Sunday, May 7, 2017

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY DANCER: THE BENEFITS OF GOLDEN MILK

 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!


#

  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




 Come say hi to me on the inter-webs!