Turmeric Latte - Food is Medicine
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an extremely potent and well researched anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The bioavailability (amount that is absorbed and utilised by the body) of the active component Curcumin is dramatically improved with the addition of black pepper.
The best time to have this delicious and warming drink is in the evening to help the body heal overnight.
Turmeric acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with periods pains, joint aches, digestive discomfort, and hormonal headaches. I use it with great success for hormonal acne and it can help relieve PMT.
There is also evidence that it can help with some autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. See references below.
You can also add organic turmeric to smoothies, porridge and all types of meals. Always make sure you add a pinch of black pepper and a little coconut oil to aid absorption.
To make a Turmeric latte
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup homemade almond milk or plant-based milk or unsweetened shop bought (not soya) • 1 heaped tbsp organic turmeric root, grated (or use 1 tsp organic turmeric powder) • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root (or 1/2 tsp ground) • 2 tsp coconut oil • Raw honey or coconut nectar or other sweetener of choice to taste (optional, I have it without) • Pinch of black pepper
METHOD:
Gently warm the almond or coconut milk in a small saucepan, making sure not to boil. Add the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Next, combine the coconut oil with the mixture and gently heat together until melted. Use a wire whisk or immersion blender to create foam. Continue to stir until frothy and heated through. Stir in honey or sweetener of choice to taste. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Sip, savour and enjoy.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD:
To create an extra frothy latte, pour the contents into a high-speed blender in place of a wire whisk or immersion blender.
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Beautiful Turmeric flower (Curcuma longa) - did you know it looked so gorgeous?
References
L Zeng, T Yang, K Yang, G Yu, J Li, W Xiang, H Chen - Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of 10 Types of Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 31 Randomized Controlled Trials.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35979355/ Front Immunol. 2022 Aug 1;13:896476. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.896476. PMID: 35979355; PMCID: PMC9376628.