Home remedies have been a part of Indian culture for a long time. These time-tested and now backed by science 'grandma secrets' are well-known and perfect for simple ailments. These remedies are natural, easy, and highly effective. For example, turmeric milk, also known as Haldi ka doodh, is a time-tested recipe for boosting health, providing warmth, and relief from different ailments.
Turmeric has been a root of Indian culture for thousands of years, mainly for its versatility. You can use it as an ingredient in curries, soups, rice, bread, and beverages. Turmeric milk benefits are widely known, and there are few effective ways it can work for your health.
15 Turmeric Milk Benefits
From defending you against cold to helping you with eye problems to preventing cancer, the benefits and uses of turmeric milk are plenty.
1. Enhances Immunity
Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities guard us against many ailments. Turmeric milk can protect you from getting infections, colds, flu, and other health problems. Our immune system requires balance and harmony to work properly.
When your body is shielded against environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies, every aspect of your body, especially your immune response, performs better. Turmeric has a component called curcumin, which has a demonstrated history of improving the functions of the immune system.
2. Defends Against Cold
Milk is considered to relieve sore throats. When you have a normal cold, you will be quite weary due to the constant sneezing and headaches. Having a cup of hot turmeric milk will aid you in battling your illness and feel more energetic. Turmeric milk can benefit you in various ways, from healing cold and flu to alleviating joint discomfort.
Turmeric stimulates mucus formation, which is responsible for flushing away germs that clog your respiratory system. In addition, turmeric's antifungal and antibacterial characteristics can help fight other inflammatory illnesses, adding to the list of turmeric milk benefits.
3. Aids Digestion
Turmeric milk, which has anti-inflammatory effects, can help your body combat bloating at night. Turmeric milk contains essential nutrients, which may assist digestion. Drinking a glass of turmeric milk can also assist with indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues.
Indigestion is rather common; we tend to overeat, consume spicy foods regularly, and live an unhealthy diet, all of which contribute to a stomach storm. Indigestion causes stomach aches, which even amounts to heart problems at times. Turmeric milk is the perfect remedy during this time.
4. Helps in Handling Pain
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory qualities aid in the reduction of inflammation and joint discomfort. A cup of turmeric milk every day can reinforce your joints and relieve discomfort. Curcumin is found in turmeric.
According to studies, curcumin has been demonstrated to be quite helpful in decreasing inflammation. When you regularly consume turmeric milk, you will notice a significant improvement in the discomfort caused by illnesses like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how turmeric, a good diet, and exercising can help you overcome your blood glucose levels. Turmeric milk can also contain added cinnamon, which can lower blood sugar levels. Curcumin in turmeric can help to lower blood glucose levels and other diabetes-related problems. Turmeric extract may aid in the stabilisation of blood sugar levels and the management of diabetes.
6. Enhances Heart Health
Haldi milk benefits you by purifying the circulation, preventing deadly bacteria and pollutants from reaching the heart. Curcumin, an enzyme abundant in turmeric, may help avoid heart disease and diabetes cardiovascular problems.
Turmeric also enhances artery function and regulates blood pressure and insulin levels. Therefore, this spice is regarded as a nutrient beneficial to your heart. After coronary artery bypass graft, people who took curcuminoids had a decreased rate of myocardial infarction events, such as heart attacks.
7. Improves Liver Health
Turmeric milk is an excellent liver tonic since it works on detoxification pathways and other characteristics necessary for health and longevity. It cleanses your blood and improves its flow throughout your system. One glass of turmeric milk a day can often help purify your liver and eliminate all toxins, leaving you feeling revitalised.
8. Relief in the Menstruation Phase
Turmeric milk is an effective pain reliever for aches and pains. Menstruation can be a difficult period for a woman. The body weakens, and discomfort spreads throughout the body. A glass of turmeric milk can give them some much-needed relief from stomach and leg cramps.
9. Helps You Focus and Relax
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor is abbreviated as BDNF. Curcumin, included in turmeric, can boost BDNF levels, allowing your brain to remain active and helping you in unwinding.
It also prevents mental health problems like depression. In general, human brains are hyperactive, always overthinking about matters that aren't even important. We have a tendency to be self-conscious, which has several negative consequences, including a deterioration of mental health.
