THE POPULAR AYURVEDIC GOLDEN MILK
Also known as turmeric latte, it has been used in ayurvedic tradition for centuries, but only in the last few years has gained popularity in the West as an alternative to coffee and tea. Ayurveda supported the use of golden milk as a wellness tonic to calm and strengthen body and mind.
The main ingredient of golden milk is turmeric, a yellow root vastly used in Indian dishes, followed by a mix of spices, cooked in milk. Among the many uses, it is thought to improve digestion, increase energy, rebalance the female cycle and act as antiseptic treatment for cuts and wounds. Ayurvedic medicine also thought that turmeric could help with skin infections, acne and general skin inflammation, that is why its powder is often used in face masks and poultices.
Turmeric won our hearts because of its many health benefits due to the high concentration of polyphenols (plant chemicals), with curcumin as the most researched one. Curcumin has strong antioxidant properties, helping us to fight free radicals that accumulate in the body; is anti-inflammatory, helping with conditions like eczema and acne; and can stimulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor), an essential molecule that encourage new connections between brain cells (DOI:10.1016/j.npep.2015.11.003).
And if this wasn’t enough, turmeric can also promote relaxation, making golden milk an excellent evening drink.
Serve: 2
Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: easy
INGREDIENTS
-400ml plant-based milk of your choice
-1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
-1 teaspoon of ginger powder
-1 teaspoon of cinnamon
-1 teaspoon of coconut oil
-a pinch of ground black pepper
-a pinch of ground nutmeg
METHOD
1.To a saucepan add the milk and put on medium heat. When it starts to warm up add all other ingredients and mix well. Let it cook for few minutes on low heat, whisking frequently.
2.After about 4 to 5 minutes, when it is hot but not boiling, is ready to be served. You can add half teaspoon of sweetener, but I like it as it is. Pour the golden milk into 2 cups and sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top.
