The latest entrant to the ‘Functional Foods’ club is the Turmeric Latte. A beautiful concoction of golden turmeric juice and nutty milk, the turmeric latte is an exceptionally healthy and nutritious drink. Certainly, a healthier upgrade to its caffeinated cousin – Café Latte!

Turmeric is a food plant whose root stalk has traditionally been used in Asian countries like India, Indonesia, and China, as a cooking ingredient in curries and rice recipes. The vibrant yellow Turmeric is used generally as a powder, and sometimes even fresh. Because of its multiple health benefits, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicines, and in the ancient Indian medicine system called Ayurveda.

In fact, in Asian countries mothers have always given their children a mix of hot milk, pepper and turmeric to ward off cold and increase immunity. However, the Turmeric Latte is a vegan twist on the same recipe. Instead of using dairy milk, people are often using nut-based milk, like almond, cashew or coconut milk, along with cold pressed juice of turmeric.

The ‘curcumin’ effect
Turmeric has an active compound known as ‘curcumin’, which imparts maximum benefit. The compound is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It also has pain relieving properties and is often used in treating burns and cuts. It is even known to treat neuropathic pain. Curcumin is especially useful in postoperative care and is known to improve the immunity of the body.

Turmeric Helps Fight Multiple Diseases

• Turmeric is an effective in controlling bloating and helping digestion. It does this job by clearing the digestive tract of harmful bacterial infections and therefore by aiding in a smooth digestive process. It is also used to treat symptoms and effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – like reducing abdominal pain and improving bowel movement.
• Turmeric is useful in treating problems associated with arthritis. It alleviates joint pain and improves joint functions. Turmeric also helps in the healing process of fractures by protecting the bone cells and tissue and aiding in the regeneration process.
• Brain health can also be aided by Turmeric. Turmeric is often used in treating Alzheimer’s as it helps in reducing beta-amyloid plaques and metal chelating activity. It is also helpful in Parkinson’s disease as it helps prevent the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, which is a protein that contributes to the buildup of the disease.
• Turmeric is also used in aiding weight loss and in the management of diabetes. It improves metabolic rate as well as reduces inflammation which helps in weight loss . Turmeric also helps in reducing glucose levels as well as improving the functioning of the pancreas which helps in managing diabetes. If taken at the right stage of pre-diabetes, turmeric could even prevent the onset of diabetes!
• The properties of turmeric are especially useful for women and their reproductive health. This is because turmeric is a phytoestrogen (a type of plant estrogen). This is why turmeric helps with conditions related to PMS- it alleviated pain and helps in dealing with mood swings.
• One of the most popular uses of Turmeric is for skincare and treatment of skin diseases. Turmeric’s antioxidant properties protect the skin and make it glow. Turmeric is also used in treating diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Golden Milk Turmeric Latte

Turmeric is used in multiple forms – powder, gels, supplements, and fresh roots. Turmeric Latte is often made by mixing cold pressed juice of fresh turmeric with nut milk. Using a nut milk base avoids the issues related to lactose intolerance. Nut milk also has several benefits; coconut milk is rich in Lauric Acid which aids in fat loss, and almond milk is rich in vitamins and is free of saturated fat. Apart from the health benefits, the mix of Turmeric with nut milk has a pleasing taste, especially when topped with cinnamon.

Turmeric Latte truly is golden milk with rich health benefits!