Turmeric Latte - Gold Is The New Black

Two parts science, one part ancient medicine and whole lot of parts deliciousness, turmeric lattes are my new favourite healthy alternative to the old evening hot chocolate. And maybe for some, a valid rival for coffee? Too far? Usually I’m not big on hot drinks, a hang up from growing up in muggy Queensland, but I found a new love recently when we were in chilly Sydney that HAD to be re-created.

From ancient medicine to modern science

But first, the why... While turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat ailments such as digestive and hepatic disorders, science has only relatively recently begun to understand it’s amazing powers. There is now over 6000 journal citations and one hundred clinical studies carried out with curcumin, the most active ingredient of turmeric. Gosh I love science, provin’ it to the masses!

Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial benefits have been linked to positive effects for those suffering a range of proinflammatory diseases such as cancer, depression, diabetes, obesity as well as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD); Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Bioavailability

One of the limitations on turmeric’s health benefits is its bioavailability. Basically, the ability of the body to absorb and make use of all the good stuff turmeric has to offer. The main reason is its low solubility in water. Lucky for us, science has a few suggestions to maximise turmeric’s effectiveness:

1. Activate turmeric by heating it up - this can increase its solubility up to 12 fold

2. Combine it with freshly ground black pepper to boost absorption by up to 2,000%

3.  Mix with fats like coconut oil or ghee - because curcumin is fat-soluble, this allows for direct absorption into the blood.

Sound like an Indian Ayurvedic curry in the making? Does to me! But more than that, it can be THE most delicious drink...

To add even more of a health boost, I’ve added ginger and cinnamon which are both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial as well as a teaspoon of raw honey for it’s, you guessed it, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory powers... and added sweetness.

So, with all that in mind - here’s the world’s most anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial gut healing cup of deliciousness you will ever lay your taste buds on. 

Turmeric Latte

[Grain free, Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan, No refined sugar]

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp ground turmeric

• 2 tbsp ground ginger

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp raw honey

• 200 ml coconut milk

• Pinch black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First you need to make the turmeric latte spice blend. Combine the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon in a small container, close the lid and shake to combine.

2. Add 1 tsp of the spice mix and a pinch of black pepper to a mug. Cover with a small amount of hot water to dissolve, then add in the honey and stir until well mixed.

3. Place the coconut milk in a saucepan and heat at medium heat on the stove. Bring to the boil whilst stirring constantly, then pour over the spice mix and stir to combine.

4. If you have a coffee machine, use this to heat and froth the coconut milk, then pour over the spice mix.

5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

Servings: 1 cup