How Golden Milk Can Keep You Out of (Health) Trouble

Enjoying some flavorful and healthy golden milk.

Golden milk.

I know, it sounds a bit over-the-top magical, a name that might better be suited for a Disney character/drink that turns dreary days into ones that are filled with amber sunrises and sparkling sunsets. It's not just milk, it's "golden" milk. With a name like this, it better be good, and good for us, right?

Well, never one to resist new recipes and foods  -- whether it's the butter-in-coffee trend or eating a strange-looking fruit -- I jumped on the Golden Milk bandwagon. Truth is, I actually like the name and in the end, yes, it is good for us. 

It's also super easy to make. Under 10 minutes, plus no need for turning on the stove or whipping out a juicer. All that's needed is a saucepan, almond milk and some key spices.

Golden Milk Recipe

To make one serving, simply put one cup of almond milk (I used unsweetened) in a small saucepan. Heat it on a low setting while adding these other ingredients to the milk:

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon local honey

Black pepper to taste (I just used a pinch)

Ginger to taste (I opted for ground, but fresh, grated ginger will work as well)

Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut oil (of course I added this; I love coconut oil!)

Bring everything to a light boil, pour, let cool to an ideal sipping temperature (much like you'd wait before drinking a cup of hot tea or coffee).

That's all there is to it!

---

What's does Golden Milk Taste Like?

Well, I'm not going to lie. It has some kick, but not in that "oh crap, I accidentally put too much wasabi on my sushi" way. Personally, I don't mind spicy foods.  I used to frequent a hot sauce shop years ago and came to love (obsess over?) a fire-roasted garlic habanero flavor. Dee-licious. But not to worry. This golden milk isn't anything like that sauce. The turmeric, pepper and ginger certainly give it its kick, but any spiciness is tempered by the coconut oil and the sweetness of the cinnamon and honey.

Health Benefits of Golden Milk

What I love about this milk is its many health benefits. After losing 70 pounds years ago, I'm constantly on the lookout for recipes that help me maintain a healthy weight.

However, life for me is no longer about just keeping my weight in check and obsessing about calories, but eating foods that keep my body as healthy as possible. As such, I've become more focused on spinach-infused smoothies, baked yam "potato chips," steamed broccoli with hemp seeds and spiralized zucchini "noodles" over the years.

Here's what's healthy about golden milk:

Helps Regulate Weight

Studies have shown that spices like turmeric could help prevent fat tissues from re-growing. (Now, that sounds magical, doesn't it?). It's true; a Tufts University study showed this positive effect on subjects, noting that turmeric played a role in keeping weight gain at bay.

Fights Cancer

According to the California College of Ayurveda, "Turmeric has hundreds of molecular constituents, each with a variety of biological activities. There are at least 20 molecules that are anti-biotic, 14 that are known cancer preventatives, 12 that are anti-tumor, 12 are anti-inflammatory and there are at least 10 different anti-oxidants."

Studies have shown that turmeric neutralizes cancer-causing substances in the body, making it a go-to spice for many people.

Keeps Neurological Conditions at Bay

Experts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that the cinnamon -- specifically its compounds cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin -- were linked to preventing the proteins that contribute to memory-depleting diseases from developing in the brain. Alzheimer's disease in particular has been eyed in this regard; consuming more cinnamon may help delay its onset or help reverse the condition.

Drinking this milk has also been said to help purify the skin, blood and liver, improve the gastrointestinal tract and support lung health.

What's not to love about this tasty drink? I know I'll be making it often!

Being silly and spoofing the "Got Milk?" mustache. "Got Golden Milk?"