Sonali's Anti-Inflammatory Cocktail

anti-inflammatory-cocktail-nutrition

Are you dealing with body aches and pains, recovering from injuries, suffering from digestive challenges and/or depleted immune system, or simply looking to feel cleansed and refreshed in a healthy way?
 
We invite you to try this powerful drink that combines a few of the most powerful ingredients into a potent refreshing beverage! Upgrade from your  lemonade to this anti-inflammatory cocktail.

Ingredients:
5 inch piece fresh turmeric (or two tbs organic dried turmeric)
4 inch piece of ginger (or one tablespoon organic powdered ginger)
3 lemons, peeled
Dash of cayenne (optional)
2-3 cups flitered water
Raw maple syrup/Stevia/honey to desired sweetness if needed
 
Instructions:
Blend the turmeric, ginger, and lemons together until pureed. Add all the water. Add the cayenne and stir well to combine. Store in the fridge for up to three to four days. (This is a strong medicinal drink. Feel free to vary the ratios of the ingredients based on your taste preference and/or use more water to dilute the taste. Adding more water will not lower the effectiveness.) 

How will this drink benefit you?
Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking.
According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used to treat a wide variety of health problems. It offers natural support to the body in dealing with arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and even cystic fibrosis.
 
Ginger acts as a carminative (it prevents flatulence) and an intestinal spasmolytic (it soothes the intestinal tract). Modern research supports its efficacy as a safe remedy for travel sickness, and for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Ginger also seems to have an analgesic effect on the joints. Gingerols, the potent anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger, appear to reduce the pain, and improve the mobility, of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. (The Guardian) 
 
A 2009 study found ginger supplements when taken alongside anti-vomiting medicine reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea in patients by 40 percent.
On an emotional level, it can act as a catalyst if you are procrastinating and lack the drive to take action,” says Laurie Steelsmith, a licensed naturopathic doctor and author of “Natural Choices for Women’s Health.”
 Studies have shown it can also ease muscle pain, eliminate inflammation, help with painful menstruation and migraines, and may even slow or kill ovarian and colon cancer cells. 
 
Lemons benefits have been known for centeries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection. (Theresa Cheung)