Turmeric latte – our good ol’haldiwala doodh!

Call it turmeric latte or golden milk – what is now an international food and health trend will always remain good old haldi waladoodh for us! When it comes to health benefits it bears little similarity to its caffeinated namesake. Check out why our age old desi nuska is the brand new international health fad.

Ultimate healer

Turmeric works just as effectively as any prescribed drug when it comes to treating inflammation and infections – minus any side effects. These healing, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal benefits of turmeric are attributed to the presence of curcumin, an antioxidant that fights against all kinds of bacteria ranging froma cold to viral infections thus keeping your immunity high. So the next time you are unwell, don’t just have haldiwala doodh, instead whip up your own latte version of it!

True superfood – heart health

Turmeric improves blood circulation and the supply of blood to vital organs. By doing this it helps lower the density of bad cholesterol, chances of strokes, heart attacks, formation of clots and heart problems. Better circulation of blood and a healthy cardio vascular system it is one of the best beverages you can include in a heart healthy diet plan.

Move over diamonds

Diamonds are passé – turmeric is every woman’s best friend. Besides giving you glowing skin as an ingredient in face packs, it has anti-aging properties, helps tame irregular periods and the pain that cramps bring along. Turmeric helps stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus thus easing period pain and regularizing hormones in the body. It is also known to effectively reduce chances of infertility, ovarian cancer and endometriosis.

Depression

Consuming turmericregularly in your diet is one of the most organic ways to control and fight depression. The curcumin in it helps monitor the neurotransmitters in the brain and controls how the brains responses in the most positive – side effect free way! So this vibrant bright coloured spice can quite literally brighten up your life.

Go Nuts

If you want to make your turmeric latte vegan, replace dairy milk with nondairy alternatives like – almond or coconut milk – it not only makes it favorable for people with lactose intolerance but also gives it a delicious sweet nutty taste. Add a hint of saffron, tiny pinch of cracked pepper and honey and you sure will have a drink you will love and also ‘milk’ the benefits of this healthy vegan drink – pun intended!

Pep it up with pepper

To make the most of the curcumin in your turmeric lattes, add a teeny tiny pinch of coarsely crushed black pepper to it. Pepper helps curcumin to get absorbed better by the blood stream. Simply put without the pepperine from the pepper most of the curcumin in the turmeric just passes through your digestive tract. You sure don’t want to miss out on any of the above mentioned benefits.

Sanjeev Kapoor approved recipe for turmeric latte.        

To make 4 portions of turmeric latte heat about 3 cups almond milk in a deep non-stick pan. Add ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric extract if you can) and cook on low heat for five to six minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, crushed black pepper, a table spoon of honey, some maple syrup and mix well. Transfer into cups and begin sipping away your woes!

Tell us how you like to drink your turmeric latte or should we say haldiwala doodh?