Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tonic

Research shows that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. It has also been shown to block cancer cells, to reduce the risk for diabetes, and to be good for the liver. 

An easy way to reduce inflammation and to give your immune system a powerful boost is to add turmeric to your diet.

I use turmeric liberally in my cooking and will often whip up a Creamy Tropical Turmeric Smoothie for a mid-afternoon snack. Lately, we have been making this delicious turmeric tonic to start the day.

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut water (or filtered water)
2 tbsp grated fresh turmeric- about a 2 inch piece (or 1/2 to 1 tsp dried turmeric powder)
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger – about a 1 inch piece
juice from 1 lemon or orange
1 medium carrot
1 tbsp raw honey or real maple syrup
pinch of black pepper
Optional: a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon

Directions:

Place all ingredients into high speed blender and blend until smooth. Drink as is or strain before serving.

Turmeric tea:

• Bring four cups of water to a boil.
• Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.

Some people like to add a teaspoon of ginger along with the turmeric.

This drink is simple to make, provides an alkaline reaction in the body, and helps reduce inflammation.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp. of turmeric, or thumb-sized portion of freshly grated turmeric
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. coconut nectar, or maple syrup

Directions
Pour water into a tall glass
Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir. Drink immediately.