Golden milk (also known as turmeric milk) has been all the buzz for about four years, now. If you have not heard of it, great- you are in the right place. If you have heard of it, great… BUT stick around and keep reading because I might just fill you in on some things you did not know about golden milk and how you might be wasting your money on the golden milk you are currently drinking.
If you Google “golden milk,” tens-of-thousands of different recipes will populate. Some coffee shops and juice bars are also selling golden milk, which is awesome. BUT many people and places offering golden milk or providing recipes, do not have a real understanding about golden milk or how to properly acquire its full benefits.
The reason it is called golden milk is due to its beautiful golden color, which comes from turmeric mixed into dairy-free milk. Turmeric is a powerhouse ingredient and it is the powerhouse of golden milk. Actually, curcumin is the powerhouse, as it is the main bioactive component in turmeric, which has been determined to promote health and protect the human body from a wide range of health conditions, especially autoimmune conditions and gut/digestion ailments.
Regardless of how powerful turmeric and curcumin are, they alone provide little benefits- yep, you read that correctly. AND many online recipes and juice bars that serve golden milk, only use three ingredients- dairy free milk, turmeric, and a sweetening element (usually pure maple syrup or raw honey). Without the appropriate co-factors to boost and enhance the absorption of curcumin and turmeric, the anti-inflammatory properties-that golden milk is known for- are missing. The reason that turmeric and curcumin provide little benefit is because the body cannot properly absorb them. Turmeric is a fat-soluble substance and has poor oral bioavailability - meaning the body will not assimilate the full health benefits when in its raw state.
In order for the human body to reap the full benefits of turmeric and curcumin’s healing components, we have to make sure that it is properly absorbed into our body. Curcumin and turmeric have to be boosted by piperine- the alkaloid compound in black pepper- to fully activate and absorb into the body. Research has found that piperine can actually increase the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2,000% !!
Due to turmeric and curcumin being fat-soluble, healthy fats (full fat coconut milk or coconut oil) are also required for effective and enhanced absorption.
Without piperine and healthy fats, you are just wasting your money by drinking a tasty treat that is providing little to no anti-inflammatory benefits. Aren’t the anti-inflammatory benefits the primary reason most people drink golden milk?
Assuming most people are looking to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin and turmeric, then absorption from the intestines is essential- and that is why piperine and healthy fats are crucial (As a side note, anyone taking curcumin only to reduce colon inflammation, it is advised to consume golden milk without the absorption boost from piperine and healthy fats).
No matter what recipe you follow to make your golden milk, make sure you are adding piperine and healthy fats to increase the absorption power and reap the full anti-inflammatory benefits of this delicious drink!
Here are just a few of the 1,000s of BeneFITs of turmeric and curcumin:
Reduces inflammation and helps prevent or manage arthritis, IBS, Crohn’s disease, Colitis, other autoimmune conditions, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer and more
Powerful anti-microbial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties
Decreases joint inflammation and pain
Improves mood and reduces symptoms associated with major depression disorder
Lowers blood sugar levels and may lower risk for type 2 diabetes
Soothing to the digestive track and improves digestion
Improves skin, hair, and nail health
Reduces acne flare-ups from hormonal imbalances and PCOS
Decreases severity of eczema and psoriasis flare-ups
Boosts the immune system and naturally increases energy levels
Amazing for heart health- protect and lower risk of heart attacks, cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, and thrombosis
Promotes healthy cholesterol levels
Provides headache relief
Suppresses GI tract inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease
Improves brain function and memory
Reduces risk of brain disease and may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s
Just like anything, these symptoms are not going to improve over night. It takes consistency with proper nutrition, physical activity, love and support, medical/professional assistance, proper stress management and coping skills, as well as an incredible mindset to experience long-term change.
All my best,
Doctor BeneFIT
Golden Milk Recipe- option 1 (one 8-oz drink)
Ingredients:
8 ounces of pure canned coconut milk
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Pinch of finely ground black pepper
¼ - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon raw honey OR 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup OR a couple drops of stevia (use stevia if you are on a yeast cleansing diet)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, add coconut milk, ground turmeric, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sweetener of choice.
2. Stir or whisk to combine ingredients and warm over medium heat. Heat until hot, but not boiling (takes about 4-5 minutes). Make sure to stir often to avoid burning.
3. Remove from heat and adjust sweetness, turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger to your liking.
4. Serve immediately.
Golden milk will keep in the refrigerator for around 4-5 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, when ready to consume.
Golden Milk Recipe- option 2 (one 8-oz drink)
Ingredients:
½ cup light coconut milk
½ cup unsweetened plain almond mill, cashew milk, or macadamia nut milk
1 ½ teaspoons of coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Pinch of finely ground black pepper
¼ - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon raw honey OR 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup OR a couple drops of stevia (use stevia if you are on a yeast cleansing diet)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, add coconut milk, almond milk, coconut oil, ground turmeric, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sweetener of choice.
2. Stir or whisk to combine ingredients and warm over medium heat. Heat until hot, but not boiling (takes about 4-5 minutes). Make sure to stir often to avoid burning.
3. Remove from heat and adjust sweetness, turmeric, cinnamon, or ginger to your liking.
4. Serve immediately.
Golden milk will keep in the refrigerator for around 4-5 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, when ready to consume.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is for general education purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. Check with your health practitioner before making diet and lifestyle changes.
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