Turmeric, the Spice of Life, has been used in India for as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, originally used in ceremonies to promote fertility, prosperity and spiritual purification. Both Turmeric and Cinnamon are loaded with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and are known to help increase brain function, so I’ve combined the 2 for a double whammy supercharged drink.
 

CINNAMON TURMERIC LATTE:
1/2 cup of coconut /almond/soy/rice or hemp milk
1 tsp of organic turmeric powder
1/2 tsp of organic ginger powder
1 ceylon cinnamon stick
A pinch of ceylon cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper and cardamom powder
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NOTE:
1. Make sure your spices are from an organic source, free of chemicals, preservatives, fillers and additives.
2. Curcumin is hard to absorb into the bloodstream, but its absorption can be enhanced greatly by taking it along with piperine, which is a natural substance that can be found in black pepper.
3. Cinnamon contains courmains, a natural occurring blood thinner which can cause too much of a blood thinning affect especially if taking other medication for the same effect . Courmains can also damage the liver. Ceylon cinnamon has low coumarin content, whereas Cassia, Saigon, and Korintje have much higher levels and must be taken in moderation. A few cups of cinnamon tea each day should be satisfactory and should not pose a threat. However, please consult your doctor if in doubt.
4. Turmeric is used as a dye and can stain clothes and counter tops, so clean up as soon as possible if you make a mess.
 

METHOD:
Split the cinnamon stick lengthwise and allow it to slowly come to a boil on medium low heat in 1 & 1/2 cup of water. This enables the cinnamon to be extracted. Cinnamon will not brew properly if boiled fast. Then let it steep/rest for 15-20mins. As the stick cools it releases the rest of the cinnamon.
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Add all the spices to the milk, whisk it in and bring to boil. Curcumin is fat soluble, so if you are using a low fat content liquid you can add 1/2 tsp of coconut oil or ghee (clarified butter) to maximize absorption.
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Remove the cinnamon stick from the water or strain if necessary and then stir in the milk mixture. Some of the water will have evaporated during the boiling process and thus there should will be room for the milk mixture to make 1 cup of Cinnamon Turmeric Latte. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
 

SHORT OF TIME?:
You can pre-make the cinnamon water for a few portions and then heat up when required (you can also just have this as hot cinnamon tea for great cinnamon benefits without the milk mixture. Just add a spoonful of honey to sweeten if you like!)

or

CINNAMON TUMERIC QUICKIE:
Just heat up 1 cup of coconut /almond/soy/rice or hemp milk and mix in the spice, increasing the pinch of cinnamon to 1/2 tsp. (as cinnamon doesn’t dissolve, the above is better for drinking pleasure). Sprinkle with cinnamon.

 
TURMERIC’s main ingredient is curcumin which basically kicks ass in many areas:

• Powerful Antioxidant – protecting your body from free radicals by blocking them and stimulating your own bod’s antioxidant enzymes.
• Strong anti-inflammatory – which can help treat arthritis, a key cause of which is joint inflammation.
• Improve brain function – increases growth of new neurons and fights brain diseases. Helps clear amyloid plaques which are a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation also plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease, which it also helps to reduce.
• Improves Heart Function – as improves endothelium function, which is the lining of your blood vessels. A major driver of heart disease is your endothelial inability to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors.
• Fights Cancer – contributes to the death of cancerous cells and reduces angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors) and metastasis (spread of cancer). There is also evidence that it may prevent cancer from occurring, especially cancers of the digestive system like colorectal cancer.
• Depression – studies have shown curcumin is as effective as Prozac in alleviating symptoms of depression.
• Protects against Fluoride – fluoride induces both neurotoxic and neurodegenerative effects on brain tissue. Studies have shown curcumin protects the brain against fluoride effects.

Only around 3% of turmeric is curcumin, so curcumin extracts are a good way to boost your intake.
 

CINNAMON’s turn!
Not only does it have a high concentration of powerful antioxidants preventing chronic diseases, it has also been shown to reduce inflammation and pain, thus also helping relieve arthritis, plus a whole load of other healthly goodies I need to remember when I have a guilty apple crumple:

• Boost Brain Function – known to improving cognitive speed, boost concentration and focus, and even stimulate the growth of new neural pathways, helping Alzheimer’s and other degenerative neural conditions.
• Weight Loss – cinnamon supplementation has been found to lower levels of blood sugar. Less sugar for your body to use up, otherwise it turns into fat. Helping weight loss and aiding the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular issues. All you need to do is to consume one or two cups of cinnamon tea per day; the results will speak for themselves!
• Lowers Cholesterol Levels – cinnamon lowers LDL cholesterol levels and increases HDL cholesterol levels, lowering your chances of developing atherosclerosis or having a heart attack or a stroke. Lower cholesterol levels also help in maintaining weight and preventing coronary heart diseases.
• Boosts Immune System – organic compounds found in cinnamon have antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic effects. Antioxidants neutralize and remove foreign pathogens and materials that could cause infection or illness in the body thus improving immune system function.
• Improves Digestion – has a stimulating effect on gastric juices and stomach acid. This makes digestion more efficient and effective. Chances of gas, constipation, bloating, cramping, and stomach upset are then lowered. Regular intake of cinnamon tea can also help the inflammation of the bowels.
• Helps Menstrual Cramps – Cinnamon has a number of analgesic and anticoagulant effects, meaning that it can reduce the pain and cramping during menstruation. It also helps reduce the severity of the period, if you tend to have a heavier flow.

References & Further Reading:
Science Confirms that Turmeric is as Effective as 14 Drugs
Turmeric shown to Protect Brain against Fluoride Poisoning
10 Health Benefits and Uses for Turmeric Curcumin Supplements