Indians Have Been Drinking This Turmeric-Saffron Milk For Centuries To Fight Inflammation And Disease

by Healthy Holistic Living

Indian cuisine is beloved around the world for its use of aromatic spices, but these ingredients do a lot more for our bodies than just entice our taste buds. If you go to any Indian household, you’re likely to find a wide array of medicines using these spices. From infections to inflammation, as well as depression and even cancer, this delicious health elixir is known for its valuable healing properties. This recipe is fitting for every season and for treating many ailments.

History of Indian Spices

As early as 3000 BCE, India was known as the heartland of the spice trade. Spices native to India (such as cardamom and turmeric) were cultivated as early as the 8th century BCE from the gardens of Babylon. Medical texts of Charaka (1st century) and Susruta II (2nd century) referenced spices and herbs.

Susruta II used spices such as cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and saffron for curative purposes. Spices such as cardamom were comprised in ancient herbal medicines for various health benefits. (1) To this day, these five spices are still used in cooking and medicine in many Indian households.
Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most powerful nutritional supplements currently in existence. It contains the medicinal compound curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. Curcumin also improves brain function, as it feeds neutrophils. Turmeric also increases the antioxidant levels of the body, which is thought to cause a decreased risk of cancer. (2)

Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke damage have been treated with healthy doses of turmeric, and curcumin has been shown to be neuroprotective, crossing the blood-brain barrier to regenerate brain stem cells.

Saffron

Saffron is thought to be a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, depression, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual discomfort. Rich in potassium, saffron is known to repair and produce cells, increasing red blood cell count. Saffron also contains high levels of serotonin, boosting mood and suppressing appetite, making it an effective weight loss supplement and antidepressant.

Topical applications of saffron have shown to clear and soften skin, making skin fairer and less prone to acne and blemishes. Rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin C, saffron can be used as a supplement for optimal health. (3)

Raw Milk

In India, it has been a tradition to use raw milk for generations. Pasteurized milk is the kind of milk we usually consume, but the process of heating can destroy powerful nutrients and enzymes that our body needs. (4) Despite the benefits of raw milk, you’re unlikely to find it at your local grocery store.

The dairy milk in the Western world is not of the best quality, so we recommend using non-dairy milk. In this recipe, we use cashew milk, but you can use almond milk, hemp milk, coconut milk or rice milk. All of these variations of milk are much more natural and healthy than dairy.

Additional Benefits

This turmeric-saffron-cashew milk beverage also contains cinnamon and cardamom, which are also incredibly healthy spices. Cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels and the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Cinnamon also boosts the immune system, protecting the body against bacterial and fungal infections. (5)

Cardamom, similar to ginger, can counteract digestive problems and eliminates waste from the kidneys. If you suffer from acid reflux, bloating, nausea or indigestion, cardamom can help you overcome these symptoms of poor digestion. (6)

Saffron-Turmeric-Cashew Milk Recipe

This recipe will create a quick and flavorful beverage that can be beneficial for inflammation, diabetes, menstrual cramps or low mood. If you aren’t suffering from these conditions, the drink is still a delicious way to ensure your body is absorbing your daily required vitamins and nutrients. The prep time for this recipe is less than five minutes! (7)

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashew milk
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1-2 teaspoon raw honey or coconut sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2 green cardamom seeds
• 8-10 strands saffron
• 2 tablespoons pistachios for garnish

Directions

• Blend all the ingredients in a high-power blender. Adjust according to taste preference.
• Serve cold or warm. Top with pistachios and a few extra strands of saffron (optional)

Conclusion

The combination of these ancient Indian spices provides a wonderful boost to your health, and it tastes incredible. Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think. Click here for another amazing turmeric recipe.

Article sources:
Iyer Abishek, Panchal Sunil, Poudyal Hemant, Brown Lindsay. Potential Health Benefits of Indian Spices in the Symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Review. Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics. 2009 Dec; 46(6): 467-481.
Singletary, K. (2010, September/October). Turmeric. Nutrition Today, 45(5), 216-225. doi:10.1097/nt.0b013e3181f1d72c
Melnyk, J. P., Wang, S., & Marcone, M. F. (2010, October). Chemical and biological properties of the world’s most expensive spice: Saffron. Food Research International, 43(8), 1981-1989. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2010.07.033
Oliver, S. P., Boor, K. J., Murphy, S. C., & Murinda, S. E. (2009, September 8). Food Safety Hazards Associated with Consumption of Raw Milk. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 6(7), 793-806. doi:10.1089/fpd.2009.0302
Askari, F., Rashidkhani, B., & Hekmatdoost, A. (2014, February). Cinnamon may have therapeutic benefits on lipid profile, liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Nutrition Research, 34(2), 143-148. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2013.11.005
Sengottuvelu, S. (2011, December). Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Linn. Maton) Seeds in Health. Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention, 285-291. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-375688-6.10034-9
Minocha, N. (2016, August 29). Saffron Turmeric Cashew Milk. Retrieved November 22, 2016.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Every Day is Earth Day