BeautifulhameshaBlog.com Fashion and Beauty Blog 14 Amazing Benefits of Turmeric Milk that You Must Know – Turmeric milk or Haldi Doodh, as we call it commonly, is one of the most popular folk remedies in India. We already know that turmeric has amazing health benefits. Turmeric milk, too, has amazing health benefits. Here is a post with a list of the must know benefits of turmeric milk. It does taste bitter, for which most of us tend to stay away from the same. But after reading the Benefits of Turmeric Milk, I am sure, you wouldn’t be able to ignore it anymore. Turmeric milk is actually the infusion of dried turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root in milk. This has been a popular health tonic in many Indian households. Find out the wonderful Benefits of Turmeric Milk below.
Check – Top 15 Benefits of Turmeric for Skin, Hair and Health
You are going to find out the best benefits of turmeric milk below, but before that we must learn how to prepare turmeric milk. Check that out here.
How to prepare Turmeric Milk?
Heat a cup of milk and to it, add turmeric. You can use a 1/2 or 1 inch turmeric root for this. Bring it to boil and then remove from heat. Strain out the turmeric and let the milk cool down a bit. Drink it while its still warm. Alternatively, you can add a little pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and stir well to mix together and there’s your turmeric milk is ready. This is the basic recipe and it can be consumed daily to strengthen the immunity system and keep yourself healthy.
Turmeric milk is also beneficial to treat sore throat and feverishness. Often the sick person is suggested to drink the milk at night and by morning, they feel a lot better. There’s a special recipe of turmeric milk to cure sore throat and mild fever. Here it is – Take a quarter of a cup of water and add half tsp of turmeric powder there. Also add a tsp of minced ginger and mix together. Add milk. You can also put cardamom or saffron strands before adding the milk. Microwave or boil the mix for few minutes until it almost boils. Remove from the heat and strain the mixture.Collect the milk in a separate container and add honey or a bit of jaggery to enhance the flavor. Drink while its still warm.
Here is another turmeric milk recipe to get relief from a cough. Add some sugar to a cup of milk and heat the same. Remove from heat and keep it aside. Separately heat half tsp ajwain seeds and add a large pinch of turmeric powder to that. Mix together and add that to the warm milk. Give it a final mix and drink the same.
We have another turmeric milk recipe to share here. You can actually prepare a turmeric paste and keep it in the fridge for a month. As and when you require, take out the turmeric paste and add that to milk to prepare turmeric milk. For the turmeric paste, you need 1/4 cup organic turmeric powder and half cup water. Mix well and heat the same for 6-8 minutes on medium flame to thicken it up. Remove from heat and let it reach room temperature. Store it in a glass container and keep in the refrigerator. To prepare turmeric milk, combine one tsp of this turmeric paste with a cup of organic milk. Bring the mixture to boil. Remove from heat and add some honey or maple syrup as well as half tsp ghee. Mix everything together and the turmeric milk is ready to drink.
What’s so Special about Turmeric Milk?
Turmeric contains a chemical compound known as curcumin. This is what makes turmeric so beneficial for our health. The curcumin can get absorbed in the fat and tissues of our body and does its job. When milk is added to turmeric, it serves as a smooth medium through which curcumin can travel fast and reach those fats and tissues. Basically milk aids in better absorption of curcumin in our body. However, according to experts, not more than a pinch of turmeric should be added in a glass of milk, in case, you want to add turmeric milk to your daily diet. The reason being, curcumin in turmeric has the tendency to get deposited in the body and if the amount exceeds than what is required, it can cause long term health issues.
Let us now begin with the list of wonderful Benefits of Turmeric Milk for our health and beauty.
Beauty Benefits of Turmeric Milk
1. Provides Fair and Clear Complexion
Why it works?
One of the most amazing Benefits of Turmeric Milk for our skin is that it can give us fair and clear complexion. Drinking turmeric milk on daily basis help to fight off the free radicals in our body and keep the skin healthy. Moreover, turmeric milk is a natural detox drink, which can flush out the toxins from our body and help to achieve clear complexion.
2. Anti Acne Benefits of Turmeric Milk
Why it works?
Turmeric Milk benefits include acne fighting abilities as well. The presence of curcumin in turmeric can be attributed to for that. Curcumin s a very powerful anti oxidant. The free radicals in our body can damage our skin and lead to various skin conditions including acne. Curcumin helps to neutralize the free radicals and protect our skin. Curcumin also comes with anti inflammatory properties which help to reduce the swelling caused by acne. It is also known for its ability to control sebum secretion. Studies have found that curcumin is 36 times stronger than azelic acid in fighting off acne. Curcumin can reduce the acne bacteria growth from 50% to 96%.
Acne is also caused by hormonal imbalance, specially imbalanced insulin level. In such cases, reducing insulin level is the best way to treat acne. And curcumin has the ability to reduce insulin and gives relief from hormonal acne. There is a protein in our body known as mTor, which is responsible for cell survival, cell division and cell growth. Excess production of mTor leads to excess cell growth along with excess amount of sebum, which can clog our pores and cause acne and pimples. Regular consumption of turmeric milk can regulate the production of mTor and treat breakouts effectively.
