Turmeric has become widely familiar in the United States due to its Instagram beverage fame from turmeric lattes and golden milk pictures. This relative of ginger is more than just a picture-worthy beverage ingredient, turmeric has been found to contain many health benefits including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to name just a few. Turmeric has also been widely used in eastern medicine to help fight off viral infections, arthritis, and even headaches. Here are a few ways to spice up your morning or afternoon beverage with this deliciously healthy and versatile ingredient.

Turmeric Latte - In a saucepan bring ½ a cup of milk or your favorite milk substitute, such as a nut or oat milk to a simmer. Mix in a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, 3 teaspoons of freshly grated turmeric and a dash of nutmeg. Let lightly simmer together for 4-5 minutes and enjoy! While it’s best to use freshly grated turmeric and ginger if those aren’t available at your local grocery store, ground versions will do the trick. 

Pro-tip: wearing gloves will help reduce the risk of staining your fingers while grating your fresh turmeric.

Turmeric Smoothie - In a blender add a ½ cup of milk or milk substitute, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, 1 banana, ½ cup frozen blueberries, and ½ cup frozen mango. Blend until smooth and enjoy. Substitute frozen pineapple or other tropical fruits for another tasty variation. 

Turmeric Ginger Juice Shot - Pass a 2-inch knob of ginger and turmeric through a juicer and ½ a lemon. Mix juices together into a glass and enjoy this colorful and zippy shot of healthy goodness!  Alternatively, mix the shot with fresh orange and/or apple juice for punchy morning juice.

Turmeric Tonic - Pass a 2-inch knob of ginger and turmeric through a juicer with one lemon. Mix the fresh juice with 6-8 ounces of soda or tonic water and add a dash of your favorite sweetener to taste, it’s that simple. Feeling like spicing it up even more? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This tonic will be sure to wake up and boost your immune system while leaving you feeling healthy and refreshed!

Team Active content is not medical advice; it's inspiration to live actively!

Andy lives actively with daily runs around the Minneapolis chain of lakes. He's coping with stress by hanging out with wife Emma, cats Louie and Ella as well as staying connected with friends on virtual happy hours and trivia nights. 

Emotions and stress are at an all time high for many of us. For those that already have issues with anxiety may be experiencing some very intense feelings. We want to try and help all of you! Our team put together what we’re doing during this time to reduce stress and create calm.  Please share your ideas with us too! We’re in this together. 

• Stay informed but set limits. With the continuously evolving situation, we have to stay updated on the latest developments. Yet leaving the 24/7 news feed live on our TV’s and social media feeds can leave your mind in a fight or flight state, increasing anxiety. Commit to checking credible sources like the CDC website 2-3 times a day, or watching the morning or evening news of your choice, but also taking time to unplug and just be.
• Turn off your devices and spend quality time with your loved ones. Make dinner together as a family, go on a walk or Facetime with a friend to connect. 
• Go for a walk. Fresh air and light exercise can help clear your mind while reducing stress and anxieties.
• Stay active! A 30-minute workout is just as good for your mental health as it is for your physical health. Physical activity helps increase blood flow and stimulate your mind, resulting in an overall improvement to you health and wellbeing.
• Laughter calms down your stress response and can decrease your heart rate. Start a tickle fight with your kids while you’re all home together or watch your favorite comedians on YouTube and Netflix. Need a place to start? Look up #weightedblanketchallenge on social for a good laugh.
• Control what you can control. Amongst stress, confusion and the unknown of what tomorrow will look like, try to embrace what you can control. Whether that’s tidying up a closet to bring calm, tackling a home improvement project you’ve been trying to complete, or making dinner for your family, do what you can to create peace around you.
• Take it One Day at a Time. It’s a mantra for a reason. There are so many speculations on what the long-term effects of this COVID-19 pandemic will have on the economy and society at large, as well as personal anxiety about our own health and that of our family members. Try to remind yourself that worrying about something will not change its outcome, and focus instead on the day in front of you. What needs to happen today? What can you do today to take care of yourself and your family? When tomorrow arrives, ask yourself the same question. Taking care of today is how we will take care of tomorrows.

Team Active content is not medical advice; it's inspiration to live actively!