Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Latte
Enjoy the delicious flavor of this turmeric latte while you reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, and treat your body to essential nutrients.
As Hippocrates once said, “let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”. Through conscious consumption and intentional dietary habits, we have the power to heal and treat our bodies. Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammatory conditions.
If you follow an anti-inflammatory, plant-based lifestyle, you will love the benefits of turmeric. Whether you add it as a spice to food or try out this turmeric latte recipe, your body will thank you!
“Golden Milk” Turmeric Latte
Have you ever heard of “golden milk,” an alternative name for turmeric lattés? This is due to its vibrant hue and warm yellow color. Originating in Indian kitchens, this soft, milky drink includes hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and earthy sweetness.
It is commonly used to treat a cough, cold, or respiratory tract infection. Other health benefits include:
Improves memory
Lessens pain
Fights free radicals
Lowers risk of heart disease
Helps fight depression
Helps prevent cancer
With a variety of spices and natural sweeteners, this comforting beverage packs in loads of nutrients and antioxidants. Turmeric lattes have become one of our favorite drinks to enjoy in the evening and casually throughout the day.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a bright yellow-orange spice native to Southeast Asia.
It is widely used in Indian dishes, like curry. Turmeric is a sweet-tasting spice with savory undertones. It is sold in its’ original root form and also as a powder.
You can find turmeric powder in the spice aisle at most local grocery stores and supermarkets.
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Latte
Recipe Author: Nicole Riggs
Curcuma longa (turmeric) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammatory conditions. This delicious recipe is a simple way to add more turmeric to your diet.
Equipment
Bamboo or electric hand mixer optional
Ingredients
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup hot water
3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/3 tsp vanilla extract
dash black pepper
Instructions
Add turmeric powder to a mug. If using a bamboo whisk, whisk powder to remove clumps.
Add hot water to mug and stir or whisk until well combined.
Add plant milk and mix in vanilla extract and maple syrup (or sweetener of choice).
Top with cinnamon and a dash of black pepper. Enjoy immediately!
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Turmeric/Curcumin
Through evidence-based research, the powerful spice known as turmeric has shown promising benefits related to anti-inflammation within the body.
Curcumin, turmeric’s main active compound, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory superpower.
For this reason, it has become a popular natural remedy. Many treat symptoms related to auto-immune diseases, degenerative disorders, cancers, and other conditions linked to excess inflammation with curcumin.
Turmeric can also act as a prevention against these chronic illnesses, supplying the body with extraordinary defenses that protect against oxidative damage.
Recent studies reveal that curcumin can:
Contribute to the death of cancerous cells
Reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors)
Reduce metastasis (spread of cancer)
Whether you’re on the hunt for a healthy addition to your life or looking to heal your body through holistic measures, turmeric is the spice for you.
Combining Turmeric & Black Pepper
You might be wondering – why on Earth would we include black pepper in a sweet, milky drink like this?
In short, the body does not absorb curcumin well. Consuming curcumin by itself will not reap you the extraordinary anti-inflammatory benefits you’re looking for.
However, piperine can result in the efficient absorption of curcumin. Piperine is the bioactive compound found in black pepper. Research shows that combining black pepper with turmeric can increase curcumin absorption by up to 2000%.
How does this happen? Piperine allows the easy transport of curcumin through the intestines and bloodstream. It slows the breakdown of curcumin in the liver which increases its levels in the blood.
Although the strong, savory flavors of black pepper may sound peculiar in a recipe like this, the powerful combination of these two spices can drastically increase your nutrient intake. As a result, you’ll get the most out of your turmeric latte.
