This delicious golden milk is a favourite of mine any time of the year but as winter approaches, and I ramp up my consumption of immune boosting foods, this becomes a daily ritual. Besides tasting delicious this nutritious, antioxidant rich latte supports immune function, digestion and detoxification. Taken at night this soothing blend can also aid relaxation and sleep.
So why is Turmeric Mylk such a health tonic?
Turmeric
Many studies show that curcumin (the active component of Turmeric) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immune boosting effects which may help in the prevention of chronic disease.
Black Pepper
Piperine (the active component in black pepper) can significantly increase bioabsorption of curcumin. In fact, studies show curcumin absorption increased by up to 2000% when taken in combination with piperine.
Healthy Fat
Turmeric is fat-soluble so mixing a fat source such as coconut oil, olive oil or ghee will also improve absorption.
Ginger
Best known for its anti-microbial properties, helping with digestive upsets and nausea, ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory and exhibits cancer fighting properties. Gingerols (an active component in Ginger) also act as a bioenhancer promoting intestinal absorption of curcumin.
Cinnamon
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mircobial, immune boosting and anti-diabetic. Studies indicate that consuming one gram of cinnamon daily can help lower blood sugar by 20%.
Turmeric Latte Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup Unsweetened vegan mylk: (Oat, Hemp, Coconut or Nut)
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (1.2g) ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (1.2g) ground ginger
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp coconut oil
Raw or Manuka honey (optional)
Method
1. Add to blender: milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, pepper and blend until creamy 2. Pour mixture into a small pan and gently heat/simmer for 5 minutes
3. Add the coconut oil
4. Stir throughout and do not allow the mixture to boil
If you don't have a blender you can use a milk frother to combine and aerate the mixture in the pan (handheld ones work great and are very cheap).
5. Strain milk through a sieve into a mug
6. If sweetening, stir in a little Manuka honey to taste
7. Sprinkle with cinnamon, cacao or bee pollen
Sometimes I add cardamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cacao or paprika to spice it up and give a different tone. Find your favourite blend and enjoy.
Caution
The bio-enhancing properties of this drink may interact with prescription medications. If you take regular medication please check with your doctor before drinking. If you are taking blood thinners you should avoid ginger and turmeric completely.