Turmeric smoothies for good health

The ‘breakout star’ ingredient of the Google’s Food Trends 2016 report, turmeric, refuses to go slow on its way to becoming one of the most sought after medicinal herb in the world. Turmeric has been deeply valued for its medicinal properties for over 4,000 years in India and other parts of South Asia. In fact, the yellow spice is such an integral part of South Asian cuisine that it will be hard to find many recipes (except, perhaps, desserts) without a touch of this spice. However, it is only recently that turmeric found cult followers globally.

Loaded with medicinal value, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It is a very strong antioxidant and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It helps in boosting immunity, maintaining cholesterol levels and fighting infection. Turmeric also helps improve liver function. In India, we usually get our daily dose of turmeric through cooked food, which leaves very little scope for the spice to bestow its medicinal properties naturally to us.

Last year, the golden yellow turmeric latte made an appearance on the global food scene and soon found its way into cafe menus all over the world. Interestingly, the drink that took the world by storm follows a simple recipe, with a lot of room for improvisation. The basic recipe requires you to steep dried turmeric root in boiling water and strain it to get concentrated turmeric solution. Depending on how strong you want your drink to be, pour some of the concentrate in a cup and add milk and honey to it. Stir well and relish your cup of turmeric latte. You could tweak the recipe to add flavours—cinnamon powder, vanilla extract or even ginger juice. You could also use almond or coconut milk for a vegan version.

The turmeric latte may not be as appealing to us as it is to the West. After all, did we not grow up on 'haldi doodh' as the magic potion to improve immunity. Also, not many of us would fancy a cup of hot milk in the sweltering summer heat. That said, summer is the perfect time to whip up some yummy smoothies. So, put aside your regular choice of fruit juices and try these delicious turmeric smoothies that will not only keep you cool but also healthy.

Turmeric ginger carrot smoothie
If you like the summer 'orange' colour of carrots, then a dash of bright golden yellow hue on it will leave you wanting for more. This nutrient-packed smoothie brings together anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, antioxidants from carrots, Vitamin C from pineapple, potassium-packed banana and tummy-soothing ginger in one glass of goodness.

First, make smooth carrot puree in a blender. Add one large ripe banana, pineapple slices, dried ginger powder and a pinch of turmeric in a separate jar. Blend well until smooth and creamy. Now add carrot puree and almond milk to the mix and blend well. If you like your smoothie to be watery, just add some water to the mix. Blend well and serve fresh.

Turmeric papaya smoothie
Papaya is a rich source of vitamin C and E, and beta carotene, that helps in reducing inflammation within the body. Combine it with creamed coconut milk, a powerhouse of natural fatty acids, and turmeric, and you a have a tasty way to a strong immune system.
To make this smoothie, blend together naturally sweet thin coconut milk, papaya cubes, a pinch of turmeric power to form a thick smoothie. You could add a pinch of cinnamon powder or few drops of vanilla extract for added flavours.

Tropical zing turmeric smoothie
If you like your smoothies with a bit of a zing on your taste buds, this recipe is for you. This zesty tropical smoothie is your perfect answer to a hot summer afternoon. It being packed with health benefits gives you another reason to indulge.

Put frozen pineapple slices, frozen mango pieces, chopped fresh ginger, a teaspoon of turmeric paste and cold water in a high-speed blender to form a medium-thin smoothie. Serve it fresh.