Rather than swap out coffee altogether, some java lovers are bettering their beloved beans with healthy add-ons such as powdered mushrooms, ghee and spices.


medicine, is another flavorful alternative with numerous health benefits. Recipes vary, but golden milk is typically prepared by heating milk or a plant-based milk alternative along with turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, honey, vanilla and/ or cardamom. “Tese warming spices go above a simple caffeine replacement to provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits,” says Trista Best, a registered dietitian in Dalton, Georgia. Best also recommends matcha, a traditional Japanese drink


made from powdered, young, green tea leaves whisked in water as a coffee alternative with less caffeine and other added benefits. Because the tea leaves are essentially consumed in powder form rather than just steeped in water, matcha contains more catechins, an important antioxidant, than a typical preparation of green tea. “Te L-theanine, an amino acid, in matcha is known to improve brain health, which shows itself through improved memory, attention and reaction time,” notes Best.


A Better Bean Rather than swap out coffee altogether, some java lovers are bettering their beloved beans with healthy add-ons such as powdered mushrooms, ghee and spices. “A healthy addition to coffee can include coconut oil, collagen or butter. Tese can add some fat and protein content, which will provide more energy while also jumpstarting your metabolism at the beginning of the day,” says holistic health coach Virginia Gruhler. Ghee, a clarified butter that originated in ancient India, has been touted as a “keto- friendly” way to help neutralize the acidity of coffee while adding healthy fats and nutrients. Spices like cinnamon and cardamom have been added to coffee


and black tea for centuries in the Middle East and Asia to enhance both flavor and health. Cinnamon, for example, may help lower blood sugar, in addition to having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Mushroom coffee is another popular “coffee-plus” beverage


which combines the flavor and energy boost of java with the benefits of medicinal fungi like turkey tail, lion’s mane and chaga, boosting the immune system and potentially warding off serious health conditions like dementia and cancer. Because caffeine can stay in the bloodstream for up to 10


hours, staying clear of all caffeinated drinks in the later hours of the day will help ensure a better night’s sleep. When a mid- aſternoon slump hits, a brisk walk followed by a cup of a flavorful herbal tea like Rooibos or lemongrass can wake up the body and the brain naturally.


Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Tompson at AprilWrites.com.


Turmeric Golden Milk


yield: 2 mugs 3 cups organic, natural milk such as oat, almond, coconut, hemp or another


2 tsp ground turmeric powder ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp coconut oil (skip if using a full-fat coconut cream or milk) ¼ tsp ground ginger powder Dash of black pepper Maple syrup, agave syrup or honey to taste


Optional, but luxurious and delicious: Pinch of ground cardamom (about ⅛ tsp or just under) Dash of vanilla extract or vanilla powder Pinch of ground nutmeg (about ⅛ tsp or just under)


Gently heat milk of choice in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the suggested spices, oil and sweetener.


Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients. Depending on the type of milk used, vigorous whisking may create a nice, latte-like “foam”. Continue to heat for about five minutes, whisking occasionally. Serve immediately and enjoy it warm.


Golden milk is also delicious cold over ice, although oil is not recommended to use in this case. Store any leſtovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leſtovers on the stovetop (rather than in a microwave) to preserve maximum nutritional value.


Source: Deanna, creator of HomesteadAndChill.com. January 2022 19


photo provided by deanna, homesteadandchill.com


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