Healthy Diet: This Moon Milk At Night May Help Induce Good Sleep

Let's admit it - all we need after a long tiring day is a sound sleep. A good sleep at night is essential for proper functioning of our mind and body. Hence, health experts have time and again advised seven to eight hours of sleep daily to recharge ourselves. But there are times when we face trouble in sleeping and spend the whole night tossing and turning in our bed. One of the most common reasons can be stress or anxiety. Adding on to this, a study by the University of Washington in Seattle has found that this form of sleep deprivation may further lead to weaker immune system.

Hence, we bring you a milk-based beverage - 'moon milk' - which may inspire a blissful sleep. This drink is made with Indian spices like ashwagandha, nutmeg, turmeric etc that not only relaxes our mind and body, but also helps to build strong immune system. You may consider moon milk to be a distant cousin of the much treasured 'haldi doodh'.

Also Read: Ashwagandha Tea: This Herbal Tea May Help Promote Your Strength And Immunity

According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta, "this drink is ideal for calming down your senses. If we talk about the basic ingredients of moon milk - nutmeg, ashwagandha and milk - all of these are known to be packed with nutrients that help in de-stressing and inducing sleep. At night, the body goes in that physiological state where the internal healing process starts. So inclusion of these nutritional ingredients will help in accelerating the process."

Also Read: 7 Incredible Nutmeg Benefits: From Inducing Sleep to Relieving Pain

Although it can be customised as per your wish, here's a simple recipe of moon milk that can be prepared with bare minimum ingredients. But before that, let's take a look at the health benefits of these ingredients:

• Milk - As per Rupali Datta, "milk is rich in an amino acid called tryptophan, known for inducing better sleep." Milk is also packed with several essential nutrients (like protein, vitamin, calcium etc), which are dubbed to promote strength and overall health.
• Ashwagandha - This traditional herb is known for its medicinal properties since ages. According to Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath, "Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps our body to fight any kind of stress and anxiety. It is also known for balancing the functioning of our body." The roots of this herb are generally used for medicinal purposes and are known to aid overall immunity, strength and vitality.
• Turmeric - Turmeric is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. Rupali Dutta further stated that turmeric has carmative effects which aid better digestion and metabolism, promoting overall health.
• Nutmeg - As per the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, nutmeg is an adaptogen, which can work as a sedative to our body. It can help you de-stress and relax, improving the sleep quality.

Also Read: Haldi (Turmeric) Milk: Celeb Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar Shares Guidelines On How To Consume It

Here's The Recipe Of Moon Milk:

Ingredients:

Milk- 1 glass

Ashwagandha powder-  1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder- 1/2 teaspoon

Nutmeg powder- a pinch

Edible coconut oil- 1 teaspoon (optional)

Method:

Step 1. Heat the milk in medium/low flame. Add ashwagandha, turmeric and nutmeg to it. Switch off the flame and close the lid.

Step 2. Let the spices infuse in the milk for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3. Add coconut oil and whisk well. You may also add some sugar, palm sugar, honey or maple syrup to the milk if you want.

Step 4. Pour the milk in a glass and drink before you go to bed.

If you are on a plant-based diet, you may replace the whole milk with coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk or any other vegan milk.

Stay healthy, stay safe!