Turmeric, or haldi, commonly called in India, is a renowned culinary spice that makes all our curries palatable and flavorful and has healing properties.
What you need to know:
Turmeric has been used as a medicinal ingredient in ayurvedic medicines for blood pressure for centuries in India. It contains the compound curcumin, which contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Our ancestors swore by the benefits of haldi milk, passed down for generations. It is prepared by warming up milk with turmeric and other spices readily found in every household, such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper, for additional health benefits.
What are the benefits of turmeric and turmeric milk?
Turmeric and turmeric milk benefits have now become popular all across the globe as a superfood because of their health benefits.
- Helps Fight Cancer
Chronic inflammation is one of the major underlying factors in a disease such as cancer. The curcumin chemical found in turmeric contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, preventing certain cancers by reducing cancerous cells and preventing their spread at the minutest molecular level (metastasis). Therefore, this golden milk’s medicinal use prevents the further spread of cancer and the risk of new cancerous growth.
- Helps Slow Down Skin Aging
Another benefit of curcumin in turmeric is its strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help prevent cell damage as they boost the activity of our body’s antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, turmeric is used to fight off those dark spots and prevent aging and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the skin. It heals many skin-related issues like scars, psoriasis, oily skin, and eczema. This compound also stimulates new cell growth.
- Helps Fight Depression
Chronic inflammation also plays a significant role in Alzheimer’s’. The incredible benefits of haldi milk-derived curcumin help fight depression. Curcumin is known to increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels and boost the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Turmeric milk benefits at night as the amino acids in the beverage can help you get adequate sleep.
- Helps Lower Heart Diseases
The health benefits of haldi milk and turmeric powder include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is known to improve the function of the endothelium or the lining of the blood vessels. The curcumin chemical present in turmeric effectively decreases the risk of a heart attack and prevents diabetic cardiovascular complications. Curcumin also reduces serum cholesterol levels and protects the body against pathological changes occurring with atherosclerosis (build-up of fats and cholesterol called plaque in and on the artery walls).
- Helps Prevent Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially in people over 60 years. The antioxidant properties found in turmeric help protect the eyes against such degeneration.
- Helps Fight Flu and Colds
Antiviral properties are another benefit of curcumin that can combat anything from cold symptoms to more severe influenza infections. Over generations, haldi or turmeric milk has been recommended to fight a pesky cold and cough and naturally prevent viral infections.
- Helps Boost Immunity
The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antiviral properties in turmeric boost immunity and protect our body from various infections. No wonder our grandmothers highly recommend taking a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk every day.
Contributes to stronger bones
- Another benefit of turmeric milk is that it improves bone health and joint function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Milk contains vital nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, protein, vitamin K, and vitamin D to keep our bones healthy and preserve bone tissue, thereby lowering the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Improves the digestive system
- Curcumin reduces bloating and improves the functioning of your digestive system. It stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile which breaks down fats into fatty acids, later absorbed into the body by the digestive tract.
Add this magic spice to your diet every day. Stay active in the Activ Living Community to find more details on fitness and lifestyle.