Nourishing Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Latte (It’s Delicious!)

Turmeric-Latte

For a not-so-basic latte, try your hand at making a Turmeric Latte. Start with unsweetened coconut milk (the kind in a carton—not a can), lightly warmed, and then blend in Vega Sport Performance Protein, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. To reap even more of the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric1, add in a dash of black pepper. Black pepper increases the bioavailability of the antioxidant curcumin in turmeric2—so you’ll get more benefit from this bright orange spice.

Note: if you don’t have a high speed blender, you may prefer the texture of using ground spices instead of fresh spices.

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 serving Vega Sport Performance Protein Vanilla
  • 1 inch fresh turmeric (1 Tbsp ground turmeric)
  • 1 inch fresh ginger (1 Tbsp ground ginger)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp vanilla (extract or powder)
  • Optional: ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 Tbsp sweetener of choice

Preparation

  1. Gently warm coconut milk in saucepan. Remove from heat before boiling.
  2. In a high-speed blender, place all other ingredients.
  3. Pour warm coconut milk into blender, sealing lid tightly and covering with a dishcloth (in case it splatters).
  4. Blend for 2 minutes.
  5. Serve while still hot.

 

References
1. Health Canada. (2010). Monograph: Turmeric, oral. Accessed on 4/21/15 from: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=216&lang=eng
2. Panahi Y, et al. (2015). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition.

Elizabeth Jarrard

Elizabeth Jarrard is a registered dietitian with Vega in Denver, CO who specializes in medical nutrition therapy and plant-based nutrition. She educates clients and consumers on how to optimize their health through nutrition. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ElizabethEats.