3. Gives Glowing Skin
Why it works?
Next comes this one on our list of best beauty benefits of turmeric milk. A simple face pack made of milk and turmeric can give us instant glowing skin. Turmeric has great absorbing properties, which help to get rid of the excess sebum present on the skin and leaves us with fresh and glowing skin. Milk is an excellent natural cleanser for our skin. It helps to remove the impurities and dead skin cells from the face and unveils glowing skin underneath.
How to prepare milk and turmeric face pack?
- Mix together two tsp fresh milk and one tsp turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the face. Wash off after 15-20 minutes and apply an oil free moisturizer. Repeat daily.
- Alternatively, add a pinch of turmeric powder to one tbsp each of milk and honey. Apply the resultant mixture on the face and neck. Massage gently and leave it on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with luke warm water. Repeat once or twice in a week.
4. Anti Aging Benefits of Turmeric Milk
Why it works?
Turmeric comes in at number 6 in the list of herbs and spices with the highest amount of anti oxidants. Turmeric contains a very powerful anti oxidant known as curcumin. It protects our body from the harmful effects of free radicals and prevents premature aging. Also, turmeric has the ability to inhibit an enzyme known as elastase which is responsible for reducing elastin production in the skin. We already know elastin and collagen are two very important substances that maintain the texture and elasticity of our skin. Any deficiency of elastin or collagen can lead to saggy skin with wrinkles, lines, etc.
Milk, on the other hand, comes with several nutrients. It contains vitamin B6 and vitamin D, both of which keeps the skin smooth and wrinkle free, promotes skin elasticity and eliminates the signs of early aging. Also the minerals present in milk, such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, etc can slow down the aging process of the skin as well as maintains natural elasticity and firmness.
How to use?
- Regular consumption of turmeric milk helps in fighting off premature aging.
- Also you can use couple of DIY face packs with turmeric and milk for youthful skin. Mix together some turmeric powder and milk or yogurt. Prepare a paste and apply it on the face and neck and wait until it dries. Wash off with lukewarm water. Repeat regularly.
- Alternatively, prepare a DIY face pack by mixing together turmeric powder, raw milk, rice flour and tomato juice. Apply the mixture on the face and neck. Keep it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with luke warm water. Repeat regularly.
Health Benefits of Turmeric Milk
After discussing the main beauty benefits of turmeric milk, lets now find out what are the benefits of turmeric milk for our health.
5. Anti Oxidant Benefits of Turmeric Milk
The free radicals in our body can cause damage to the cell membranes, cell organelles as well as DNA. This is known as oxidative stress and it is associated with development of several chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases, etc. It is impossible to prevent the production of free radicals, hence difficult to avoid oxidative stress as well. However anti oxidants help to neutralize the free radicals and protect our body.
Turmeric milk is one such anti oxidant super food, which contains milk and turmeric and both of them contain anti oxidant benefits. Turmeric comes in at number 6 in the list of herbs and spices with the highest amount of anti oxidants. It contains curcumin, which is a very powerful anti oxidant. Milk fat contains conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA. CLA is a naturally occurring trans fatty acid. It has anti carcinogenic and anti inflammatory benefits. Studies have found that CLA can actually boost the efficacy of other anti oxidants present in milk such as, vitamin A, E and co-enzyme Q10.
6. Acts as a Natural Painkiller
Turmeric milk has been used as a natural painkiller since ages. Turmeric milk consumption reduces the pain by minimizing the levels of prostaglandins and interleukins. These are hormone like substances that produce pain. Majority of people suffer from arthritic pain and turmeric milk significantly helps to give relief from the same. The anti inflammatory benefits of turmeric milk play a major role here. A cup of warm turmeric milk is also beneficial to give relief from headache, whether it is due to sinus congestion or stress. Turmeric helps to lighten the texture of mucus, which block the sinus and cause headache. It increases mucus flow and promote sinus drainage. Turmeric has blood thinning effect as well. Thinning of blood promotes blood circulation and gives relief from stress. Thus turmeric milk helps to get rid of headache caused by stress.
7. Blood Purifying Benefits of Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk acts as a great natural blood purifier. Toxins enter our body through foods, drinks as well as the air we breathe in. The toxins then get mixed with the blood and damages the blood vessels as well as every other tissue the contaminated blood reaches. These toxins are very harmful for our health and can lead to a number of health issues and skin conditions. Turmeric is a great detoxifier. It helps in boosting the performance of liver, which actually does the job of eliminating the toxins from our body. Moreover, the diuretic benefits of turmeric milk help the toxins to pass through the urine and allow us to stay healthy.
