Spoonful of common spice could help fight off cancer and reduce signs of ageing

Experts are recommending people try 'golden milk' due to all the health benefits it can provide. 'Golden milk' - which is a mixture of curcumin and milk - is common in places like India, but is growing increasingly popular in Western cultures due to people learning of its health boosting perks.

On social media, many people have been sharing clips of the traditonal drink. Some have even been whipping it up into a delicious-looking latte.

The various benefits of drinking 'golden milk' come from its main active ingredient - curcumin. It has such powerful anti-inflammatory effects that some studies even suggest the effects of curcumin are comparable to those of some pharmaceutical drugs.

Curcumin has also been shown to increase the body's antioxidant capacity. Oxidative damage and free radicals are believed to be one of the mechanisms behind accelerating signs of aging and several chronic diseases.

Curcumin, a key polyphenol found in food, plays a crucial role in lowering oxidative stress and balancing different bodily functions. It has the ability to decrease intracellular lipid peroxidation and enhance the body's antioxidant capabilities for a longer lifespan.

Other studies have also demonstrated that taking curcumin supplements can help protect the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory functions in the brain.

Besides curcumin, other 'golden milk' recipes include cinnamon and ginger. Both of these also have impressive antioxidant properties as well, boosting what's going into your body.

Ginger and cinnamon could help lower blood sugar levels. A small, daily dose of ginger may also lower hemoglobin A1C levels by up to 10% - a marker of long-term blood sugar control, according to one scientific study.

Some research also suggested that the spices used in golden milk may offer some benefits inthe fight against cancer. A study attributed anti-cancer properties to 6-gingerol, a substance found in large amounts in raw ginger.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may also kill isolated cancer cells in a test tube and prevent the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, limiting their ability to spread.

Golden milk may be good for your brain, too. Studies show that curcumin may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a compound that helps your brain form new connections and promotes the growth of brain cells.

Curcumin may help reduce symptoms of depression, too. However, more research is needed.

Ginger has been shown to boost brain function by improving reaction time and memory. In animal studies, ginger appeared to protect against age-related brain function loss.

For those not convinced about raiding the spice cupboard, the drink has been compared in tastes to chai tea or chai tea latte. It's main aim is to soothe the body rather than stimulate it, making this an ideal drink to have in the evening.

Beyond basic tumeric and milk, the recipe can be built up with several add-ins to make the drink match your tastes and needs. Enhancing your beverage with other spices like nutmeg which has a high content of magnesium or something sweeter like a dash of maple syrup or honey.

Adding in a few grinds of black pepper will unlock extra health benefits that would otherwise be lost. The common table seasoning contains piperine - a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%.

There are plenty of recipes online to craft this naturally sweetened drink at home. Turmeric milk is traditionally made with cow's milk. However, you can use any alternatives - like oat, soy and almond.

Once you have the base ingredients, it's easy to start experimenting and finding what a perfectly blended golden milk means for you. Here's a basic method to try yourself with full directions:

Pour 250ml of your milk of choice into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat

Add in 1tsp of ground turmeric, a pinch of black pepper and any other spices and sweeteners you want to add to the mix

Allow to simmer for ten minutes so the flavours can mix and develop fully

Pour into a cup, allow to cool a little and get sipping

To transform your warm turmeric milk into a latte, as soon as the milk is in the saucepan whisk it gently with a hand whisk or a milk frother tool over the same gentle heat to 'froth' the milk. People online are also serving their drinks cold - like an iced coffee as there is no suggestion that having this over ice removes any health benefits.