Golden milk: A warm embrace for winter wellness

Winter has arrived, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a drink that captures its essence — not just in appearance, but in warmth and flavour. The golden hue of this drink reflects the cosy tones of winter, inviting you to indulge in something even more special: its incredible health benefits. With each sip of golden milk, you’ll enjoy a comforting taste while nourishing your body in profound ways, making it the perfect companion for chilly days.

Nourish your body with this healing, comforting spiced drink

1 serving 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 small piece of grated fresh ginger
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp cardamom

Method:

• Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the turmeric and cinnamon from clumping.
• Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
• Pour into a cup and enjoy your golden drink!

The healthy bit

Turmeric is often hailed as one of nature’s most powerful healing ingredients, and for good reason. Its active compound, curcumin, is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be especially beneficial if you have an autoimmune condition. In some studies curcumin is shown to help regulate inflammatory signals, offering relief without the side effects of some pharmaceutical medications. It can also help reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

But turmeric isn’t the only star in golden milk. Cinnamon and ginger, both key ingredients, have been shown to support heart health. Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar by reducing glucose absorption after meals, while ginger and turmeric contribute to reducing inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and even cancer. One ingredient you might not expect in this comforting drink is black pepper, but don’t skip it! Black pepper enhances your body’s ability to absorb curcumin by up to 2000%, making it an essential component of the golden milk recipe.

In some studies, curcumin has shown promising effects in managing PCOS symptoms by reducing androgen levels, improving insulin resistance, and decreasing inflammation. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic properties help alleviate symptoms of endometriosis. Both in vitro and in vivo studies support its potential to reduce the growth of endometrial tissue and inflammation, though clinical trials on humans remain limited.

Curcumin has shown promising potential in managing PCOS by lowering androgen levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic properties may help relieve symptoms of endometriosis. Studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo highlight curcumin's ability to inhibit the growth of endometrial tissue and reduce inflammation. Although the current clinical evidence is limited, the good news is that none of the studies reported any harmful effects from curcumin use, making it a safe option to explore further for therapeutic purposes and for us to sip a warm cup of the golden drink.

Whether you're drinking it to boost your health or simply to savour its rich flavour, golden milk offers much more than a cosy experience - it’s a nourishing powerhouse that promotes overall wellness with each warm sip.

This article was published in Happiful Magazine (Issue 93). You can order print copies online, or read the e-magazine for free on the Happiful app. 

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