Malaika Arora’s immunity booster is a glass of turmeric milk. Fortis Delhi liver doctor shares 4 major health benefits of haldi

Long before wellness trends and fancy superfoods entered everyday conversations, Indian kitchens relied on simple remedies passed down through generations. One such staple is a warm glass of turmeric milk, often given at the end of a long day or during seasonal illnesses. In recent years, people have started talking about it again, especially after actress Malaika Arora revealed that turmeric milk is part of her daily routine to support immunity and overall well-being.

Turmeric, commonly known as haldi, is far more than just a spice that adds colour to food. In Indian households, haldi doodh has traditionally been used to soothe sore throats, fight colds, improve sleep, and aid recovery. Over the past few years, this humble drink has gone global under names like “golden milk” or “golden latte,” bringing ancient wisdom into modern wellness culture.

Health benefits of turmeric

According to Dr Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, the real power of turmeric lies in curcumin, its active compound. Explaining its impact on health, Dr Vatsya notes that turmeric plays a key role in reducing chronic inflammation in the body.


Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which studies have shown helps reduce inflammation and lower chronic inflammation in the body.


Persistent inflammation is often linked to lifestyle-related conditions, and regular intake of turmeric may help manage issues such as arthritis, gut inflammation, and even metabolic disorders like PCOS.

Another major benefit of turmeric highlighted by the Fortis doctor is its antioxidant property. Dr Vatsya explains that curcumin helps neutralise free radicals, which are responsible for speeding up ageing and causing cellular damage. By combating oxidative stress, turmeric may slow skin ageing, reduce the risk of brain degeneration, and support long-term overall health.

Heart health is another area where haldi proves beneficial. Dr Vatsya points out that curcumin helps protect the endothelial lining of blood vessels. Since inflammation often begins in these linings, keeping them healthy can support better blood circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems over time.

How to use turmeric in daily diet?

However, simply adding turmeric powder to food may not deliver all these benefits. Dr Vatsya cautions that curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body on its own. To improve absorption, he recommends consuming turmeric with black pepper and healthy fats. Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, significantly boosts curcumin absorption, by as much as 2000 times, making the combination far more effective than turmeric alone.

This is where turmeric milk fits in perfectly. When prepared with milk, a pinch of black pepper, and ideally unprocessed turmeric, haldi doodh becomes a powerful and natural health drink. As Dr Vatsya has emphasised in his social media posts, turmeric is not just a kitchen ingredient or a passing trend; when used correctly, it supports inflammation control, antioxidant defence, metabolic balance, and heart health at a deeper level.

For many, Malaika Arora’s simple choice of turmeric milk serves as a reminder that wellness does not always require complicated routines. Sometimes, the most effective health boosters are already waiting in our kitchens.