This Iced Turmeric Latte Is An Antioxidant-Filled Coffee Alternative

This Iced Turmeric Latte Is An Antioxidant-Filled Coffee Alternative

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Many of us have come to expect a comforting cup of coffee each morning. It’s a habit that may lure us out of bed with the promise of instant energy but can result in a crash later in the day. During your 21-Day Cleanse you may experience coffee withdrawal initially, but after the first week, you’ll likely notice a new, consistent energy from morning to night. Giving up coffee doesn’t have to mean giving up a tasty morning drink. We’ve created this iced turmeric latte, perfect for any time of the day.

DECREASING CAFFEINE INTAKE CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

Our adrenal glands naturally produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is important for energy production, metabolic function, immunity, and stress management. The morning time (between 7-9AM) is when our cortisol levels are naturally at their highest. This helps us move from our resting state into our energized state. Cortisol also rises when we experience stress, as a way to help us push through. When we experience too much stress chronically, our adrenals become fatigued and unable to properly release cortisol.

To avoid adrenal fatigue, it’s important to keep our stress low, eat a clean diet full of whole foods, and get adequate rest each night. Other factors, coffee being one, can also impact our cortisol levels. Studies have shown that cortisol levels after caffeine consumption are similar to those experienced during stress. Drinking coffee upon waking, when our cortisol levels are already at their highest, can create an unnecessary spike and contribute to adrenal fatigue long term. It’s also worth noting that coffee acts as a diuretic, dehydrating you further after the water loss that occurs overnight. Choosing caffeine-free drinks in the morning can help create a feeling of calm, and contribute to long-term health.

TURMERIC IS A HEALING HERB

In addition to helping your energy levels, this turmeric latte is full of good-for-you ingredients. The benefits of turmeric are plentiful, as turmeric is known as a healing root. Many cultures put turmeric directly onto wounds and acne to let ailments heal from the outside in. In India, turmeric is thought of as a medicinal herb because of its curcuminoid content. Curcuminoids are very potent antioxidants that help heal inflammation and fight free radicals.

Black pepper contains a compound that helps the body absorb this antioxidant, so if you enjoy the flavor, we highly recommend adding black pepper to this latte for a boost to your health. In addition to providing the body with antioxidants, turmeric has also been shown to actually increase the body’s natural antioxidant production. We’ve provided a range of turmeric for this recipe. Taste this latte with the lowest amount, and slowly add more for increased antioxidant power, gorgeous yellow coloring, and a stronger flavor. We also have a hot version (otherwise known as golden milk) for when the weather is cooler.

Ingredients:

16oz almond milk

1-2 Tablespoons coconut palm sugar

2-4 teaspoons turmeric

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

1 teaspoon MCT or coconut oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Prepare your ingredients. Peel the ginger. Zest the entire lemon.

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Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth.

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Pour latte over ice.

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Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

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Recipe and photos by Kaitlyn Noble

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