Why We’re Obsessed With This Turmeric Tonic

 

We may be slightly late to the party on this, but we have recently discovered a turmeric, ginger, lemon shots and we’re seriously addicted. This zesty little combo may actually be the elixir of life.

 

Each of the components has potent benefits on its own, but together, this pick-me-up, quick-me-up is a health and beauty bomb. A short list of its reported dividends includes glowing skin, reduced inflammation, improved digestion, liver detoxification, cardio-protective properties, glucose regulation, and, according to some ongoing studies, even improved mental health. (We’re definitely feeling that last one.)

 

Let’s start with turmeric, the star of the show. We know turmeric looks like something you avoid stepping on in the street. But this ugly little root is hiding a beautiful capacity for healing and rejuvenating. Turmeric has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. Most of that is due to its active component curcumin. Turmeric has long been a staple of Ayurvedic medicine, but in recent years, western medicine has conducted numerous studies to evaluate it as a treatment for cancer, IBS, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and dermatological conditions including acne and photoaging.

 

Ginger offers many of the same benefits as turmeric— anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive aid, metabolism booster, regulator of blood pressure and glucose. Plus, it enhances the body’s ability to properly absorb turmeric. Because turmeric is not water soluble, it needs a little help to get optimally dissolved and absorbed in your system. Gingerols (found in ginger) are bio-enhancers that increase the bioavailability of the curcumin in turmeric.

 

Lemon is a great source of vitamin C, which is a natural constituent of skin and an essential player in collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage. Vitamin C increases photoprotection and helps to repair UV damage already incurred. It also helps skin retain moisture by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

 

All of this adds up to a huge potential for improved health inside and out. Specifically for skin, the high concentration of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties is an unbeatable recipe for clearer, smoother, firmer skin.

 

For a daily dose of gorgeous, this is your drink.

 

Turmeric, Ginger, Lemon Shots

To make in a juicer:

4 turmeric roots

1 ½ ginger roots

3 lemons (peel removed)

1 apple, quartered

Wash roots and fruit before adding to juicer. Extract juice and pour about two ounces into a glass to serve. Remainder may be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

 

To make in a blender:

2 inch knob of turmeric root, peeled

1 inch knob of ginger root, peeled

Juice of one lemon

1-2 teaspoons honey

2 cups of coconut water

Stir honey and lemon juice in a large jar until honey is dissolved. Blend turmeric, ginger and coconut water until roots have been finely shredded. Strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve into the jar containing the lemon and honey. Give it a stir to combine. A serving is about 2 ounces. Remainder may be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

 

Top Benefits:

Immunity Booster

Antioxidant

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-Microbial

Photo-Protective

Glucose Regulator

Skin And Health Enhancer

 

Note that turmeric has a strong pigment that will turn your hands and counter yellow. It fades from your skin within a couple of hours, and some Comet will remove it from your counter and sink, but you may want to put down some protection on your counter—brown bag or paper towel—and wear gloves while handling the turmeric to avoid the issue.