“Golden milk,” a mixture of curcumin and milk, is increasingly popular in Western cultures for its health-boosting benefits, so experts recommend drinking it regularly.
The various benefits of drinking "golden milk" come from its main active ingredient, curcumin, which has such powerful anti-inflammatory effects that some studies compare it to the effects of some pharmaceutical drugs.
Curcumin has also been shown to increase the body's antioxidant capacity. Oxidative damage and free radicals are believed to be one of the mechanisms that accelerate signs of aging and many chronic diseases.
Curcumin, the main polyphenol found in food, plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and balancing various body functions. It has the ability to reduce intracellular lipid peroxidation and enhance the body's antioxidant capabilities for longer life.
Other studies have also shown that taking curcumin supplements can help protect the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory functions in the brain.
In addition to curcumin, other “golden milk” recipes include cinnamon and ginger. Both also have antioxidant properties.
Ginger and cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels. According to one scientific study, a small daily dose of ginger may also lower hemoglobin A1C levels by up to 10%, an indicator of long-term blood sugar control.
Some research has also suggested that the spices used in "golden milk" may offer some cancer-fighting benefits.
One study attributed the anti-cancer properties to 6-gingerol, a substance found in high amounts in raw ginger. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may also kill isolated cancer cells in a test tube and prevent the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, limiting their ability to spread.
“Golden milk” may be good for your brain, too. Studies have shown that curcumin may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a compound that helps your brain form new connections and promotes brain cell growth.
Curcumin may also help reduce symptoms of depression. However, more research is needed.
Ginger has been shown to boost brain function by improving reaction time and memory. In animal studies, ginger appeared to protect against age-related loss of brain function.
In addition to the basic turmeric and milk, the drink can be enhanced with more additives to suit your taste and needs, including nutmeg, which is high in magnesium, or something sweeter like maple syrup or honey.
Adding a little ground black pepper will unlock additional health benefits, as this common spice contains piperine, a natural substance that boosts curcumin absorption by 2,000%.
Golden milk should try it out
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