8. Boosts Bone Health
Next comes this one on our list of best benefits of turmeric milk. Turmeric milk is a rich source of calcium which is essential for healthy and strong bones. It also reduces the chance of bone loss and osteoporosis. As we age, our bones start to lose essential minerals and become weak. Osteoporosis is a condition that weaken the bones and make them prone to breaking. It causes pain and sometimes make the person shorter. Turmeric is extremely beneficial to prevent the loss of bone minerals and maintain bone density.
Curcumin, a very powerful anti oxidant and anti inflammatory compound present in turmeric helps influence the activity of bone producing cells. It prevents the growth of osteoclasts or cells that absorb old bones as well as promote the formation of new bones. These activities are considered vital for the healing process of fractured bones. Turmeric milk is an age old remedy which is used for healing of fractured bones.
Also read
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9. Promotes Sound Sleep
We have all heard and probably some of us experienced as well that drinking a glass of warm milk at night before bedtime helps to fall asleep easily. However, have you ever tried turmeric milk? It’s even more effective. Here’s why – serotonin hormone in our brain is responsible for better sleep as well as relaxed mood and calm feelings. An amino acid known as “tryptophan” increases the production of serotonin and helps with sound sleep. Milk contains tryptophan, but it also contains competing amino acids which makes tryptophan less available for the brain. But turmeric alters the scenario. This herb is able to increase insulin levels in our blood which in turn increases the intake of other competing amino acids, but leaves the tryptophan alone. This way, tryptophan can concentrate wholly on serotonin production and induce a peaceful sleep.
10. Anti Cancer Benefits of Turmeric Milk
Its difficult to find a person who won’t feel shiver down the spine at the name of cancer. Yes, cancer is a serious disease, and we are yet to find a full-proof treatment. Increased free radical activities are one of the major causes of cancer. And the antioxidant benefits of turmeric milk plays a massive role in preventing cancer. Lab studies have shown that turmeric can destroy the cancer cells as well as inhibit their growth. Turmeric is particularly beneficial to treat cancers of the breast, prostate, skin, colon, and lung. Curcumin in turmeric can halt an enzyme which is responsible for transforming the environmental toxins into carcinogens and thus prevent the attack of cancer. Furthermore, curcumin can make chemotherapy more effective and in fact, it has the ability to protect the healthy cells from the damage of radiation as well.
Milk also has the ability to fight off cancer, specially colorectal and ovarian cancer. According to studies, vitamin D in milk helps in cancer protection. Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D. It has been found that colorectal cancer is more common in geographic locations which receive least amount of sunlight. Milk contains a good amount of vitamin D in it which is why it is believed to have a positive impact in preventing colorectal cancer. Other studies have found that increased intake of calcium and lactose (the sugar in milk) is beneficial to prevent ovarian cancer.
11. Good for Boosting Reproductive Health of Women
Estrogen hormone in our body helps with pregnancy. Deficiency of this hormone creates difficulty for women to conceive. Turmeric milk can help to resolve the situation. Turmeric can act as a mild estrogen, and helps in promoting the reproductive health of women. In fact, turmeric milk consumption has positive effect on those who suffer from menstrual cramps. The anti spasmodic benefits of turmeric milk can ease the cramp as well as pain. And not only this, turmeric acts as a uterine stimulant which is why it also helps with free flow of menstrual discharge and makes life lot easier on those 5-6 days of each month 🙂
12. Gives Relief from Cough and Cold
Did your mother used to give a glass of warm turmeric milk every time you had fallen sick during childhood? Ever wondered why? Well, this is one of the major health benefits of turmeric. Turmeric milk has been used as an traditional remedy to cure common cough and cold in Indian households. Turmeric milk is regarded as a health tonic to boost our immunity as well as make our body resistant to common ailments. The anti viral and also anti bacterial benefits of turmeric milk come to play here. Turmeric actually increases mucus production and makes it easy to eliminate the microbes that attack our respiratory tract. Furthermore the anti inflammatory benefits of turmeric milk also eases the symptoms as well as help us feel better. A cup of warm turmeric milk at bedtime has been found extremely beneficial to get relief from night-time coughing.
13. Boosts Brain Health
Regular consumption of turmeric milk can boost your brain function. The anti inflammatory as well as anti oxidant qualities of turmeric are responsible for this. Studies have found out that turmeric milk can be helpful to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc. Milk comes with calcium which has the ability to boost brain function significantly. In fact, several studies indicate that regular calcium intake is needed for better memory as well as learning performance.
14. Good for Our Heart
Adding turmeric milk to your daily diet is good for your cardiovascular health. Curcumin present in turmeric has the ability to prevent plaque build up inside the artery wall. Studies have proved that curcumin is also beneficial to lower cholesterol level in the blood, thus keeping our heart healthy as well as reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. People with high cholesterol can be benefited by consumption of turmeric mixed with non-dairy almond milk, as almond milk has been regarded healthier for heart.
These were 14 best benefits of turmeric milk for our health as well as beauty. If you are yet to add this magic elixir to your daily diet, then wait no more. Start drinking this regularly and see the results for yourself 🙂
