Nutrition

Delicious Health Elixir You’ll Want To Make Right Now

I had just eaten dinner, but didn’t feel satisfied. I felt like I needed one more thing, something sweet. Looking through my cupboards I realized I could easily make a Turmeric Latte with some honey for that sweetness that I need! I already had a general idea of how to make it, but I watched some videos to really make sure. I am blown away by how delicious and satisfying this drink turned out and all of the health benefits it provides!

This drink is chock full of Antioxidants. Turmeric which is the main ingredient, is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that fight cell damage, which protects your body from oxidative stress. They are essential for cell functioning. Studies consistently show that diets high in antioxidants may help lower your risk of infections and disease.

Cinnamon and ginger also have high amounts of antioxidants. Along with cell functioning, antioxidants help improve inflammation and joint pain. Chronic inflammation is considered to play a major role in most chronic diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. These anti-inflammatory effects may help in reducing joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may help lower inflammation.

Turmeric Lattes Benefit Your Brain

Curcumin has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF helps your brain create new connections and grow new brain cells. This may help prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies show that Cinnamon helps reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and in animal studies, improve brain functioning.

Brain functioning may also be improved by Ginger. It has been shown to improve reaction time and memory. In animal studies, ginger has been found to protect against age-related brain function loss.

Another thing you can add to your Turmeric Latte is coconut milk. Coconut Milk has numerous benefits besides tasking delicious, creamy, and savory, it also:

  • Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Builds muscle and helps reduce fat
  • Is rich in electrolytes and can prevent fatigue
  • Can assist in weight loss
  • Improves digestion
  • Relieves constipation

Alright, so you’ve gotten this far, now here’s how I make my Turmeric Latte! Over the stove, heat up:

  • 1/2 cup of almond milk (or whatever milk you choose)
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk, full fat from a can
  • a bunch of turmeric spice, approximately 1 tbsp. (until it the drink turns yellow, use less if you don’t like the flavor)
  • 1/2 tbsp. of ginger spice (not the spice girl)
  • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1/3 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp of cardamom
  • a few sprinkles of black pepper (adds a nice spice and helps your body absorb the benefits of the Turmeric)
  • 1 tbsp. of honey or whatever sweetener you prefer, *sweetener is not necessary, especially if your milk is sweet

Heat this up until it gets frothy and then pour it in your cute mug and enjoy!

Sources: healthline.com/nutrition/golden-milk-turmeric#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3, jamaicahospital.org/newsletter/the-benefits-of-coconut-milk/