Every trend-setting drink has its moment. Right now, ‘turmeric latte’ is soaking in the glory of being a global health fad.
For the uninitiated, this ‘cuppa glow’ is a rage in the US, UK, Australia, even South Africa - ‘golden milk’ to those in the know is made from cold pressed turmeric, almond and milk.
Okay, enough jargon - feeding on the ‘clean eating trend’, the West hijacked our good, ol’ haldi dhoodh, gave it a fancy makeover and are calling a staple Ayurvedic concoction, ‘turmeric latte’! The trend is invading their mainstream cafes, their instagram feeds and replacing coffee, as the cult choice of 2016.
Kill me now!
Kinda strikes me that on hot summer days, my daadi fed me chilled sattu and I can do the same to my kid while christening it ‘Organic Oatmeal’. Posh, na? But really, after homemade dahi, desi ghee, coconut oil, turmeric is the spice which has hit it big in the developed world - which also goes to show that nearly zero trends originate in America.
And now since the goras are swapping their morning coffee for a dose of the yellow stuff, here’s a reminder of why you should give the chai a miss for some good, old nostalgia power packed with nutrients:
1. Keeps the Brain Young. Does This Explain Why Indians Have a Low Alzheimer’s Rate?
Now curcumin (not cumin) is a component of turmeric, which Indians have been using in cooking since centuries.
2.It Has Anti-Cancer Properties
You spend hundreds on a small flower of broccoli, which quite frankly is pretty insipid, when the multifaceted, quintessential Indian spice is lurking in your kitchen cabinet. From cleaning infections to reducing inflammation, turmeric has all the healing powers, which even modern medicine has recognized.
A study done by the University of California in 2014 found that concentrated amounts of ‘curcumin’, the main component of turmeric, has the ability to block an enzyme that promotes the growth of many cancers.
Today, ‘curcuma longa’ or ‘curcuma domestica’ are reliable drugs given to many cancer patients in addition with chemotherapy.
A 2006 study by the University of Arizona examined the effects of turmeric on rats with rheumatoid arthritis and were amazed to the significant reduction in inflammation.
3. It Might Ward Off Heart Attacks
Turmeric is truly the super spice it’s hailed to be. Of course it is not a substitute for medication, nor can it ward off heart disease in a single dash but a 2012 study done in Thailand found that the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can contribute to as much as 65 percent lower chance of heart attack among bypass patients.
It also cuts down levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body, whilst increasing the levels of ‘good’ cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol means you are less at risk of developing serious health conditions, from heart attacks to strokes.
4. It’s Great For the Skin Too!
You gotto give it to our forefathers for coming up with a sort of a spa day for the bride and groom before the traditional Hindu wedding. Afterall, haldi does wonders for the skin, making it glow and supple like sunshine, its anti-bacterial properties make it great for blemishes and acne.
Bit of a side note, while a turmeric pack will leave your face dewy and beautiful, don’t freak out when your t-shirt, sink, the mixing bowl and spoons are all a giant orange squish. There is a reason why turmeric is still used as a natural dye in most parts of India, so if you need to preserve your mani, just use gloves.
5. It Boosts Metabolism and Suppresses Fat
According to research conducted by Tufts University, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may help to suppress body fat growth and reduce weight gain, and might provide a boost for metabolism.
That’s it, we are sold!
Riding the hipster wave to make a turmeric shot.
Cheers!
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)