Fact Check: Benefits of ‘Golden Milk’ have no scientific proof; excess can cause harm
The claims on consuming 'golden milk' for relief from pains, insomnia and bloating lacks scientific evidence
By Neelambaran A Published on 30 July 2024 7:27 AM GMT
Claim: Consuming golden milk can reduce bloating, inflammation, insomnia, muscle, bone and menstrual pain
Fact: The claim is misleading and the quantity of spices recommended can have a negative impact.
An Instagram video claims that drinking ‘golden milk’ (haldi milk) every day helps in curing bloating, inflammation, insomnia, and muscle, bone and menstrual pain. Boiled milk mixed with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper powder is claimed to extend these benefits.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading since there is no conclusive evidence on the claims. However, the spices mentioned in the mix possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and could help in reducing bloating, inflammation, insomnia and pains, depending on the individual’s medical disposition and cause.
Dr Banu Priya A, consultant physician and diabetes specialist at Kamineni Hospitals said, “All the ingredients suggested in the mixture have medicinal benefits. They are primarily anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, which help reduce the pains and bloating.”
Dr Ramya Kadiyala Theja, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals said, “There are claims by online wellness experts of the golden milk having some potential benefits. But there are no studies available on this aspect.”
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric being an important ingredient in Indian food, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, resulting in reduced inflammation and healthy outcomes.
“But there is no proof of how it happens. Some claim that curcumin in turmeric is the reason for the benefit. There is no harm in consuming turmeric as long as they are taken from natural sources and not the adulterated ones available in the market,” Dr Ramya said.
Household items can remove free radicals from the body
The video also claims that drinking golden milk mixed with a teaspoon of honey also helps in curing insomnia. “Any warm drink, including milk, helps in inducing sleep. Just like helping in reducing the pains, the mixture when consumed warm can lead to sound sleep,” Dr Banu Priya said.
The antioxidant properties of the mixture can help in reducing the impact of free radicals in the human body, produced by body metabolism, pollution, smoking, radiation and medication.
“With age the human body loses the capacity to fight the effects of free radicals, leading to more damage to cells, even leading to cancer. Consuming more antioxidants can help in fighting this problem,” Dr Banu Priya said.
Quantity of consumption is crucial
However, the doctors warned about the quantity of ingredients recommended in the video.
“If the drink is to be taken daily, the maximum quantity shall be 1 gram of each ingredient. Consuming a higher amount can even turn good home remedies and medications into poison,” Dr Banu Priya said.
