turmeric-inphyused dairy-free mylk latte

 

the turmeric-inphyused mylk latte is a dairy-free drink that supports your body’s defense against disease. with a creamy nut or seed milk base, a dash of ground black pepper and the sweetness of raw unpasteurized honey or maple syrup this immune boosting tonic will be your go-to.

turmeric boasts a distinct yellow color and a warm, peppery, slightly bitter flavor. it is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties plus it’s a naturally non-toxic antiseptic. ayurveda even considers turmeric nature’s aspirin.

ayurvedic medicine has been using turmeric to cure all that ails as long as records even exist. turmeric is not only known to relieve pain and swelling but it can even be applied to small cuts and wounds to prevent infection and heal the skin. traditionally, turmeric milk has been used to treat colds, congestion, headaches and sore throats.

additional benefits of turmeric include:

boosts memory and brain function

aids a healthy digestive system

improves skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema 

detoxifies the liver

aids in fat metabolism and weight management

helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels

one thing to keep in mind when adding turmeric into your diet is that the active ingredient, curcumin, needs a little help from a friend in order to be absorbed by the body. without the help, turmeric can be metabolized out of the body very quickly with little absorption.

hang with me here. studies have shown that pepper’s active ingredient, piperine, increases the bioavailability of turmeric (that is, black pepper increases the amount of curcumin getting into the bloodstream) and curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, is fat-souble (meaning it needs healthy fat in order to be absorbed and utilized by the body)…so although the addition of black pepper in your latte may seem odd or you’re looking for a fat free option, both are needed for you to get the biggest nutritional bang for your turmeric buck.

there are many ways to consume turmeric: fresh, dried and grated as a spice, capsule, or pill form. for the turmeric-inphyused mylk latte the fresh root or ground spice can both be used. the fresh root can be more challenging to find but when it’s available it’s my first choice.

enjoy a turmeric inphyused mylk latte as a mid-day pick-me-up or as a calming treat before bed. like the dandelion root latte it won’t disrupt your sleep. it’s easy to make vegan or not depending on your sweetener of choice.

turmeric-inphyused dairy-free mylk latte

3 cups sweet and creamy coconut almond mylk or superfood frenzy hemp milk

2 tablespoons ground turmeric powder or about 2 inches of fresh turmeric root

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

place all ingredients in a blender and blend until well mixed. makes about 1 quart.

the latte can be enjoyed hot or cold. when serving hot, warm in a saucepan and serve in your favorite mug. because honey will lose some of its immune boosting power once heated, don’t be afraid to stir in a touch of additional honey prior to serving. top with a dash of pepper.

kept cold in a glass jar a batch will last 4-5 days.