Scientific Benefits of Turmeric Milk- A Complete health booster!

Almost every human being on earth like to drink milk. It is indeed such a drink, which satisfies both hunger and nutritional needs. It is consumed in different forms from different sources around the globe. Many cultures have understood the medicinal values of consuming milk that it has become an important part of their livelihood. One such method is consuming Milk with Turmeric also known as Golden Milk. Here we discuss the scientific benefits of turmeric milk.

What is Turmeric Milk?

Turmeric Milk is a simple drink made by adding a small amount of Turmeric Powder in warm milk. Addition of ginger and black pepper to increase the medicinal value of turmeric milk is also popular.

History of Turmeric

Turmeric, termed Curcuma longa Linn., belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is cultivated all over India as a commercial crop, as it has been used as a food ingredient in various Indian cuisines. The main component of turmeric is Curcumin.

Turmeric is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years. In Ayurveda, turmeric is called haridra. It has been mentioned in various Ayurveda treatises from the Vedic period onwards. In Agnipurana, it is mentioned that turmeric was used for the treatment of diseases such as kamala (Jaundice),  prameha (obesity & diabetes), vranaropana( wounds) and arshas (Haemorrhoids or Piles) . Susruta’s Ayurvedic Compendium, dating back to 250 bc, recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food.

Benefits of Turmeric Milk!

With over 3000 scientific publications in last 25 years, modern medicine has begun to recognize the benefits of turmeric. Among the many applications and forms of administration, here we list out main benefits of turmeric milk. It is largely believed that the milk acts a delivery vehicle to turmeric, with its benefits largely depending on turmeric properties.

Turmeric is widely recognized for its potent anti inflammatory properties. A large number of clinical studies have established that Curcumin reduced the level of inflammatory intermediate components like Interleukins and TNF and CRP. Curcumin’s effect on these components, highlighted its importance in manage of diseases such as Depression, Arthritis, Atherosclerosis, Covid19 & Psoriasis.

Traditionally, turmeric milk has been used to heal body during muscle spams, wounds and pain.

Many clinical studies have demonstrated that Curcumin has an ability to reduce the levels of MDA and increasing he levels of anti-oxidant SOD. MDA is an important testing parameter to asses the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS are harmful oxidants which oxidative stress in the body causing a plethora of diseases.

Turmeric Milk consumption can help in improving brain function and prevention of Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s disease. Also it may help in reducing symptoms of depression.

Curcumin has Curcumin has also been shown to improve brain function and memory. It may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Curcumin has been shown to be a potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent in many clinical studies. Consumption of turmeric milk is associated in fighting off with common cold, respiratory illnesses like Covid19, healing body post surgery or physical trauma etc.

Curcumin may improve the heart health as it has been shown to clinically reduce the levels of total cholesterol.

Regular consumption of curcumin may help in reducing blood sugar levels, improve liver health and increase insulin sensitivity.

Many research models have demonstrated that curcumin may help in Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis, wound healing, bacterial and fungal skin infections, ageing and acne.

Curcumin establish its immunomodulatory ability by interacting with several immune mediators, hence its anticancer property. Its is shown to inhibit important cancer mediators such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha) & STAT3. Curcumin is reported to exert anticancer properties in different in vitro models through the inhibition of AP-1 and NF-κB factors.

In different clinical and lab studies, oral consumption of curcumin is associated in reduction of osteoarthritis pain in joints and improving knee function.

In rat models, curcumin has been shown to reduce sleep deprivation impact on body. In some research it has been shown to improve the quality of sleep.

In Ayurveda, turmeric milk has been advised to be consumed before bedtime for a sound sleep.

Curcumin milk is highly regarded as complete health booster for a large number of benefits. curcumin present in the turmeric, acts a natural source for prevention of a large number of health disorders. Moreover, almost no side effect of turmeric has been reported till date. It is so far the safest herb, with undoubtable benefits.