The theme of this month seems to be hot beverages! This turmeric drink is both comforting and healthy, as it's full of antioxidants.
Most people have heard of the many benefits of turmeric. My Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner prescribed me turmeric twice a day, and my husband takes it as well. Along with other diet changes, this has resulted in minimal to no knee pain in the last 6 months (I've had two knee-surgeries in the past - both soccer injuries)! I don’t know if it’s the turmeric or not, but even if it’s a placebo affect, I’ll take it!
The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, so you made see this word more often when looking at supplement ingredients. Curcumin has great anti-inflammatory effects and is also a strong antioxidant. There are many studies that include turmeric as an alternative or supplemental treatment for a wide variety of disease processes, including arthritis, rheumatic disorders, lipid management, asthma, ulcerative colitis, and more.
If you’re looking for a way to get more antioxidants into your diet, simply like the taste of turmeric, or want to know what the buzz is all about, then check out this recipe! Feel free to leave the protein powder out (I love it because it helps me reach my daily protein goals) and substitute the water for cow or dairy-free milk to make it a latte. I found that more than a half teaspoon of each spice made it too thick – but experiment and make it your own!
For those who like their drinks sweet, a tablespoon of pure maple syrup is probably just right; add more or less to taste. You could also add other spices to give it even more of an antioxidant punch, such as cardamom or cinnamon.
High Protein Turmeric Tea/Latte
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp powdered ginger
2 Tbsp Naked Nutrition Rice Protein Powder (about 30g)
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp maple syrup or other sweetener
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
8 oz hot water (swap with dairy free milk for a creamier drink)
Directions: Place turmeric, ginger, and cayenne, and protein powder in a heat-proof mug. Heat water on stovetop or in microwave. Pour hot water over protein powder; blend with spoon or frother. Add sweetener and vanilla extract. Stir. Sip and enjoy the antioxidants!
Note: Depending on your type of protein powder, nutrition values will vary. 2 Tbsp gets me about 10g protein!
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