9 Amazing Turmeric Latte Benefits

Turmeric Latte or the vibrantly colored "Golden Milk" is the latest health drink of the west that is being held up by celebrities and commoners alike. It is very much inspired by the classic Indian beverage Haldi Milk that has been the proven home remedy for everything right from pains and headaches, cough and cold to bacterial and viral infections. Unlike the classic milk and turmeric combination, the turmeric latte is prepared by mixing cold-pressed turmeric juice with almond, cashew or coconut milk. It has turned out as a popular alternative for coffee and tea.

Golden Turmeric Latte Recipe

There are many variations of the turmeric latte and different restaurants different types of spices which creates a variation in flavor. In this article, we present to you the most popular recipe of turmeric latte. This drink is marked for its yellowish-white color, rich and creamy taste and distinct spicy aromas.

Serving - 1 Cup

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened almond or coconut milk - 1 cup
• Fresh grated turmeric root - 1 heaping tablespoon
• Cinnamon powder - 1 teaspoon
• Grated fresh ginger root - 1 tablespoon
• Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon
• Raw honey/Sweetener of choice
• Pinch of black pepper (optional)

Method:

Heat the almond or coconut milk in a sauce pan over low flame. Be careful not to boil the milk. Add the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon and then add the coconut oil to it. Use a whisk or immersion blender to blend the mixture. Now, add the honey or sweetener of your choice, sprinkle some cinnamon powder and enjoy your health drink.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Latte

Majority of the turmeric latte benefits can be attributed to the bioactive compound curcumin present in turmeric.

Safe and Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Action:

The primary pharmacological agent Curcumin found in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory effects that are more powerful as compared to anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcumin fights chronic inflammation that reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases. The pinch of black pepper added to the turmeric latte promotes the absorption of curcumin from turmeric.

Improved Brain Functions:

Curcumin present in the turmeric latte increases the level of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) that not only improves brain function, but also reduces the risk of brain diseases. Decreased levels of BDNF have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, depression and age-related decrease in brain function. Curcumin can also improve memory and intelligence.

Cancer Prevention:

The potent antioxidants actions of turmeric latte has the capacity to protect the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals that can damage the cellular DNA, which in turn reduces the risk of certain types of cancer. Mutation in the DNA of the cells can lead to the formation of cancerous cells more rapidly. Curcumin present in turmeric also destroy mutated cancer cells so that they don't spread throughout the body and do more harm. Curcumin helps to prevent cancer in numerous ways, such as - improving liver function, inhibiting the synthesis of a protein that can lead to a tumor formation and preventing additional blood supply necessary for growth of cancer cells.

Improves Heart Health:

Oxidization of cholesterol in the body leads to damage of blood vessels and formation of plaques that cause heart attack and stroke. Curcumin may prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body and slow down the progression of heart disease and atherosclerosis. Turmeric latte also contains vitamin B6 which helps to lower homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is produced during a cellular process called methylation but it has a direct damaging effect on the walls of the blood vessels.

Lowers Cholesterol Level:

Active constituent curcumin in turmeric latte reduces the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood. Curcumin signals the genes in the liver cells to increase the production of messenger proteins mRNA that direct the production of receptors for LDL cholesterol. Increased number of LDL receptors in the liver cells clear more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Relieves Pain And Swelling Of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Relieves Pain and Swelling caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis  is the powerful antioxidant effect of turmeric latte neutralizes free radicals, which otherwise travel through the body and damage the healthy cells and cell membranes. The antioxidant effect of turmeric latte is especially beneficial for disease such as arthritis where the free radicals cause joint inflammation resulting in excruciating pain and swelling. People with joint disease can find relief if they consume turmeric latte on a daily basis. It helps to relieve morning stiffness and joint swelling and prolong walking time.

Boosts Liver Function:

Curcumin present in turmeric latte promotes the liver's ability to detoxify toxic chemicals. Curcumin significantly elevates the level of two important liver detoxification enzymes which speed up the detoxification system and also mitigate the harmful effects of various dietary carcinogens. Curcumin works by inhibiting free radical damage of fats, prevents the formation of cyclooxygenase-2 (an inflammatory chemical) and boosts the formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme called glutathione S-transferase.

Aids Weight Loss and Prevents Obesity:

Curcumin present in turmeric latte aids weight loss and obesity-related diseases. The inflammation associated with weight gain and obesity is due to the immune cells called Macrophages that are present in the fat tissues all over the body. These cells produce cytokines that cause inflammation of the heart and pancreas and increase insulin resistance in the body. Turmeric can suppress the number and activity of Macrophages and lower the adverse effects of obesity.

Boosts Up the Mood:

Turmeric Latte is also beneficial for lifting up your mood and treating depression and it works as good as any antidepressant medication. Curcumin in turmeric latte increases the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and also boosts the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine that elevates the mood and prevents depression, stress and anxiety.

Turmeric Latte is delicious and healthy at the same time. It is a great way to include more turmeric in the daily diet and especially useful for those whose diet is low in this valuable spice. So, replace unhealthy beverages such as tea, coffee and soft drinks with the healthy and wholesome Turmeric Latte and enjoy it on a daily basis in order to make the most out of the health benefitting aspects of turmeric.