I love coffee.
The aroma, the culture, all of it.
However, because I am quite sensitive to caffeine (it makes me anxious and jittery in all the wrong places), I save my Cafe Latte for lazy Sunday mornings only!
Instead I usually opt for a delicious Matcha tea latte, but lately that's even got me jumpy, so instead I've revisited an old favorite: Golden Milk Elixir!
This powerfully spicy, aromatic and warming elixir is full of anti-inflammatory and immune boosting spices, it's perfect for the colder months ahead.
The main ingredient, and what gives it's beautiful rich golden colour is turmeric!
Turmeric is in the same family as ginger, and has similar anti-inflammatory properties. It's effects are seen in central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, endocrine system and gastrointestinal system. It is also needed in auto-immune issues and overall immune health!
More benefits include:
Curcumin turmeric's active medicinal ingredient, by virtue of its anti-inflammatory properties helps with pain associated with PMS and also modulates brain chemicals to alleviated mood changes and depression related to PMS.
Turmeric is effective in the treatment of symptoms related to concussions.
It is helpful in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease because of it's ability to cross the blood brain barrier and its strong anti-inflammatory nature. Populations who frequently consume Turmeric, such as India, have lower incidences of Alzhimer's disease.
It alleviates pain and improves function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. There’s also preliminary evidence that curcumin, may help reduce joint pain and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies suggest that curcumin acts as a weak phytoestrogen and seems to have cancer-protective effects.
Curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer.
People in remission from ulcerative colitis who take curcumin are significantly less likely to have the disease relapse than those who don’t supplement.
Turmeric is best consumed with a fat, and a sprinkle of black pepper which increases its bio-availability.
Include this elixir as part of your daily lifestyle, perhaps even subbing it out for your afternoon coffee or tea and notice the difference in 1-3 months.
Recipe:
2 Cups almond milk or coconut milk, unsweetened 1 tsp turmeric powder (or fresh grated turmeric)
1 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
pinch of black pepper 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
Combine all the ingredients, except the honey, in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly lower the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavours to intensify. Add honey to the warm mixture just before
serving. Strain before serving.
Substitutions: For added flavour, additional spices can be used such as cloves or peppercorns.
Enjoy.
xoxoxo
