Today’s recipe may seem simple at first, but the amount of health benefits it offers is CRAZY! This turmeric latte is a great immunity booster, and it certainly looks pretty!
Naturally, it’s got turmeric, and this is what brings incredible benefits to this drink!
Tumeric Latte Benefits
Turmeric looks a lot like ginger, and it’s because it’s part of the ginger family! It’s ginger’s brighter, orange-er cousin! The biggest health benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory components. Inflammation has been linked to a number of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke. Therefore, increasing our intake of anti-inflammatory ingredients can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions. The anti-inflammatory nature of turmeric can also reduce the risk of depression.
Turmeric contains the bioactive compound curcumin, which is what brings about all of turmeric’s health benefits. However, curcumin is not bioavailable, so it is quickly metabolized and eliminated. However, black pepper contains piperine, which seriously boosts curcumin’s bioavailability (by 2000%!), so adding the black pepper will increase the health benefits of this drink!
The curcumin in turmeric is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, so it can help protect against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It also addresses the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis by improving the body’s physiological pathways. Curcumin also targets cancer cells directly, and multiple studies have demonstrated its positive effects on those with cancer.
Curcumin also has other benefits, such as supporting healthy cholesterol levels, protects against cataracts, liver damage, multiple sclerosis, and Type 2 diabetes. It can also help maintain a healthy digestive system through facilitating digestion. Curcumin also increases BDNF, which is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. This basically means that curcumin is a fantastic mood booster!
Turmeric has tons of non-food-related uses too! It was used in ancient medicine for treating eye infections and tending to wounds, burns and bites. It also emits a gorgeous color (that can stain!) which works well for cosmetics and fabrics too!
Moving on to the mighty lemon – adding lemon juice to this drink increases the health benefits! Lemons are citrus fruit and they contain tons of Vitamin C, which adds tons of antioxidants and flavonoids which have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This can stop free radical damage and is generally good for our protecting our immune system. Lemon juice can also improve blood pressure control and liver function. The citric acid in lemon juice can also reduce the risk of kidney stones as it binds the calcium in the urine.
Finally, the honey in here is antiviral and antibacterial, plus it’s super yummy!
Turmeric Latte Recipe
Preparation: 5 mins
Ingredients
- 8 oz. hot water/hot milk
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Pinch black pepper (don’t worry, it won’t make it spicy, it just activates the turmeric’s benefits!)
- Honey (to taste)
Directions
- Use water for tea, or milk for a latte
- Add in all the ingredients into a mug, and enjoy!
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to look boring!
If you recreate this recipe, be sure to post it on Instagram and tag us @lorrainekearneynutrition; we love to see you eating delicious, nutritious foods!
