much-needed boost to the immune system. The drink helps fight infections and improves immunity to speed up recovery.

7. Helps with Weight Loss

The combination of turmeric, black pepper, honey or jaggery, and coconut oil or ghee boosts metabolism, reduces hunger pangs, and helps burn body fat. Thus, it aids in weight loss and helps the body achieve its fitness goals.

8. Prevents Cancer

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show early promise in cancer prevention. Studies have indicated that turmeric helps suppress the start, progress, and metastasis of tumors, potentially preventing cancer.

Side Effects of Golden Milk

Although golden milk has numerous health benefits, it’s vital to take precautions in case of any detrimental effects. Turmeric, the main ingredient, may cause allergic reactions if you’re sensitive to it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with gallstones, GERD, infertility, hormonal problems, and fertility issues should consult their doctor before consuming golden milk. People undergoing surgery should avoid golden milk a few weeks prior to their surgery date.

What Kind of Turmeric Is Best?

Turmeric is a root vegetable packed with nutrients and is usually either sold fresh or dried and powdered. Using fresh turmeric for golden milk is better, but if it is not readily available, 100% organic turmeric powder is another great option.

Golden Milk: Can You Make It At Home?

Golden milk is easy to make at home with simple ingredients; it is a nourishing drink that is a superfood in itself. You can prepare it using your favorite milk, turmeric root or powder, freshly ground black pepper, virgin coconut oil or ghee, and honey or jaggery. A glass of golden milk is the perfect drink to help you relax before your bedtime by providing the nourishment your body craves.

Conclusion

Golden milk is a magical drink that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Health benefits abound from drinking golden milk. The combination of turmeric, black pepper, and virgin coconut oil or ghee makes it a powerful nutrition booster that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and nutrient-dense properties. Drinking golden milk at night can help you achieve a restful sleep, alleviate stress, and provide overall health benefits to your immune system, metabolism, brain function, and more. So make a glass of golden milk, and say goodbye to the ailments of the modern age.