ULTIMATE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY GOLDEN LATTE

Serving size: 1

I love a true anti-inflammatory turmeric latte — not a "pretend" turmeric latte. Let me clarify. There have been numerous studies showing that there are very little of the nutritional properties that are present in fresh turmeric root compared to its dried & powder form. This is why I steer clear of any turmeric powder blends and opt for golden lattes made with either fresh turmeric juice or freshly ground turmeric root.

Some of the curcumin (the main antioxidant compound in turmeric) is lost during the processing stage of the powder form and the nutrients from fresh turmeric are also more bioavailable which means they will be better absorbed and used by the body.

Of course, consuming powdered turmeric won't do any harm and is better than nothing but if you're really looking to get the maximum benefits turmeric has to offer, then utilizing the fresh root is always better. My feeling is that if you're going to take the time to make a golden latte or spend the money on one, you might as well do it right.

GOLDEN LATTE INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup oat milk

• 1 date, pitted

• 2 pieces fresh turmeric root (each about the size of a thumb)

• 1 piece fresh ginger root (about the size of a thumb)

• 1 teaspoon walnut butter

• 1/2 teaspoon hemp seeds

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• pinch of black pepper

To take the anti-inflammatory benefits one step further in my golden lattes, I like to blend in some walnut butter AND hemp seeds that are both packed with omega-3's. The walnut butter also adds a nice subtle creaminess to the drink.

DIRECTIONS

Begin by mincing your turmeric root and ginger root to the best of your ability and set aside. It doesn't have to be uniform or perfect as these will eventually get blended, but you do want them cut up enough to be broken down by your blender easily and incorporated well into the drink.

Pour the oat milk into a small saucepan then add the date and minced turmeric and ginger. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.

Normally it be would be advised not to heat the raw turmeric or ginger root, but letting these steep in the oat milk as its heating helps infuse the milk with the fresh roots and also helps to soften the date.

Once the oat milk mixture is hot/warm but no longer burning hot, pour everything into a high-powered blender. Add in the walnut butter, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and black pepper and blend until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

There's no need to use a frother in this recipe since the blender creates a light foam in the blending process. The mixture should still be warm and ready to serve after blending. Pour into your favorite mug, feel free to top with more cinnamon, and enjoy.

I accurately titled this the ULTIMATE anti-inflammatory latte for a reason —each of the core components of this recipe (the turmeric, ginger, walnut butter, hemp seeds, and even the cinnamon (to some extent) pack in a punch of healing and inflammation-soothing properties all in one single serving. I have this whenever I feel like I need to strengthen my immune system or have any kind of body aches or pains since turmeric has been clinically proven to be just as effective as ibuprofen for inflammation, joint mobility, and reducing pain.