Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Look no further: you’ve found the ultimate nourishing, comforting morning (or anytime) drink recipe. This turmeric latte recipe with chlorella offers a unique superfood twist on the traditional Ayurvedic recipe for Golden Milk, which is a natural remedy for reducing inflammation, promoting clear skin and supporting healthy digestion.
What Are The Health Benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric belongs to the ginger family, and is used as a medicinal herb or spice. Fresh turmeric root looks like a bright orange version or ginger, and you can also find turmeric root dried and ground into a powder. In recent years, turmeric has gained “superfood” status due to the health benefits of the active ingredient it contains, called curcumin.
Studies have shown curcumin to have a high concentration of antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s been used therapeutically for thousands of years in Ayurveda (ancient Indian medicine) to support overall health and wellness.
When it comes to improving internal health, research suggests that by reducing chronic systemic inflammation (which is a primary root cause of many Western illnesses and diseases), curcumin may offer protective benefits against autoimmune conditions and various forms of diseases (1).
The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can also explain why turmeric is sometimes referred to as “Mother Nature’s painkiller.” In fact, some claim that taking turmeric as a nutritional supplement is more effective than joint pain supplements for relieving symptoms of arthritis (2). Psoriasis, chronic digestive disorders and irritable bowel disease are among the other inflammatory conditions curcumin is recommended for (3).
Based on the stressful nature of the modern day busy lifestyle, and the number of toxins we ingest from pollution, our food supply and chemical-laden products, we could all benefit from adding a few extra antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients to our diet. Why not add more of this powerful “golden” spice to your recipes?
Curries, soups, smoothies, juices, and other dishes are the most common ways to eat turmeric, but we’ve decided to get creative in the kitchen and find a new way to enjoy turmeric: by combining it with the amazing green superfood, chlorella!
What Are The Health Benefits of Chlorella?
Chlorella is rich in beta-carotene, the antioxidant form of vitamin A. You may be familiar with beta-carotene as an important nutrient for eye health, but it’s also an important nutrient for the skin because it may help inhibit sun damage and regulates collagen and healthy skin cell production (4). Low levels of vitamin A have been linked to acne, which suggests beta-carotene from whole food sources, such as chlorella, may be a helpful natural remedy for clear skin (5).
Chlorella is also one of the only plant foods that offers a highly absorbable form of vitamin B12. B12 is mostly found in animal products such as meat, eggs and poultry. While some plant foods contain small amounts of B12, most aren’t efficiently absorbed. This makes chlorella an amazing green superfood for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, as one serving of Sun Chlorella granules offers 100% of the daily recommended value of B12— and a form your body can actually use!
Another unique chlorella benefit is that it contains a nutrient that cannot be found in any other food on the planet.
This nutrient is called Chlorella Growth Factor, or CGF. Chlorella Growth Factor allows chlorella to multiply by 4 every 24 hours. Now, that’s a remarkable benefit in the plant kingdom, but how does that benefit your body?
When we ingest CGF, these “growth factor” benefits transfer to our internal health, and help our cells repair and regenerate. Found in Chlorella Growth Factor are the nucleic acids, RNA and DNA, which may help promote healthier cells, increased energy, improved skin health, cognitive function and a stronger immune system.
Chlorella and Turmeric: Similar Superfoods?
While chlorella and turmeric each contribute their own unique health benefits to this recipe, they also have quite a few similarities.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
For example, studies have shown chlorella to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect against injuries, while turmeric is also used to reduce inflammation related to chronic conditions, such as joint pain (6).
The anti-inflammatory properties of chlorella and turmeric may also help boost immunity by reducing systemic inflammation, which is a sign of illness or infection in the body. Since chlorella and turmeric also contain antioxidants, both foods may help boost the immune system and regulate the immune system response, which is triggered by toxins, and germs.
- Digestive support
Both chlorella and turmeric are also recommended for improving digestive health.The anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin may help reduce intestinal inflammation, and the spice or “heat” of turmeric may be useful for stimulating digestion; while chlorella’s fiber content promotes bowel regularity, and may alleviate digestive symptoms such as bloating.
- Skin health
A plethora of nutrients found in turmeric and chlorella benefit the skin. The anti-inflammatory action of turmeric may help reduce the redness and swelling of skin lesions, while chlorella’s vitamin A content and Chlorella Growth Factor promote healthier skin cells.
Turmeric Latte Recipe With Chlorella
Now, I know it may sound a little strange to add green algae to your turmeric latte, but trust me on this one: The flavor combinations in this latte recipe taste amazing, and chlorella skyrockets the nutritional value in your latte.
With all of the health benefits listed above, what better way to start off your day than with a turmeric latte with chlorella? Now, for the recipe.
Recipe:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp Sun Chlorella powder
- 1 tsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of cracked black pepper (optional to improve turmeric absorption)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, warm up coconut or almond milk on medium low heat (do not turn up any higher, as you don’t want to boil or burn the milk).
- Once the milk begins to warm up, add turmeric powder, coconut oil, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon. Add chlorella last. Stir, then whisk to thoroughly combine ingredients and create foam. (You can also use a handheld milk frother).
- Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated and you’re satisfied with the froth, remove from heat and add sweetener of choice.
- Enjoy!
Author: Brandi Black, RHN