Golden Lattes or Haldi Doodh … What's the Fuss?

Benefits of Turmeric Milk

While in western countries it was the pandemic and the need for boosting immunity levels that brought into the limelight ‘Golden Lattes’ we in India have been consuming ‘Haldi Doodh’ since times immemorial!

Whether hurt, unwell or even down with a slight chill haldi doodh is an elixir for all these and much more

Haldi doodh versus golden lattes

So are the traditional haldi doodh prepared in our kitchen the same as the fancy golden lattes that one finds at neighbourhood cafés?

Well yes there is a thin line of difference between the homely haldi doodh and the exotic golden latte. While preparing the former is as easy as adding a pinch of turmeric to a mug of steaming milk and sugar or honey to taste …with more adventurous consumers opting for a pinch of pepper or a garnish of saffron petals.

When it comes to golden lattes they are a tad sophisticated version of the modest haldi doodh in the sense that they have more spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, even topping the beverage with foam latte art.

But irrespective of the name it goes by this is not a fad but rather a trend that’s here to stay. 

Benefits of haldi doodh nee golden latte nee golden milk

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this traditional home remedy for practically all malaises -

Loaded with antioxidants

The key ingredient in golden latte is turmeric, a yellow spice popular in Asian cuisine; curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its strong antioxidant properties as it helps protect cells from damage and wards off infections. 

Hence haldi doodh helps lower your risk of infections and disease 

Alleviates inflammation and joint pain

Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon, the main ingredients in golden milk, have strong anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation and joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Memory and brain function enhancer 

Research claims that curcumin may increase levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) – which helps your brain form new connections and promotes the growth of brain cells 

All the three prime ingredients of haldi doodh help preserve memory and reduce the decline in brain function from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Mood elevator

Apparently turmeric — rather its active compound curcumin — boosts mood and reduces symptoms of depression.

Improves digestion 

Ginger and turmeric, the two main ingredients in golden milk, help relieve indigestion and dyspepsia. Turmeric may also help relieve symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis.

Extends protection against heart disease 

Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon — the main ingredients in golden milk — all have properties that purportedly benefit heart function and protect against heart disease. Moreover curcumin may improve the function of your blood vessel linings — known as endothelial function; and proper endothelial function is important for a healthy heart

Lowers blood sugar levels 

The two main ingredients of golden milk - cinnamon and ginger - may lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, these benefits can be availed only if one consumes unsweetened varieties of haldi doodh i.e. without maple syrup or honey

Anti-carcinogenic benefits

Cancer is a disease marked by uncontrolled cell growth; under the alternative anti-cancer remedy segment research claims that cinnamon, ginger and turmeric may offer some protection against cancer. 

Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal 

The ingredients used to make haldi doodh have antibacterial and antiviral properties which supposedly protect your body from infections. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties strengthen your immune system as well.

Good for the skin

Drinking turmeric milk helps in clearing your acne, preventing further breakouts and lending you a glowing skin.

Lowers respiratory malaises 

Well we all know this one don’t we! Consuming warm haldi doodh at night relieves us from chest congestions. 

Strengthens bones 

The curcumin in turmeric helps keep osteoporosis at bay and repair and strengthen bone mass. 

Detoxifies the liver 

Turmeric milk helps remove the waste products from our body and detoxifying the liver 

Purifies blood

The curcumin in turmeric acts as a blood cleanser alongside boosting blood circulation. 

Haldi doodh is attributed with many other benefits also like – boosting hair growth; keeping bloating away;  getting rid of insomnia;  pushing weight-loss; boosting metabolism; easing menstrual cramps et al.

Side-effects of excess consumption

But if used in excess or consumed incorrectly haldi doodh does have multiple side effects for specific segments – 

• Dangerous for those suffering from blood pressure
• May give a rash when consumed in excess 
• Can adversely affect the liver if not taken in proper amounts 
• Excess amounts of turmeric can lead to an upset stomach, nausea or worse kidney stones 
• If consumed in excess during pregnancy it can lead to uterine bleeding 

The advisable thing to do would be to consult your family physician before consuming haldi doodh on a long-term basis.

Recipe – Haldi Doodh

Ingredients:

Unsweetened milk – Half Cup 

Turmeric – 1 Teaspoon

Grated fresh ginger - 1 Small Piece OR Ginger powder – Half Teaspoon

Cinnamon powder – Half Teaspoon

Ground black pepper – 1 Pinch

Honey or maple syrup (optional) – 1 Teaspoon

Method:

• Simply mix all the ingredients in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a boil 
• Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until fragrant 
• Strain the drink through a fine strainer into mugs and add a pinch of cinnamon

Golden Latte nee Turmeric Milk nee Haldi Doodh nee Golden Milk is loaded with antioxidants that may provide an array of health benefits, ranging from a healthier brain and heart to stronger bones, improved digestion and a lower risk of disease. To maximize its benefits, use milk with both calcium and vitamin D and limit the amount of honey or syrup you add to your drink.

So what’s the fuss term it Golden Latte or Turmeric Milk or Haldi Doodh or anything else for that matter nothing will be-little it’s goodness, will it? After all "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - William Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet)