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- Turmeric has been used for centuries as a natural remedy due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Combining coffee with turmeric provides a lot of health benefits.
- However, turmeric and coffee concoctions should not be used to replace medical treatments.
What’s a golden milk latte?
The golden milk latte is a warm beverage originating from India. The drink, sometimes called turmeric coffee, isn’t always prepared with coffee but with heated cow’s milk or plant-based milk with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.
What’s turmeric?
Turmeric is a golden-colored spice that has been used as a digestive aid for centuries.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, a culinary consultant and host of Nourishing Notes, says turmeric contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcuminoids, or curcumin, that have been found to combat inflammation and promote heart and brain health.
Thousands of studies show that turmeric provides heartburn relief and glowing skin. However, curcumin must be ingested in a way the body easily absorbs it to guarantee health improvements.
Combining turmeric and coffee
Coffee may reduce turmeric’s health benefits, but according to a 2020 study published in the Molecules journal, curcumin absorption is improved when mixed with fat and liquid that has a 6 or higher pH level. A low pH means the substance is acidic, and coffee is pH 5. However, lattes with fatty plant-based milk or whole milk could balance coffee’s acidity and boost your curcumin absorption.
Shanta Retelny says coffee has 1,000 bioactive compounds, and antioxidants, and has been found to prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and promote longevity.
While a turmeric latte might reduce some of turmeric’s benefits, it’s still filled with antioxidants and only contains few calories. Shanta Retelny says turmeric and coffee have different types of antioxidant compounds that offer more health benefits.
She adds that turmeric’s antioxidants have been shown to offer internal protection by activating the body’s enzymes.
The potential health benefits of drinking turmeric coffee
There is research showing the individual health benefits of turmeric and coffee, but no studies prove its benefits as a concoction. However, some studies show the benefits of taking golden spice.
1. May calm inflammation
According to research, turmeric can reduce inflammation that causes several health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The cinnamon and ginger in turmeric lattes have also been found to reduce inflammation and soothe the pain and redness caused by joint inflammation.
2. May improve your mood
The energizing jolt of coffee and the potential antidepressant property of curcumin could lift your mood.
3. May lower blood sugar
According to research in the 2018 issue of the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, curcumin may help with blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes. Managing blood sugar can help prevent diabetes complications like heart and kidney diseases, nerve damage, and vision problems. Make sure not to add too much sugar or honey to your golden latte.
4. May ease digestive woes
A 2018 research review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows that turmeric may relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), like diarrhea, bloating, or painful stomach cramps. However, the researchers said that bigger studies are needed.
A small study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology also suggests that along with prescription treatment, curcumin can help soothe symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
5. May lower heart disease risk
According to a 2020 study published in Biotechnology Advances, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Shanta Retelny says turmeric coffee should not be used to replace medical treatments. The caffeine in turmeric coffee may also cause irritability, lack of focus, heartbeat irregularities, and sleep troubles when overdosed.
Golden latte recipe
Combine 8 ounces of coconut milk, stevia or honey, a pinch of turmeric, and a dash of cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir. Remove from heat when it’s warmed to ideal drinking temperature and froth to your liking.
Turmeric coffee recipe
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together 1/2 cup dairy or plant-based milk, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of black pepper, and 8 ounces of brewed coffee. Briskly blend or whisk. Add maple syrup to sweeten.
Via The Healthy