I hate eating anything that contains an ingredient I don’t know, can’t pronounce or is unnatural. That includes taking any form of modern medication, pills, pain killers, tablets etc. So when it comes to winter and everyone start popping Beechams like they are going out of fashion, what do I do? Firstly nothing different from what I do every other day of the year. I have identified a few foods that fit in with m daily lifestyle that will keep my immune system and general health in tip top shape and ready for winter. The majority of these immune boosters are spices that I put into my morning omelette. They are; turmeric, ginger and any form of spicy chili (a scotch bonnet is a regular feature). But last week my sister had quiet a nasty cold and by lunch time in the office I felt myself starting to feel a little groggy to. I didn’t want to make another omelette so as soon as I got hoe I thought what can i make and still get in all those wonderful immune boosting herbs and spices that will give this virus the boot before it take hold. I came up with this gorgeous Winter Wellness Latte that features; turmeric (always paired with black pepper to increase bioavailability), ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon and manual honey.
Health Benefits of My Winter Wellness Latte
Turmeric – is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is high in antioxidants (pair with black pepper to increase nutrient absorption).
Ginger – like turmeric contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds but gingers come from a compound called gingerols. It is also well known for its ability to soothe the digestive system and remove excess gas.
Mixed spice (cinnamon + nutmeg +all spice) – nutmeg induces the secretion of various gastric and intestinal juices that ease the digestive process. It can also reduce blood pressure and relieve pain.
Cinnamon – has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent and anticlotting properties. The spice is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron, and calcium.
Manuka honey – hydrogen peroxide gives most honey its antibiotic quality. Another antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. In manuka honey the concentration is higher (always look for the + on the jar, don’t go for anything less than +100).
- 1 mug of milk of choice
- ¾ tsp. of turmeric
- tiny pinch of black pepper
- ½ tsp. of ginger
- ¼ tsp. of mixed spice
- ¼ tsp. of cinnamon
- ½ tsp. of manuka honey
- Pour milk into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add all the spices and honey
- Stir continuously until the milk has reached an appropriate drinking temperature. 2-3 minutes should suffice.
The next morning I woke up feeling absolute fine. I am by no means saying this Winter Wellness Latte is a cure for the common cold -such a thing does not exist – but it will certainly help.
If you like this lovely wintery drink you will love my Turmeric Latte recipe.
Hi,
I hope you’re well. I do the PR for Nairn’s Oatcakes and would be great if you could send over your media pack.
Thanks!
Ally