Ahhh…

The last time I was at Atwater’s at Belvedere Square working on my blog, I noticed that they have a Golden Latte on the menu. It’s one of the few hot drinks I enjoy so I ordered one and was not disappointed. It was rich and creamy and the spice level was just right. None of the individual spices were overwhelming. It was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Here’s a copycat recipe if you want to try it at home.

What you need:

• 1 cup vanilla almond milk.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• Pinch of black pepper. (helps you absorb the curcumin in the turmeric)

In a small pot over the stove, whisk all ingredients together on medium heat until smooth and hot. Sweeten to taste with your favorite sweetener. You can also let the mixture cool and pour over ice for a chilled treat.  And if you’re in need of a pick-up, try it with a shot of espresso.

Some believe that turmeric is one of the most effective nutritional supplements around. Thanks to its active ingredient curcumin, it can have powerful effects on your body and your brain. Curcumin is a champion when it comes to its anti-inflammatory abilities. 

Why should you care about anti-inflammation? 

Inflammation is actually a good thing. It helps your body fight off disease causing agents and is crucial to cell repair. Without inflammation pathogens could easily take over your body. This short-term inflammation is good for the body, but the problem is prolonged, low-level inflammation. According to Healthline.com, scientists are now seeing that it plays a part in Western diseases like heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

So, fighting this low-level inflammation that is so widespread can help prevent, and in some cases treat, these types of diseases.

Taking curcumin in supplement form and in your diet (as long as it is consumed with black pepper so you can absorb it) thought to be as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects.

Try this delicious Golden Milk Latte as a caffeine free (or add a shot of espresso), anti-inflammatory afternoon treat. Include it in your night time wind-down. Or drink it just because it tastes good!.