Traditionally, haldi doodh is simply milk simmered with some turmeric and an optional sweetener like honey or sugar. One of the challenges of harnessing the benefits of turmeric is that curcumin—a component renowned for its antioxidant properties—is not particularly water-soluble and is slowly absorbed. The answer to this dilemma? Many families also add black pepper. This combination of fat, black pepper, and heat increases the bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric. Studies have shown that taking turmeric with piperine, the major component of black pepper, can increase the bioavailability of the curcumin by as much as 2000%!
Perhaps you’ve had the chance to try a “golden milk latte” at the local coffee stand: a hot, yellow, foamy confection of a drink made with chai spices, dairy or non-dairy milk, just enough turmeric to color the drink, and generally a fair amount of sugar. This western coffee-shop facelift is a far cry from traditional haldi doodh and lacks most of the healthful benefits that make the drink a favorite in Ayurvedic medicine. But the latte crowd is onto something with the addition of those delicious spices. Adding ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom makes good sense, since they have notable antioxidant properties of their own, and they significantly boost the delicious flavor of warm golden milk. Best of all, a spiced golden milk powder blend can also double as a seasoning or flavor enhancer to an incredible range of other sweet and savory recipes as well
What Is the real Golden Milk?
Golden milk, or haldi doodh, is a traditional Indian beverage made with milk, turmeric and spices. Turmeric is the spice that gives the milk its golden color. Gold is a nurturing and nourishing colour, the golden milk implies warmth and welcome, restoring joy, positivity, health and vibrancy to your day. The concluding effect makes the Golden Wise a restful nightcap.
The milk — any type you like (cow, almond, coconut, soy, etc.) — is the vessel for consuming the popular spice turmeric, which has long been regarded as a remedy for many ailments and is known to be a potent anti-inflammatory food. Most often golden milk is used to help remedy gastrointestinal issues, colds and sore throats.
10 Benefits of Golden (Turmeric) Milk
Key Ingredients Are Loaded With Antioxidants. ...
May Help Reduce Inflammation and Joint Pain. ...
May Improve Memory and Brain Function. ...
Curcumin in Turmeric May Improve Mood. ...
May Protect Against Heart Disease. ...
May Lower Blood Sugar Levels. ...
May Reduce Your Risk of Cancer.
Nutritional Facts for Golden Milk
One cup of golden milk, made with reduced-fat milk and a pinch of the Golden Wise blend, will provide the following nutrients:
Calories: 130
Fat: 5 grams
Protein: 8 grams
Sodium: 125 milligrams
Sugar: 12 grams as lactose, a natural sugar found in milk
Carbohydrates: 12 grams
Directions:
To make the golden milk, simply mix blend in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until fragrant and flavourful. Strain the drink through a fine strainer into mugs and top with a pinch of cinnamon.
Golden milk can also be made in advance and stored in your refrigerator for up to five days. Simply reheat it before drinking.
The AO recipe. Organic Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cardamon, Ginger, black pepper, pinch of clove.
Directions
Whisk golden wise powder with 1 cup milk of choice in a saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Allow to simmer for at least a couple of minutes, and up to 10 minutes to increase solubility of curcumin.
Stir in sweetener of choice—if using honey, make sure not to add to milk hotter than 115° F.
Enjoy while hot or put in refrigerator to cool and then serve over ice. A pinch of pink salt enhances the flavour and adds minerals.
More ways to use your powder.
Add a bit to your rice cooking water for delicious Indian-style flavor.
Add a pinch to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or tofu scrambles.
Sprinkle on squash and roast in the oven or blend into soup.
Mix in a pinch with your yogurt.
Make a golden milk smoothie or milkshake.
Incorporate into pancakes, oatmeal, or other breakfast goodies.
Golden Milk Precautions
Good news! There aren’t any known side effects from consuming golden milk regularly, and the FDA classifies turmeric as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). If you have lactose intolerance, though, you’ll want to choose a nondairy option when enjoying golden milk.
If you’re drinking large amounts of golden milk (several cups every day), it might be worth mentioning it to your doctor. In particular, if you’re on blood-thinning medication, as large amounts of turmeric can interfere with those types of medications.
The amount of turmeric used in golden milk is very small, and the chances of over consuming this spice would be rare, so it’s safe to have more than one serving in a day, as long as it fits in your current diet. Enjoy!
I served up this delicious health drink at my last party. It went down rather well.