Drinking a glass of turmeric milk has been shown to soothe the body and relax the mind. It is quite natural to lose your concentration, but this milk helps get it back and refreshes your mind.
10. Helps Prevent Cancer
Turmeric milk has anticarcinogenic features that help prevent cancers. Cancer is caused by the growth of tumours that proliferate. Turmeric's curcumin inhibits the advancement of cancer cells at the molecular level, preventing them from spreading.
As a result, the chance of new malignant growth is substantially reduced. In addition, it can prevent prostate cancer thanks to its anti-inflammatory characteristics. It also possesses qualities that aid in reducing the negative effects of chemotherapy for people who have already been diagnosed with cancer.
11. Enhances Bone Health
Turmeric milk may help in bone development. In addition, based on the milk you choose, turmeric milk can be high in calcium and vitamin D. Each of these nutrients helps keep your bones healthy, lowering your risk of illnesses like osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Curcumin in turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory qualities, and milk, as we all know, is high in calcium, which is essential to good health. As a result, the mixture of curcumin and calcium helps to keep joint stiffness and persistent bone pain away.
12. Stabilises Respiratory Problems
Respiratory infections, sinus infections, lung congestion, asthma, and bronchitis can be relieved by drinking warm turmeric milk every day. It is highly recommended you drink turmeric milk regularly if you have been suffering from flared sinuses or respiratory problems for a lot longer.
The antimicrobial effect of turmeric's curcumin component produces sufficient warmth in your system to clear your airways of mucus and sinus troubles. Drinking a glass of warm turmeric milk throughout the day to calm your body – both persistent and acute – are recommended by some researchers. In addition, it helps you have a good night's sleep helping you breathe easily.
13. Helps in Hair Issues
Turmeric treats scalp issues, including itching, thinning hair, and oedema. You can also use it to treat any staph infection in the head that causes hair loss. It can minimise dandruff by drinking turmeric milk each day or putting a turmeric paste on your scalp. Turmeric milk can help you address your hair fall issue since it contains all the necessary nutrients to your hair.
14. Slows Down Ageing
The antioxidant properties of turmeric slow down ageing by preventing damage to body cells. It also helps prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It protects skin from the ultraviolet light of the sun, which is the common contributor to ageing. Research has also shown it can make skin soft and smooth.
15. Prevents Eye Diseases
Turmeric's curcumin also prevents the diseases of the cornea in the eye. Corneal neovascularization is when the blood vessels in the cornea to limbus are blocked. It can lead to blindness as well. However, studies have shown that curcumin inhibited the blockage, eventually preventing blindness. It is also known to exacerbate the wound healing process of the cornea.
16. Turmeric Milk Benefits for Skin
Haldi milk benefits for skin are plenty – from treating your rashes to preventing acne. How, you wonder? Here's how haldi milk works on your skin:
- Turmeric has a natural antiseptic with antibacterial qualities that might help you get rid of rashes on your skin. Apply a cotton swab dipped in turmeric milk to the afflicted region for a few minutes. This should help to combat the rashes-causing bacteria in the area.
- Turmeric's antibacterial and antiseptic effects, as well as its antioxidant and anti-characteristics, help to prevent acne.
To avoid skin problems, drink one glass of turmeric milk and honey per day. If you have acne outbreaks, use sanitised cotton dipped in turmeric mixed with milk to the affected areas for a few days to observe a considerable improvement.
17. Turmeric Milk for Weight Loss
Turmeric milk might also assist with weight loss. It's easy to make, satisfying, and also loaded with benefits. It contains metabolism-boosting compounds, which are essential for weight loss. It increases the number of calories your body burns and is ideal for weight loss.
When consumed in a caloric deficit, turmeric milk can help weight loss and promote strong immunity. Adding it during bedtime or in the morning can be good for providing satiety and relief to the body. Add some nuts, and you are all set to take it as a meal replacement. Drink turmeric milk for weight loss and see benefits for yourself.
18. Turmeric Milk in Pregnancy
The benefits of turmeric milk in pregnancy are well known if you have grown up in an Indian household. It can help boost your mood, relieve nausea, and provide a sound sleep. It's rich in essential nutrients, which can help strengthen the mother's immunity.
Since it's nutrient-dense, it provides energy for the growth and development of the child and mother. It's a good source of nourishment and can be included in the daily diet. In addition, it can work to alleviate pregnancy-related pains in the body.
