Make 4 Cups
My friend, M, has experience in the kitchen. Her son is allergic to some of the most common allergens, wheat and gluten, eggs, dairy. As a result, she’s had to become an expert at cooking without these and at boosting his immunity. She is an incredible baker (lucky kids), a gift no doubt from her Czech ancestors and to me that’s where her true talent lies. Also in her gluten-free adaptations of classics like cinnamon rolls…move over Cinnabon!
But today I’m posting an adaptation of her Turmeric Smoothie. It’s an adaptation only because smoothies are my cheeky, sneaky way of getting homemade kefir into our diets. (I just can’t stomach it straight.) I also made a larger amount and added more fruit. This is because I know what my daughter will eat and drink and since she helped me, being sous chef 1 after all, she imparts her culinary preferences as well.
The spices in this smoothie are all of superhero status in my book. But one definitely gets more attention than others and that’s turmeric.
Turmeric is ridiculous. The Chinese and Indian (Ayurveda) healing systems have long known this and used it for it’s potent anti-inflammatory nutrients. It’s wonder powers lie in the curcumin. It is especially known for anti-inflammatory wonders but also for anti-tumor ones. It’s actually been known to reduce or stop the growth of tumors and when paired with a cruciferous vegetable, it inhibits a tumor’s ability to spread to other parts of the body (in prostate cancer).¹ Turmeric is also used to heal digestive issues, provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis and is even good for bruises. It offers cardiovascular protection, lowers cholesterol and may also offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. For more info on the long list of things turmeric is capable of, click here.
I don’t know about you, but that sounds insane! Food IS utterly amazing! And, with it’s peppery but astringent taste, it’ll add quite a dimension of flavor to your foods.
Golden Spiced Smoothie
(adapted version)
You’ll need:
1 C coconut milk
1/2 C kefir
3/4 C water
2 T freshly squeezed orange juice
2 C frozen mango, papaya and/or pineapple
1-2 bananas (I freeze mine for smoothies.)
1 T coconut oil
1 T maple syrup
1 t chia seeds
1/2 t ground turmeric*
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground ginger**
(If you used fresh fruit, be sure to add 6 ice cubes for a creamy, smooth texture.)
To make:
1. Place all ingredients in a high speed blender, or vitamix if you have one, and blend on high until it’s creamy and inviting.
2. Enjoy right away!
¹The Cancer Fighting Kitchen, Rebecca Katz
*I’ve never used fresh turmeric even though it’s easy to find here. If you give it a go with fresh turmeric, let me know how it goes!
**For an even spicier kick, use 1 t freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger.