If you are anything like us, you will be finding your constantly reaching for a warm drink now that the weather is reaching borderline freezing. More often than not the change in temperature also causes us to feel more fatigued so naturally we increase our coffee intake to increase energy and keep us warm. And although coffee certainly does have some added health benefits, having too much caffeine can have a negative impact on your health.
Introducing the new best option: Turmeric Lattes! Often referred to as the ‘Golden Milk’ and increasingly becoming popular in Western culture, a warm turmeric latte is definitely a substitute worth considering when you go to make your next brew. With so many health benefits you are definitely going to want to give it a go this winter!
So what are the health benefits you may be asking? Below we have outline 5 key health benefits to this dreamy golden drink.
- Can lead to the reduction in inflammation and joint pain
One of the most well-known properties of turmeric is its ability to contribute to the decrease in bodily inflammation and joint pain. Research shows that ginger, cinnamon and curcumin — the active ingredient in turmeric — have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory effects may reduce joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For example, one study in 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that 500 milligrams of curcumin daily reduced joint pain more than 50 grams of a common arthritis drug or a combination of curcumin and the drug (NCBI).
- It is jam packed with antioxidants
Golden milk is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage, fight off disease and infections and contribute to your overall health.
- It’s great for your skin
Its anti-inflammatory properties mean it can help to reduce redness and skin irritation, whilst its anti-bacterial qualities make it great for blemishes and acne. Healthline reports that it's especially effective for those suffering from psoriasis and acne scarring.
- Can increase immunity – perfect for fighting off winter colds and flus
Thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic qualities, turmeric can help to prevent stomach ulcers, and reduce infection in the gut. It can also help to relieve stomach pain, making it great for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.
According to LIVESTRONG, people fighting off a viral infection such as a cold or flu can drink warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric three times daily as a preventative health supplement.
- May improve mood, as well as memory and brain function
Turmeric produces a compound known as curcumin, which has a number of medicinal properties. One of these is that it can help to protect against the effects of Alzheimer's disease, increasing overall memory function. As well as this, turmeric can also help to keep your brain healthy, promoting repair to stem cells in the brain.
Now that you know all of these amazing benefits, you will be wanting to know how to make your own right away… well we thought that might be the case so of course we have prepared a recipe below for you to try out. When you do give it a go, be sure to take a snap and tag @synxsole and #insynx for your chance to win our monthly giveaway.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of an unsweetened milk of your choice
- tsp of turmeric
- 1 small piece of grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp of ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup (optional)
Directions: To make your own turmeric latter, simply mix all ingredients in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until fragrant and flavourful. Strain the drink through a fine strainer into mugs and top with a pinch of cinnamon. Alternatively you can froth the milk separately and add on top to the turmeric mixture.
