Golden Milk: The Magical Elixir Latte and Why You Need It In Your Life
Maybe you have heard of this magical elixir; this fountain of youth. Well I can safely attest that it is all you had hoped for AND MORE!
The hubby and I drink this most evenings after the kids are asleep – and is often the only thing that can keep a glass of red wine out of my hand after completing another emotionally exhausting bedtime negotiation. The main ingredient in this vibrantly bright yellow latte is turmeric. I know I just lost some of you there – but hear me out. I am going to give you the rundown of WHY you should try it before turning your nose up at the thought of drinking turmeric instead of …. Well…. Anything else.
You don’t want cancer? Turmeric. You don’t want Alzheimer’s? Turmeric. Heart Disease? You guessed it. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is a mother F’in powerhouse when it comes to everything health. It is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories (in that it is strong; not in that it makes secret babies with its hired help). Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to almost every degenerative disease in Western culture so reducing inflammation in our body is a key. Curcumin has even been shown to be just as effective as pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories and anti-depressants in several studies minus all the terrible side effects!
Curcumin has been shown to increase memory, decrease depression, delay Alzheimer’s, slow growth of cancerous cells, reverse heart disease and reduce arthritic symptoms, all while whitening your teeth – BOOM - (it’s true…. Look it up). It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. This temptress has a very low absorption rate and likes to sneak through our digestive system undetected. Enter turmeric’s boy-toy, black pepper. I know, this sweet drink is sounding better and better, right? Haha. Don’t attempt to omit the black pepper from this recipe. It is important. Black pepper increases the absorption rate of curcumin be 2000%. Curcumin is also fat soluble, hence a healthy dollop of coconut oil in the upcoming recipe.
Alright, now that I have used my brilliant logic to persuade you to try Golden Milk, your taste buds will do the rest because this sweet creamy drink is sure to please.
GOLDEN MILK Prep Time 5 min Cook 3 min Total Time 8 min
Serves 1 Ingredients for Turmeric Paste
¼ cup Turmeric
½ cup Water
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
Ingredients for Golden Milk
1 tsp Turmeric Paste
1 TBSP Coconut Oil
1 TBSP Unpasteurized Honey
1 cup Almond Milk
Instructions
Make turmeric paste by placing turmeric, water and pepper into a small sauce pan and reducing on low heat until you create a thick paste. Turmeric absorbs water quickly so stir constantly to avoid burning.
Place paste into an airtight container and store in fridge for 2 weeks.
Warm almond milk on low-medium heat in a small pot. Whisk 1 tsp of turmeric paste in while milk reaches desired temperature (do not allow to get to a boil).
Transfer turmeric milk into a mug. Stir in coconut oil and honey. ENJOY!
