Mumbai:Turmeric milk, or “haldi doodh”, has been around for ages in Indian homes. Turmeric milk is a common home remedy that is consumed at night, especially during changes of seasons or when a person is generally feeling discomfort in the body.
Turmeric contains a naturally occurring compound called curcumin, which has been researched for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can be mixed with milk to create a traditional beverage that many people drink at night.
What is the effect of turmeric milk on the body? Some of its possible benefits are listed below.
May Ease Joint Discomfort
Joint pain and stiffness may be caused by a variety of factors, including physical activity or medical conditions.
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies involving curcumin have been conducted to investigate its potential benefits in managing inflammation and discomfort.
For those with mild joint discomfort, turmeric milk could therefore be a soothing part of their diet. It should not, however, be used to replace prescribed medicines or medical treatment.
May Help Manage Inflammation
The body’s natural reaction to injury or infection is inflammation, which can be linked to several health issues if it becomes persistent.
The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have drawn considerable scientific attention to turmeric.
Adding turmeric to the diet could support an overall balanced diet. However, anyone suffering from ongoing or unusual swelling or inflammation should seek medical advice rather than relying solely on a home remedy.
May Help With Muscle Soreness After Exercise
It’s normal to experience muscle soreness and fatigue after a tough workout or a physically demanding day.
Studies examining the effects of curcumin have focused on its potential ability to affect muscle soreness and certain markers of muscle damage after exercise.
But there is one important point to keep in mind. The dosages and formulations of curcumin used in scientific research may vary significantly from those found in a typical glass of homemade turmeric milk. Therefore, the findings of these studies cannot automatically be applied to the drink itself.
May Support Digestion for Some People
Turmeric milk is also traditionally consumed for digestive well-being.
Turmeric may be beneficial for mild digestive discomfort in some people. However, consuming turmeric in excess can have the opposite effect and may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
If indigestion, stomach pain or other digestive issues persist, it is best to consult a healthcare professional instead of relying on turmeric milk alone.
Turmeric Contains Antioxidant Compounds
Turmeric has also received attention for its antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. One of the compounds in turmeric that has been extensively studied is curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The amount of curcumin in regular culinary turmeric, however, is not the same as the amount or formulation used in many clinical studies.
Too Much Is Not Necessarily Better
Just because turmeric is a common household ingredient does not mean that consuming it in excess will provide greater benefits.
Some people may experience gastrointestinal issues if they consume too much turmeric. Excessive consumption of turmeric milk may also cause problems such as stomach discomfort, nausea and diarrhoea in some individuals.
Thus, it is important to consume turmeric milk in moderation as part of an everyday diet.
Is It Safe to Drink Turmeric Milk Daily?
For healthy adults who do not have sensitivity to milk or turmeric, a moderate amount of turmeric milk may form part of the diet.
However, it depends on individual circumstances. People with existing health conditions, those taking medication, pregnant women or anyone who experiences discomfort after consuming turmeric or milk should seek appropriate medical advice before making turmeric milk a regular part of their routine.
Digestive symptoms may also occur in individuals who are lactose intolerant after drinking regular dairy milk.
A Traditional Drink, Not a Medical Treatment
Turmeric milk is a blend of milk and turmeric, a spice that contains compounds studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A warm glass at night can be comforting and can be included in a balanced diet if it is well tolerated.
Turmeric milk should not, however, be marketed as a beverage that can cure diseases. Any potential benefits should be considered supportive rather than therapeutic, and persistent pain, inflammation or digestive issues should be medically assessed.
