Although most people opt for coffee or tea to start the day, there are far more beneficial hot brews to boost your energy levels for the day ahead.
Turmeric Health Benefits
This super healthy beverage is based on turmeric, one of the healthiest spices on the planet. It has been found to have potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric’s potential health benefits include:
#1 Antiseptic – it destroys harmful bacteria and supports healing of cuts and superficial burns.
#2 Analgesic – it reduces swelling and eases pain, especially arthritic joint pain.
#3 Boosts immunity – the phytochemical curcumin in turmeric improves immune system function.
#4 Anti-carcinogenic – a mix of turmeric and black pepper prevents breast cancer cell growth by 50%, according to a study.
#5 Promotes digestive health – it stimulates bile secretion by the gall bladder, which is crucial for the breakdown of fats.
#6 Liver detoxifier – curcumin supplementation has shown to increase the amount of glutathione enzymes, significantly reducing free radical damage in a study of induced liver damage in rats.
#7 Regulates metabolism and weight management – turmeric changes fat cell metabolism from passive to active, stimulating your body to burn more fat as energy.
#8 High blood pressure – a curcumin supplement along with regular aerobic exercise improves heart function and increases muscle stress tolerance, according to the Journal of Hypertension.
#9 Memory, brain function, and neurological disorders – turmeric improves memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease as found in a study by the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology:
“Due to various effects of curcumin, such as decreased Beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and decreased microglia formation, the overall memory in patients with AD has improved.”
#10 Various skin conditions – the fatty acids in turmeric protect against radiation damage and are beneficial for treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin cancer.
#11 Lowers triglycerides – curcumin keeps the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the liver under control, inhibits its absorption in the digestive system, and prevents oxidation in arterial linings, thus protecting against cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Golden Milk
Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic drink, which has a millennia-long history of use in Asian culture and natural medicine for treatment of numerous ailments. Its primary uses include soothing inflammation, and improving digestive and liver function.
This drink is ideal for including turmeric into your diet unless you want to eat curry every day.
Turmeric Paste
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup filtered water
Golden Milk
- 1 cup coconut milk (hemp is also an option)
- 1 tsp. virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp. (or more) turmeric paste
- raw, unpasteurized honey to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the turmeric, pepper, and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until you get a thick paste. This is the turmeric paste. Let the paste cool before refrigerating it.
- Mix all ingredients minus the honey in a saucepan while cooking on medium heat. Stir constantly until hot, but don’t boil.
- When the mixture cools off, add honey to taste.