However, it is important to consume turmeric milk in moderation and not overdo it. Excessive curcumin from turmeric can cause uneasiness, nausea, and discomfort to mother and child. It's always advisable to consult with your dietitian and doctor.
How Does Turmeric Milk Work?
Turmeric milk is loaded with numerous health-promoting benefits. Turmeric has antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Milk also contains essential nutrients like calcium and healthy fats.
The concoction of turmeric and milk works on numerous body pathways and helps in strengthening immunity, reducing oxidative damage, and supporting the body's recovery.
How to Make Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk, also called haldi wala doodh, is easy to make. There are numerous variations of the same, and you can add flavours based on your preference. Here's how to make turmeric milk:
- The simplest way to make turmeric milk is to heat milk in a saucepan and let it boil. Once it is boiled, you will need to turn off the heat and add your pinch of turmeric powder. You can add some sweetener if you want and serve it hot.
- For better absorption of nutrients from turmeric in the body, you can add a pinch of black pepper to the milk. This way, all the benefits can be utilised by the body.
- To make it much more nutrient-dense, you can add powdered or slivered nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios to the milk. This is perfect for cold weather and when you are not in the mood for elaborate meals.
- During the winter months, it's advisable to use fresh turmeric roots. Grate it finely, add it to milk, and let the milk boil. Strain and serve.
Turmeric Milk Side Effects
Moderation is the key when it comes to the consumption of turmeric milk. Excessive curcumin can cause diarrhoea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and uneasiness. Consuming a glass per day with a small pinch of turmeric is safe. If you are dairy intolerant, please avoid this milk. Instead, you can try using turmeric with nut milk.
In a study, a person who consumed high amounts of turmeric—as much as 1500 mg twice a day—experienced abnormal heart rhythm. While it is unclear that turmeric induced such a response, it is still advised to consume turmeric in minimal amounts only.
While not a turmeric milk side effect, turmeric has also been shown to worsen the problems of stones, so if you have bile duct obstruction or gallstones, avoid taking turmeric milk. If you have bleeding disorders, turmeric milk can worsen that as well, resulting in prolonged bleeding. If you have been prescribed drugs, then consult with your physician before consuming turmeric milk.
Summing Up on Turmeric Milk Benefits
The benefits of the concoction of turmeric and milk for the face, hair, weight loss, immunity, cough, cold are plenty. Add it to your daily routine and let it work its magic. However, excess of anything is bad, so experts recommend limiting your consumption to a glass a day.
FAQs
Can We Add Sugar to Turmeric Milk?
Yes, you can add sugar to turmeric milk. While it's always advisable not to add sugar, you can use a small amount to suit your taste buds. You can also add natural options like jaggery or palm sugar. If you are trying to lose weight, it's advisable not to add sugar to your turmeric milk.
Is Turmeric Milk Good for Cough?
Yes, haldi milk is an extremely soothing and healing remedy for cough. It can alleviate cough, loosen the phlegm, and provide relief.
Is It Safe to Drink Turmeric Milk Every Day?
It is important to remember that while it is safe to drink turmeric milk every day, for maximum turmeric milk benefits, you must moderate consumption to a glass a day.
References
- Dorota M. Radomska-Leśniewska,Anna Osiecka-Iwan, Anna Hyc, July 2019; Therapeutic potential of curcumin in eye diseases - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6745545/
- Sreedevi Avasarala, Fangfang Zhang, Guangliang Liu, Ruixue Wang, February 2013; Curcumin Modulates the Inflammatory Response and Inhibits Subsequent Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Viral-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3577717/
- Marie-Hélène Teiten, François Gaascht, Serge Eifes, Mario Dicato, March 2010; Chemopreventive potential of curcumin in prostate cancer - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2820199/
- Mohammad Hosein Farzaei, Mahdi Zobeiri, Fatemeh Parvizi, Fardous F. El-Senduny, July 2018; Curcumin in Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Cellular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Clinical Perspective - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073929/
- Hong Li, Antoni Sureda, Hari Prasad Devkota, February 2018; Curcumin, the golden spice in treating cardiovascular diseases - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30716389/
- Dong-wei Zhang, Min Fu, November 2013; Curcumin and Diabetes: A Systematic Review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3857752/
