The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in golden milk offer many health benefits and act as a shield against certain diseases. Golden Milk is made by warming up cow’s or plant-based milk with other ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and other healthy spices. It is acclaimed for its health benefits and immune-boosting properties.
Let’s explore the 10 science-based benefits of golden milk:
1. The Key components are rich in antioxidants
The main ingredient in golden milk is turmeric, a yellow spice commonly used in Indian homes that gives the drink its yellow color. The powerhouse in turmeric is curcumin, known for its strong antioxidant properties in Ayurvedic traditions for ages.
Antioxidants, like those in turmeric, help prevent cell damage and protect the body from stress. Research indicates that a diet with lots of antioxidants can lower the risk of infections and diseases. The cinnamon and ginger, which are also key components of the golden mix, possess impressive antioxidant properties as well.
2. Reducing Inflammation and Joint Pain
The Golden Milk ingredients have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce the risk of cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
According to some studies, ingredients like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and curcumin have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also compare the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin to those of some pharmaceutical drugs with none of the side effects.
In a study with 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis, taking 500 milligrams of curcumin daily reduced joint pain more effectively than either 50 grams of a common arthritis drug or a combination of curcumin and the drug.
3. May Boost Memory and Brain Function
Golden milk is also beneficial for our brains. Studies show that curcumin increases the levels of a compound named Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This compound assists our brain in forming new connections and promoting the growth of brain cells.
A decrease in the BDNF compound can lead to brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. The cause of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of a specific protein in the brain called tau protein. Studies suggest that cinnamon may help reduce the production of this protein.
Moreover, in animal studies, ginger appears to protect against age-related brain function decline. Ginger might enhance brain function, improving memory and reaction time.
4. Curcumin’s Mood-Boosting Effects
The active ingredient in turmeric, namely curcumin, may alleviate symptoms of depression and enhance mood. A study involving 60 individuals with depressive disorders found that those who took curcumin, antidepressants, or a combination showed improvements. Interestingly, the group taking only curcumin exhibited similar benefits to those given antidepressants, while the combination group experienced the most advantages.
Depression is often linked to lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and curcumin’s ability to increase BDNF levels shows promise for reducing depression symptoms.
5. Turmeric’s Heart-Protection Potential
Heart disease is a major global cause of death. The key ingredients in golden milk—cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric—have links to a lower heart disease risk. For instance, cinnamon can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. Ginger may reduce heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes.
Also, curcumin in turmeric improves blood vessel function. In a study, those who took curcumin were 65% less likely to have a heart attack after surgery compared to those who didn’t. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits too, which also protect against heart disease.
6. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
Golden Milk Ingredients like ginger and cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels. For example, having 1–6 grams of cinnamon daily may decrease fasting blood sugar by up to 29% and reduce insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance makes it harder for cells to use sugar, so lowering it helps control blood sugar. Cinnamon also lessens glucose absorption in the gut after meals, improving blood sugar control.
Adding a bit of ginger to your daily diet may lower fasting blood sugar by up to 12%. Even a small daily dose of ginger can reduce hemoglobin A1C levels by up to 10%, showing improved long-term blood sugar control.
7. Lowering Your Cancer Risk
Cancer is a disease where cells grow uncontrollably. Alongside regular treatments, people are exploring alternative remedies for cancer prevention. Some studies show that the spices in golden milk might have benefits in this area.
For example, research suggests that 6-gingerol, found in raw ginger, may have anti-cancer properties. Cinnamon compounds have also shown potential for reducing the growth of cancer cells in lab and animal studies.
Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has demonstrated the ability to kill isolated cancer cells in test tubes. It may also hinder the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, limiting their ability to spread.
8. WIth Antifungal, Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
In India, people use golden milk as a home remedy for colds, believing that it boosts the immune system. Some studies show that curcumin, found in the yellow drink, has germ-fighting powers against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Fresh ginger contains compounds that can stop some bacteria from growing. Ginger extract might also fight the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), a common cause of respiratory infections.
Cinnamaldehyde, the active stuff in cinnamon, could prevent bacteria growth and help with respiratory infections caused by fungi, according to lab studies.
Plus, the ingredients in golden milk have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory powers that might make your immune system stronger.
9. Ginger and Turmeric for Better Digestion
Chronic indigestion, called dyspepsia, brings pain and discomfort in the upper stomach. One reason could be slow stomach emptying, but the ginger in golden milk might help speed it up for those with dyspepsia.
Turmeric, another golden milk ingredient, can also ease indigestion. It not only reduces indigestion symptoms but also boosts fat digestion by increasing bile production by up to 62%.
Moreover, turmeric helps maintain good digestion and prevents issues in people with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory gut disorder causing ulcers.
10. Building Strong Bones with Calcium and Vitamin D
For maintaining stronger bones, our body needs a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Both cow’s milk and certain plant milks are packed with calcium and vitamin D, crucial for maintaining strong bones. When your diet lacks enough calcium, your body takes it from your bones, making them weak and prone to diseases like osteopenia and osteoporosis over time.
Vitamin D is a key player too, enhancing your gut’s ability to absorb calcium. Low vitamin D levels can lead to brittle bones, even if your diet has plenty of calcium. While cow’s milk naturally has these nutrients, not all plant milks do.
If you choose plant-based milk for your golden milk, go for one enriched with both calcium and vitamin D to give your bones the support they need. In short, golden milk can be a tasty way to boost your calcium and vitamin D intake, helping you keep your bones strong and reducing the risk of bone diseases.
Crafted for You: The Vapika Golden Milk Mix
This isn’t just a blend of ingredients; it’s a daily ritual, a sip of wellness that transforms your routine into a journey of health. With the richness of Lakadong Turmeric, Green Cardamom, Srilankan Cinnamon, Mulethi (licorice), Black Pepper, and Ginger Powder Vapika Golden Milk Mix is the careful curation of these elements that provides various health benefits. Filled with good things from nature, our ingredients have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits to keep you healthy.
The Bottom Line
Golden Milk is a health booster with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and loads with various health benefits. To make the most of it, just make it a part of your daily routine. Elevate your lifestyle with a simple, warm cup of golden milk for a healthier you.
