Golden Milk

With chilly weather now upon us, it’s time to avoid ‘cold natured’ food such as ice cream and cold smoothies and enjoy food with warming properties, for example, golden milk. If you have not already heard of this, it is a wonderful combination of spices that can warm you up and fight inflammation at the same time.

Curcumin, which is one of the three most beneficial compounds found in turmeric, has antioxidant, anti-cancer, and brain protective properties as shown in animal studies.  As an added bonus, the combination of turmeric and cinnamon is said to benefit circulation in the shoulders according to traditional oriental herbology. This drink is fairly hot and spicy so it’s best to avoid if you have acid reflux or experience hot flashes.

Here is one recipe which you can adjust to your taste:

Warm one large cup of milk or oat/nut/rice/almond milk in a small saucepan. Whisk in:

¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Pinch of ground black pepper (don’t omit because it helps absorption of the curcumin in the turmeric)

Tiny pinch of ground cayenne (optional)

Small amount of honey (optional)