Just when you think there’s no other way to re-vamp the morning smoothie, Golden Lattes come along. Of course, not all smoothies are created equal. Fruit-based smoothies are delicious and packed with vitamins and minerals. But you have to be careful not to overdo them, as it’s really easy to pile up on sugar (yes, even too much fruit-derived sugar isn’t great for your body composition and fat loss goals).
The Golden Latte is a little different, though. It’s full of healthy fats that will keep you feeling fuller longer, plus, it’s special ingredient (from which it derives its color and its name) is the spice turmeric, which has long been renowned as a potent, multifaceted health booster.
Is Turmeric Really That Good? (Hint: Yes.)
The turmeric plant is from the same family as the ginger root. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve definitely seen it before, since it’s one of the key ingredients in curry. Turmeric spice has been used for centuries and has a wide variety of well-documented health benefits. For instance, this little golden powder has proven to be:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-oxidizing/anti-aging
- Neuroprotective (fights against brain disease by stimulating the growth of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF)
- Heart-healthy (may decrease your risk of heart disease)
- Anti-carcinogenic (may protect against cancer)
- Analgesic (especially helpful for relieving joint pain)
How and why? Turmeric contains compounds known as curcuminoids that have a medicinal effect on your body. Got a sore joint that’s nagging you during your workout? Feeling worn down, tired, or sick? Add some turmeric to your life and watch what happens! This slightly bitter yet warm-tasting spice mixes well with soups, meats, vegetables, teas, and you guessed it–your new favorite morning latte.
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How to Make Your Own Golden Lattes
Sure, this shake may be trendy–but for a good reason. It’s mineral and vitamin rich, dairy-free, and Paleo and vegan-friendly. Plus, it’s easy to make at home in as little as 10 minutes. I like this recipe from PaleoHacks, but any old Google search will be sure to find you some similar tasty recipes.
To Make Your Golden Latte, You’ll Need the Following:
1 ½ cups coconut or almond milk- ½ T vanilla extract
- ½ T coconut oil
- 1 T turmeric
- ½ T ground cinnamon
- ½ T ginger
- ¼ T black pepper
Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, whisking together as the drink heats up. It should take about 3-5 minutes before the drink becomes frothy and smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then pour into a cup and enjoy. Go ahead, give your morning shake the Midas touch and try these Golden Lattes–then let us know what you think about it in the comments!
