Do you know turmeric? If you don’t already know about this incredible spice, you definitely should! Turmeric is a beautiful golden color and is responsible for that rich honey yellow of certain curries. Used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal herb, the western world seems to be waking up to the medicinal benefits of turmeric too. (1)
Why is turmeric so powerful? Curcumin is the answer. This is the active compound found in turmeric. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
Unfortunately, the level of curcumin naturally found in turmeric is not all that high, around 3%. So if the intended use is of a medicinal nature, people often take supplements with concentrated amounts of curcumin. But as an addition to one’s everyday diet, turmeric offers wonderful flavor, color, and is found to help boost the immune system too.
These turmeric popsicles are a great way to obtain some of these benefits and cool off at the same time. (2)
How Curcumin Supports The Immune System
Turmeric is a great addition to your diet any time of year. Many people think of a daily cold and flue regimen only during the fall and winter months, but it’s important to think about maintaining a healthy immune system all the time. Your immune system is always working to support you, and it’s nice to give it a boost when you can.
Studies have discovered that curcumin could act as an immunomodulatory agent. This means it looks to be capable of modulating the activity of T-cells and B-cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines too. (3) Like the conductor of an orchestra, the curcumin in turmeric can direct cells on where to go and how many are needed in a given situation. All of this, in addition to enhancing your immune system’s antibody response too.
The Antioxidant Power Of Turmeric
Turmeric itself is loaded with antioxidants to help stop free-radical damage from occurring. Oxidative damage is thought to be what’s behind a lot of the diseases that come with aging, and that makes a lot of sense. Oxidation is a process of changing, often breaking down. It happens on a cellular level in our bodies and is completely natural. But the role that oxidation plays, and the effect it has on us, can be influenced by diet. That’s where foods that are high in antioxidants come in handy. And foods that are deliciously cool on a hot summer day, definitely get our vote.
Golden Milk Popsicles To Help Boost The Immune System
Golden milk is so yummy and satisfying, you’ll want it every day! In the summer when it’s hot, enjoy it in these wonderful popsicles. As temperatures dip, turn it into a warm and soothing beverage that helps you drift off to sleep at night.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened canned coconut milk
- 3 tbsp raw honey
- 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a mesh strainer to get a nice silky-smooth liquid.
- Pour the golden milk into popsicle molds. Freeze for 1 hour. Remove from the freezer and insert the sticks. Freeze until solid.
- To get the popsicle out of the mold easily, try running it under warm tap water for a few moments. Enjoy!
