Adding Spice to the Life of Your Morning

Turmeric latte anyone? Yeah, that's right, watch out Matcha Green Tea because there is a new frothy almond milk drink that has baristas working overtime. Coined Golden Milk, this yellowish-orange drink has a very distinct taste and great health benefits. I had my first sampling at a tiny coffee shop in Leavenworth, WA and was surprised to find that they served it with fresh cracked black pepper (aids in the bodies absorption). 

Check out my 5 Minute Turmeric Tea Recipe.

When I returned from my trip, I immediately went to my spice cabinet and started sprinkling it in my morning coffee. How to make golden milk. Admittedly, it was a nice change and added a little spice to my morning routine (I couldn't resist the pun!) but I didn't notice any overwhelming sense of health benefits. So I went straight to researching more about this spice and found that it's quite the medicinal herb.

When you think of turmeric a spicy indian curry likely comes to mind. The sharp, earthy flavor is distinct and the bright yellow-orange color is unique. In technical speak, it's a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family. 

Health Benefits

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and supports healthy inflammation. It's been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic Indian medicine for centuries. The benefits of turmeric come from curcumin, the active constituent, which appears to have a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including protection from free radical damage and promoting healthy inflammatory response in the body. It also helps protect the liver and may help to improve circulation and promote healthy blood vessels and circulation. Read more on the 6 health benefits of turmeric from the Huffington Post.

Where to Buy

Keep your eyes open and you'll start noticing Turmeric products all over the grocery store. As mentioned, many speciality coffee shops are offering their lattes spiced up. I highly recommend stocking your spice cabinet with this powerful antioxidant and don't be afraid to sprinkle it on stir fries, vegetable dishes and of course in your coffee.

Turmeric Lemonade from Project Juice

Turmeric Tea from Whole Foods