The splendid golden rhizome of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used as a herb and spice for thousands of years. Valued as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, many of its actions are attributed to the yellow pigment, curcumin.[1]
Nourish your brain this summer with a cooling Turmeric mango lassi – sweet with a spicy twist! Turmeric may help protect the ageing brain due to its ability to suppress neuroinflammation[2], supporting mood and cognitive function[3,4]
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1½-2 cups of mango flesh (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ cups of natural yoghurt or coconut yoghurt (dairy free option)
- 1 tsp ground or 2 tsp fresh turmeric
- ½ tsp ground or 1 tsp fresh ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamon
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp natural honey (optional)
- 4-5 ice cubes
Method
Add ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and frothy.
Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a sprinkle of turmeric and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
References
[1] Bone K, Mills S. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013. p. 900.
[2] Yu Y, Shen Q, Lai Y, Park SY, Ou X, Lin D, Jin M, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in microglial cells. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Apr 20;9:386.
[3] Kanchanatawan B, et al. Add-on treatment with curcumin has antidepressive effects in thai patients with major depression: results of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Neurotox Res. 2018 Apr;33(3):621-633.
[4] Hishikawa N, Takahashi Y, Amakusa Y, Tanno Y, Tuji Y, Niwa H, et al. Effects of turmeric on Alzheimer’s disease with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Ayu. 2012 Oct;33(4):499-504.
