Turmeric milk - a drink that helps keep your heart healthy and prevents cancer
In addition to improving cardiovascular health, turmeric milk also helps prevent cancer.
Turmeric milk is a popular Indian drink made from fresh milk and turmeric powder along with other spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Turmeric milk has many health benefits and is often used to boost immunity and prevent diseases. Here are 10 benefits of turmeric milk and a recipe to make this drink at home,
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Contains many antioxidants
Turmeric has been used in folk medicine for centuries for its powerful antioxidant properties. Turmeric extract helps prevent cell damage, fight disease and infection, and contribute to your overall health.
Helps reduce inflammation and joint pain
Chronic inflammation is thought to play a major role in diseases such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce the risk of these diseases.
Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon - the main ingredients in turmeric milk all have strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Enhances memory and brain function
Studies show that curcumin in turmeric increases neurotrophic factors that help your brain form new connections and promote the growth of brain cells.
Additionally, cinnamon and ginger also help boost brain function, increase reflexes and memory.
Improve mood
Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Improve cardiovascular health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The main ingredients in turmeric milk include cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, all of which contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease.
Furthermore, curcumin also improves the endothelial function of blood vessels, resulting in a healthy heart.
Helps reduce blood sugar
The cinnamon in turmeric milk can reduce insulin resistance. Insulin-resistant cells are less able to absorb sugar from your blood, so reducing insulin resistance often results in lower blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon also reduces the amount of glucose absorbed in your gut after a meal. This can further improve blood sugar control.
Similarly, regularly adding small amounts of ginger to your diet can help reduce fasting blood sugar levels by up to 12%.
Reduce the risk of cancer
The spices present in turmeric milk can kill cancer cells, hinder the growth of new blood vessels in tumors and limit their ability to spread.
Boost your immune system
In India, turmeric milk is often used as a home remedy for colds. Research shows that compounds in turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Improve digestion
Studies show that turmeric may help relieve indigestion and prevent flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory digestive disorder that leads to ulcers in the intestines.
Helps strengthen bones
Calcium and vitamin D in milk are two nutrients that are essential to prevent osteoporosis in older adults. If your diet is too low in calcium, your body will begin to remove calcium from your bones to maintain normal levels in your blood. Over time, this makes your bones weak and brittle. Vitamin D also helps strengthen your bones by increasing your body's ability to absorb calcium.
Instructions for making turmeric milk at home
Ingredient:
120ml unsweetened fresh milk
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 piece of crushed fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 pinch black pepper
1 teaspoon honey or syrup
Making:
To make turmeric milk, add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil. Once the milk is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until fragrant. Strain the milk through a fine sieve and enjoy.