It’s the end of the day, and I am getting ready to slow down and tuck in for the evening. As I settle in, I am often looking for a warm treat. And while the 10-year-old in me would like that to be a hot chocolate, the sugar and caffeine get me jittery and wired. How about something that is just as creamy and satisfying that comes with a whole slew of health benefits? A friend introduced me to Golden Milk, and I have been hooked ever since.

Golden Milk isn’t really milk at all, but a mixture of tumeric with coconut milk and/or coconut oil. Turmeric comes from a plant that is the member of the ginger family and is best known as a primary ingredient in Indian curry powder, giving it its yellow color. Curcumin, the most active constituent of turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory, considered therapeutically beneficial for its anti-cancer properties, its ability to regulate blood sugars, and more. Tumeric has been a part of the traditional Chinese medicine pharmacopeia as a pain reliever for centuries. While helpful during times of acute pain, the real benefit is in prevention, which is why having a cup daily is a great idea.

And it isn’t just the tumeric that is beneficial. Coconut milk has medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which easily cross cell membranes and are converted quickly into energy rather than being stored as fat. MCFAs have been shown to help your body regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss.

And the best part? It is delicious and satisfying! I have found it available prepared at local co-ops, if you prefer not to spend time in the kitchen, but if you’d like to make your own, read on!

This article from Dr. Weil summarizes the benefits of golden milk and includes a recipe that uses fresh turmeric, and this Mercola article goes into greater detail of the benefits of turmeric and coconut oil, and includes a recipe for Golden Paste, which you can make with ground turmeric, ground black pepper, and coconut oil. Once the paste is made, it keeps in your fridge for a quick cup of Golden Milk whenever the fancy strikes. I often like adding a little fresh ginger and cinnamon. The flavors taste wonderful together, and both ginger and cinnamon have warming properties that strengthens digestion, decreases bloating, and keep you feeling warm during this cold season.

Cheers to your health!

[written by Julie]