The importance of sleep is often underestimated, especially that of good quality sleep. We get it, it’s hard to slow down after a busy day. Fortunately, we can take small steps during the day and before bedtime to make sure that we get up in the morning full of energy.
Why is sleep so important?
When we’re stuck in the productivity mindset, we might forget about the importance of sleep. We think setting our alarm at 5AM will solve all of our productivity problems, while it could actually do the opposite. While we sleep, our brain stores and processes new information - this is why it’s fundamental to get a good night’s sleep both before and after we have to do an important task.
Sleep also affects the mood. In fact, we are more able to be aware and control our emotions when we’ve had a full night of sleep. Moreover, sleeping soundly throughout the night improves immunity. This means that you’ll be more protected from falling ill when you come in contact with a virus or bacteria, and it’s going to take less time to recover.
The benefits of Golden Milk
Golden Milk, just like chai, is a drink that originated in India and that is now conquering the taste buds of the world. It’s not only about the taste, it’s also about the many health benefits that are associated with Golden Milk. Turmeric is the main ingredient and source of benefits, but also milk, cinnamon and cardamom have properties.
1. It is packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants are found in abundance in the three main ingredients of Golden Milk - turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom.
2. It helps with digestion
We’ve all been there at least once. We have an abundant dinner and then we have disturbed sleep because we’re having troubles digesting. Golden Milk could help you with that. Both turmeric and cardamom support digestion thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has also been used for centuries in Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine to treat poor digestion.
3. It supports immunity
Curcumin is what gives turmeric its characteristic orange color, but not only. Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties and it could have a beneficial effect against allergies, asthma, and diabetes to name a few. In the same way, cinnamon, cardamom, and milk support immunity as well. Milk in particular gives the body proteins necessary to fight off diseases.
4. It promotes sleep
In Ayurveda, turmeric is often used to help with sleep quality and as a mood stabilizer. Milk is also fundamental when it comes to maximizing the benefits of Golden Milk. In fact, milk contains amino acids that have been proven to promote sleep.
5. It is the perfect ritual before bedtime
Having a bedtime routine has been proven to help falling asleep faster and improving sleep quality, both in children and adults! Preparing Golden Milk can become your next bedtime ritual. Here’s a tip: while preparing it and drinking it, try to do only that, and concentrate on each step and sip you take.
How to make Golden Milk
Golden Milk is very simple to make and it has many variations. You can have it with any type of milk and sweetener you prefer. Other than Ami’s Golden Milk, you’ll find a version with ginger and a version with ginger and black pepper.
Warm up a cup per person of your favorite milk (we like to use coconut milk for it’s natural sweetness) - do not let it boil.
Add 1 tsp of Golden Milk
Stir well
Pour into a cup (you can drink it as it is or use a sieve if you don’t want any lump)
Sit back, and enjoy!
Here’s a video where you can see how Golden Milk is made.
Happy sipping!