Is Golden Milk Worth Drinking?
By Lana Bandoim
Golden milk is the latest trend to take over health food stores and recipe blogs. From boosting the immune system to improving digestion, golden milk has many health claims. Is it worth giving up chocolate milk to try the new trend? Consider the following tips before making the switch.
What Is Golden Milk?
Golden milk is a yellow drink made from turmeric. You can make it with dairy milk, but it is also possible to use coconut or almond milk. The easiest way to prepare golden milk is to add one or two glasses of milk to a small pot and heat it up. Then, add half a teaspoon of turmeric and a little black pepper to the milk. Mix the ingredients together with a spoon and drink the result.
Do Not Skip the Black Pepper
The black pepper is just as important as the turmeric. The pepper helps the body absorb more nutrients from the turmeric and activates it.
Health Benefits
The main health benefits of golden milk come from the turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is popular in many Asian dishes. Research shows that it may reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, turmeric may help the digestive system and immune system. Moreover, turmeric may help fight liver damage, reduce the risk of some cancers and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Is Milk Necessary?
You can get the benefits of turmeric without putting it in milk. This spice works well in other dishes such as soups, rice, curries or scrambled eggs. However, most people do not add a significant amount of turmeric while cooking, so they do not get many health benefits. Research suggests that larger amounts of turmeric are more beneficial. Drinking turmeric with milk is faster and easier for some people than trying to add it to other recipes.
Risks
Although turmeric is generally considered safe, it may not work for everyone. It can cause stomach discomfort, acid reflux and pain in larger amounts. In addition, it may increase the risk of bleeding for people on some medications such as blood thinners. Talk to a doctor before taking turmeric and discuss all of your medications for possible interactions.
Skip the chocolate milk and reach for a glass of golden milk. The health benefits are worth it, and the flavor is still good. Consider making golden milk the last thing you drink before going to bed. It may improve sleep and help you relax.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.