October 11, 2020

turmeric blog image

Turmeric milk, otherwise known as golden milk or hali-doodh, is thought to be incredibly healthy when drunk daily as part of a balanced diet. As the name suggests, it’s made by combining milk with turmeric, one of India’s most powerful and nutrient-rich spices that are often used in curry dishes.

Turmeric has made its way into ancient Ayurveda practices for healing, but its properties go far beyond that. It contains a chemical compound called curcumin, which is what effectively gives turmeric its beneficial qualities. When added to milk, the curcumin in turmeric is absorbed in the fat and tissues of our body, which enables us to get the most out of the spice.

Turmeric Milk – Top Health Benefits

The most notable health benefits of turmeric milk include:

1. Reduces blood sugar levels

Studies have found that turmeric and cinnamon, both common ingredients in turmeric milk, are effective in reducing blood sugar levels by up to 29 percent. The spice was also shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which leads to lower blood sugar levels. 


This could be beneficial for preventing diabetes. Additionally, turmeric reduces glucose creation in the liver, again helping to control blood sugar levels.

2. Antioxidant properties

Antioxidants occur naturally in the body and kill off free radicals that can lead to cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and other serious disorders. We can get our antioxidants from external sources, and turmeric milk is one of the best. 


By fighting the chronic inflammation that may otherwise be suppressing your immune system, curcumin can prevent everything from signs of skin ageing to the common cold. Curcumin is particularly special in that it actually boosts the antioxidant enzymes in the body, helping us to benefit even more from protection against free radicals.

3. Promotes weight loss

When stress hormones like cortisol are out of balance, an accumulation of fat builds up near the stomach. This is because the cells in the stomach are more sensitive to cortisol and prone to storing fat as energy. 


Turmeric milk can help to balance stress hormones, as its curcumin content prevents fatty deposits in the blood vessels of your body. The compound also reduces the growth of fatty tissue in your organs. Adding turmeric to your diet can help you to maintain a healthy weight and even prevent obesity-induced diabetes.

4. Prevents heart disease

One of the biggest benefits of turmeric milk is its ability to restore the lining of cells inside the body’s blood vessels, known as the endothelium. When the endothelium isn’t working properly, it can’t regulate blood pressure and clotting, which can lead to heart disease. One study showed that taking supplements of curcumin, found in turmeric milk, is as effective as aerobic exercise at improving endothelial function.

5. Natural anti-inflammatory source

The typical western diet is one of the main causes of what is known as chronic inflammation in the body. Experts think that this inflammation can eventually lead to diseases like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and obesity. The curcumin in turmeric milk was found in one study to be as effective as some over-the-counter drugs in reducing inflammation in the body.

