Photo: Maharet Hughes |
Golden milk, sometimes called called turmeric tea, is hugely popular these days. There’s definitely a reason- actually, there are several- that it’s all the rage among Paleo Diet devotees and really, anyone whose into self care and looking after their wellbeing.
The health benefits of turmeric,which, along
with coconut milk, is the main ingredient in golden milk are numerous. Among
other things, it’s active compound curcumin is a powerful inflammation
fighter, and that’s what makes this four thousand year old concoction relevant to…well, everyone… but especially to dancers!
We live our lives constantly inflamed from traumatic
or overuse injuries- hell, even the zits we get from our stage make up are caused by inflammation!
Additionally, golden milk-and it’s chief
ingredient, turmeric- boosts the immune system, improves memory and brain function
(hello-that new choreography
you’re learning?) promotes digestive health, and have several cancer-busting properties. Not only that, it’s supposed to lower your
blood pressure, it’s a liver detoxifier and an antioxidant…and makes your skin
look amazing.
It's also relaxing and quite filling, the perfect post-gig drink.
There are several recipes for this divine warm
drink floating around the internet, but here’s my take on it.
This recipe is easy doubled
and will last quite a few days in the fridge- just heat it up well before drinking.
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk or
a mix of both
1 large cinnamon stick, or powdered cinnamon
to taste
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey (less or
more to taste)
½ tea spoon dried turmeric (or if you’re me, a
heaping table spoon full)
6 or 7 paper-thin slices of fresh ginger
4-6 whole peppercorns ( hey boost the potency and efficiency of the turmeric)
1 cup water
Toss all the ingredients into a saucepan, and bring
the mixture to a low, slow boil before turning down the heat and simmering for
10 minutes. Stir well, don’t let it burn.
Strain the liquid through a sieve to
exclude the peppercorns and ginger- or not! I don’t mind the pepper ( and have even been known to add in red
pepper, too) and love the ginger slices floating around.
Enjoy!
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I’m teaching
and performing at June 2-4, 2017
Cairo Shimmy
Quake Belly Dance Festival
June 2-4, 2017 Glendale, CA
Glendale Civic Auditorium
1401 N. Verdugo, Glendale, CA 91208
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