Do you remember how haldi doodh became a ritual in our homes during the onset of winter? Moms used to make us drink this golden milk to ensure that our immunity remains high against winter pathogens which are likely to cause colds, flu and other problems.
Kids often fall ill during winters; adults too.
Traditional haldi doodh has always proved our ancestors right on their claims about its medicinal benefits.
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The golden concoction
Haldi doodh is a concoction of milk and turmeric powder. It is a warm concoction mostly.
While normally a pinch of turmeric is added to a glass full of warm milk, people are gradually coming up with several variations to this.
You can prepare warm haldi doodh by adding more flavours to it. You can add crushed cardamom seeds, black pepper powder, or bits of cloves to the milk.
Adding aromatic spices is a good thing for all those who do not like the taste of milk and turmeric together.
Benefits of golden milk
Haldi doodh is anti-inflammatory in nature and is full of antioxidants. The compound curcumin present in haldi doodh is excellent for human health.
The turmeric content in haldi doodh enhances the immunity and thus reduces the risk of heart diseases and other complications.
It is excellent for the skin and is also a wonderful drink for the bones.
It aids digestion. Those who are lactose intolerant should try homemade haldi doodh and have it when it is warm. These people should always avoid store bought haldi doodh.
Haldi doodh stimulates brain function. Several research studies have found the impact of curcumin on brain compounds. Curcumin is closely linked with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as it increases its levels. BDNF helps the brain form new connections and promotes the growth of brain cells.
The curcumin compound in turmeric is also a mood booster. In few research studies curcumin has been found to have the same impact as antidepressants.
When should you have haldi doodh?
Haldi doodh is recommended to be taken, warm, just before going to sleep. It is believed that haldi doodh induces sleep and one falls asleep like a child.
In case you are lactose intolerant or do not like having milk, you can also have it with buttermilk.
