Sleep troubles happen to everyone. Maybe you drank too much coffee, or have a lot on your mind. Whatever the reason, sleep aids can save the day (or night). But what if you could detox at the same time?
Meet golden milk, your new favorite drink. It’s made of milk, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and coconut oil. You can tweak the recipe to fit your taste buds.
Warm milk is a traditional sleep aid. The extra ingredients will make it earthy and soothing. The drink will calm the body and mind, helping you slip into a slumber.
Sleep is a necessary part of life. Without it, we can’t function! Most importantly, sleep gives your body a chance to recharge. Your health will suffer if you don’t rest.
However, many people don’t get enough shut-eye. About 25 percent of the American population, to be exact. Roughly, 10 percent also have chronic insomnia.1
Golden milk is easy to make. And while it may not cure insomnia, it’ll certainly help. Here’s the breakdown.
How To Make Golden Milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil, ghee, or honey
Directions:
- Combine the ingredients over medium heat. Do not let it boil.
- Mix well. For a thicker consistency, add more coconut oil, ghee, or honey.
- Serve warm.
Benefits Of Golden Milk
1. Reduces Inflammation
Turmeric is known for decreasing inflammation. It’s all thanks to curcumin – the active ingredient that gives turmeric its color.
Curcumin works by controlling inflammatory cytokines. These proteins influence the surrounding cell signals. When curcumin is around, these cytokines are suppressed, leading to less inflammation.2
Remember, inflammation is responsible for countless diseases. Atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, and diabetes are just a few examples.3
2. Controls Allergies
Do you have a lot of allergies? Curcumin will help. Its anti-inflammatory properties can prevent and treat allergic reactions. This is especially useful if you’re allergic to dust mites, pollen, or mold.
Finally, sleep will come easy.
3. Decreases Cancer Risk
The curcumin in turmeric is also an antioxidant. It’ll fight free radical damage – a major contributor to chronic disease. Oxidative stress will be less likely! Even your cells will have an extra dose of protection. 4
Together, inflammation and oxidative stress is a recipe for cancer. But curcumin can stop just that.5
No wonder its nickname is “solid gold.”
4. Protects The Brain
Curcumin’s anti-oxidative abilities will also help your brain. After all, oxidative stress is the root of neurodegenerative diseases. With curcumin, your brain cells will be protected. It’ll even prevent the cell death.6
5. Enhances Immune System
As a popular immune booster, ginger is a must. The flavor also pairs well with turmeric.
Ginger contains gingerols – the active compounds responsible for its unique smell. Gingerols fuel the immune system and keep it in a good shape. In turn, your body can ward off sickness.7
You’ll also get extra benefits depending on the milk you use. For example, coconut milk gives “good” HDL cholesterol a boost.8 Soy milk, on the other hand, is a great source of protein.9
References
