We’re always looking for healthy, delicious drinks. Living in a world where Starbucks and Coke products are all around us can be hard for people with blood sugar concerns. They are tempting, and people are thirsty. When staying hydrated, it can be hard not to feel deprived when so many appealing things are packed with sugar. That’s why we explore so many drink options. We never want our customers to feel left out or lack choices.
We also like to look at the science behind “superfoods.” If you have spent time on our blog, you know we hate the term superfood. Food can help you achieve your health aims. A healthy diet of foods filled with vitamins, minerals and nutrients can aid you. But no one food can do it all. They aren’t magical. So when we hear that something is a superfood, we want to know what it is and what it really does.
Golden milk is a little different than most superfoods — it’s not one ingredient being hyped as the next big thing. It has been drunk in India for centuries and has been popping up in the last few years in America as a “turmeric latte.” Made with milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and a sweetener, it’s a tasty warm drink that can replace coffee.
Unlike most superfoods, you can pick your own milk and sweetener when you make golden milk. That changes the nutrition and benefits of it. Using skim milk will reduce calories, but some people want fat. Some folks like using plant-based milks to fit their dietary needs. It is a very versatile drink.
There have been no large studies on the health impact of golden milk. Any claims that it can achieve a health goal are unproven. However, the benefits of the ingredients are well known.
Ginger, turmeric and cinnamon all have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation in the body can help prevent or manage conditions like arthritis, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and some cancers. Curcumin is found in high levels in turmeric and is an antioxidant that aids cell health. Some studies also suggest that curcumin aids mood. Ginger, turmeric and cinnamon are known to aid blood sugar. Enjoying golden milk may help lower fasting blood sugar.
Many benefits of the drink are more basic or common sense. If you are using dairy milk, it can help boost bone health because of vitamin D. Ginger and cinnamon are home readies for colds, so the drink may boost the immune system. Some claim that the ginger in the drink can aid digestion and help an upset stomach. But it’s important to note that high levels of curcumin can cause stomach cramping and diarrhea if you drink large amounts of it.
It’s not hard to make. It’s a delicious and healthy drink. As it can upset your stomach in large quantities, it’s important to only drink a cup a day. And it’s important to remember that it has calories. Even if you use a noncaloric sweetener, it still has calories from the milk. Until studies are done, it’s impossible to tell if the combination of the ingredients makes it an especially healthy drink. But, as far as drinks that aren’t water go, it’s very healthy!
