Are you bored with your daily routine of coffee and tea? Looking to cut back on caffeine? Just want something delicious to sip on as the weather gets cooler? This turmeric latte (aka golden milk) recipe is the answer to all of those questions. It’s a cozy drink that’s easy to put together and so satisfying during a relaxing night in. Not to mention, turmeric has tons of health benefits that you’ll definitely want to hop in on. Simply heat up the milk of your choice, then stir in all the ingredients, and enjoy!
Here’s the recipe:
Turmeric Latte:
1 cup milk (any variety)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp powdered ginger
1/8 tsp black pepper
sugar, honey, or other sweetner to taste
Make sure that you add the black pepper! The active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, is not well-absorbed by the body and adding black pepper (which contains a compound called piperine) enhances absorption by 2,000%. Also, use a milk base that contains fat. Curcumin is fat-soluble and therefore will be better absorbed by the body if it’s ingested alongside a source of fat.
But why are we so concerned with curcumin? It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory substance, which is important because chronic inflammation could be involved in many chronic illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, it’s an antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage important molecules in the body. It also can improve the function of several antioxidant enzymes in the body. Curcumin has incredible physical effects, and also might affect our mental health. Amazingly, a study found that curcumin supplements had an antidepressant effect similar to Prozac.
In order to reap the full benefits of curcumin, you’d have to take a supplement, because the amount that you can consume from eating turmeric in your food is very small. But don’t let that discourage you– a turmeric latte or two (or fourteen, if you’re like me) can set you on the path to a healthier, happier you!