Bestseller No. 1
DelighTeas Organic Golden Milk Powder with Turmeric, Ginger, Ceylon Cinnamon | Ayurvedic Spices for Golden Turmeric Latte | Unsweetened, Vegan, Non-GMO, Keto | 120 Servings, 5 oz.
  • AUTHENTIC AYURVEDIC TEA & SPICE BLEND: Golden Milk, or turmeric latte, is known for its antioxidant properties. Make golden milk lattes, add to smoothies, and use our blend in cooking & baking.
  • 100% ORGANIC INGREDIENTS & NON-GMO: You will taste the difference. Our priority is sourcing the finest organic herbs & spices. We NEVER source ingredients from China. We only use Ceylon "True" cinnamon, which is less widely available and more expensive compared to the commonly used Cassia "Chinese" cinnamon.
  • HEALTH BENEFITS: Turmeric & ginger have been used for centuries to support joint health, improve digestion & boost immune function. Our blend is made with over 50% turmeric powder & a pinch of black pepper to help absorb curcumin, the active component of turmeric, into the body.
  • DEDICATED TO YOUR HEALTH: Caffeine & Gluten Free, Vegan, 100% Organic Ingredients, Non-GMO, No Preservatives, Sugar-Free, Keto & Paleo-friendly, Made in the USA. Our ingredients undergo lab testing to ensure they are free of lead, heavy metals & pesticides.
Bestseller No. 2
Garden of Life Organics Golden Milk Recovery & Nourishment Powder - 44mg Turmeric Curcumin (95% Curcuminoids), Ashwagandha - Organic Non-GMO Vegan & Gluten Free Herbal Supplements, 30 Servings
  • RECOVERY AND NOURISHMENT: delicious Golden Milk has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic tradition
  • GOLDEN MILK TURMERIC POWDER: A powerful blend of organic fermented turmeric root and 44mg of curcumin, ginger, black pepper and Ashwagandha
  • COCONUT WATER PLUS PROBIOTICS: Added coconut water to enhance hydration—plus probiotics for digestion
  • DELICIOUS BEDTIME OR POST-WORKOUT DRINK: Add a scoop to warm almond milk, water or any beverage of your choice
Bestseller No. 3
Organic Be Well Golden Milk 90g pouch (30 srv)
  • The antioxidant properties of turmeric and the energy-boosting benefits of the mushroom blend can complement any fitness regimen while also promoting your ability to get the appropriate amount of rest at night so you’re ready to go again the next day.
  • Suggested Use: Add 2 teaspoons to 8 oz of warm milk of choice, stirring well. Sweeten to taste and enjoy the soothing nourishment of body and soul.
  • Supports the body’s resistance to stress. Supports restful sleep. Promotes calm and relaxation. Offers recovery benefits from adaptogenic mushrooms.
  • Turmeric has strong antioxidant properties and is often used to strengthen immunity. Sunwarrior’s Golden Milk powder combines the immunity properties of Turmeric with the therapeutic advantages of Ashwagandha and mushrooms to support the body.
Bestseller No. 4
Best Turmeric Golden Milk Organic Turmeric Powder, Cinnamon Ginger & Black Pepper Maximum Absorption, Joint Pain, Gut Health, Sugar-Free, Vegan, Keto (30 Servings)
  • BEST TASTING: Makes the most delicious Golden Milk Turmeric Latte and Turmeric Tea; You’ll LOVE the taste of this warming, mild chai-spiced blend
  • POWERFUL HEALING BLEND: Benefit from the natural anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties of Organic Turmeric, Adaptogenic Herbs (Boswellia & Schisandra Berry), and Superfoods (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom, Black Pepper); This concentrated plant-based Super Powder was formulated by our master herbalists and nutritionists
  • EASY TO USE DAILY: Just add hot water or hot milk to a scoop of Superfood Turmeric to make the perfect Golden Milk Turmeric Latte or Turmeric Tea; Can also be used to SUPER-BOOST soups, stews, smoothies, anything! It’s so easy to make Turmeric Tonic part of your daily routine
  • NO PILLS TO SWALLOW & FAST ABSORPTION: Superfood Turmeric’s plant-based powder blend is absorbed faster than pills or capsules, with black pepper assisting with absorption of the turmeric and adaptogens; Elevate your whole body wellness and boost your immune system today!

Side Effects of Turmeric Milk

If you’re sticking to sensible portioning with your turmeric, you won’t experience any side effects from drinking turmeric milk on a daily basis. However, an excess of turmeric may lead to an accumulation of curcumin in the intestines and the gallbladder, which puts you at risk of long-term health problems, such as gallbladder issues, gastroesophageal reflux disease, infertility, and even some cancers.

On a smaller scale, some people may experience stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea from ingesting turmeric. If you’re affected by any of these symptoms after drinking turmeric milk, try cutting down on your turmeric portioning and see if that makes a difference.

How to Make Turmeric Milk

To make turmeric milk, simply combine a tablespoon of ground turmeric with your favourite low-fat milk of choice. Many turmeric milk recipes favour coconut milk as it’s slightly sweeter and complements turmeric especially well. For additional health benefits and a more enjoyable taste, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a tablespoon of maple syrup, and vanilla extract to taste.

Combine your chosen ingredients in a pot, stir and turn up to medium heat. When the mixture starts to bubble, reduce to a simmer, and let the flavours meld for ten minutes. Pour into a mug and enjoy warm for a soothing, delicious drink.

Conclusion

If you fancy a hot drink but want to opt for something with real health benefits, swap your morning coffee or evening hot chocolate for turmeric milk. It’s quick to make, taking a matter of minutes to simmer on the hob, and offers a warm, exotic flavour that’ll keep you satisfied for hours. 

Factor in the endless benefits of the turmeric spice, and it’s easy to see why turmeric milk is such a popular traditional drink in India. Just make sure you’re not too generous with the turmeric, and enjoy on a daily basis to appreciate the full range of benefits from the beverage.

About the author

Rachel Perono

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