With cooler temperatures on the horizon, finding creative (and healthy) ways to warm up your body is a necessity. Drop in temperature also brings with itself a host of unsavory companions – cold, flue, and other infections.
We’ve curated a list of few wellness drinks that might bring comfort to you amongst this chill:
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Hot Ginger Coffee
It’s a wonderful warmup drink after a cold day.
Combine the coffee, orange zest, ginger and cinnamon. Place in a coffee filter and brew with the cold water according to manufacturer's directions.
Pour into mugs; if desired, garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and orange zest.
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Hot Ginger Tea
Ginger promotes good digestion which gets weaknened in winter. It also has anti-tussive properties which means it can relieve coughing.
Boil 3 ounces thinly-sliced ginger root in 1 and then strain. It's delicious on its own or sweetened with a small amount of honey.
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Hot Turmeric Milk
Turmeric has a plethora of benefits but its standout feature is the concentration of the compound curcumin, excellent for treating inflammation and joint pain.
To 2 cups unsweetened almond milk add 1 tbsp of turmeric and pinch of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add all ingredients to a blender and process until well-combined (about 1 minute). Heat liquid mixture on stovetop on low-medium heat (being careful not to boil to keep nutrients intact) until it has come to desired temperature. Serve immediately.
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Hot Chocolate
Cocoa is a richer source of antioxidants than most foods and offers cardiovascular benefits. The chocolatey bean can protect nerves from injury and inflammation and has beneficial effects on satiety, cognitive function and mood.
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add milk, chocolate chunks, and vanilla. Place over medium heat until steaming, whisking constantly to avoid burning the chocolate. Cool to desired serving temperature and serve with your favorite toppings (hint hint: marshmallow!).
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Kadha
According to Ayurveda kadha is very beneficial for our general health and it makes our body immune system strong to fight with diseases. Kadha keeps your body warm in winter season it is best hot drink for winter season to keep our body healthy.
Grind Tulsi leaves, black pepper and ginger together and then boil them in water. Strain and drink.
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Mint Tea
Mint tea is low in calories, a great palate cleanser and has traditionally been used to aid digestion. It also helps to calm mood and uplift energy.
Wash and tear up a handful of mint leaves, add to a small teapot and top up with boiling water.
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Hot Apple Cider Smoothie
Apple Cider Vinegar is a powerful metabolism booster, and when added to lukewarm water, accelerates production of heat in the body. Spinach is packed with iron, folates and fiber, and when blended with ginger and cinnamon, protect the body from the winter chill.
Mix half lemon juice, 2 cups of water, 3 green apples, 2 handfuls of spinach, 1 inch ginger, 1 tbsp cinnamon in a high-powered blender or food processor until smooth.
Heat the smoothie by running the blender for 5 minutes or warm it in a pot on the stove. (In summer, you can cool it down by blending in ice cubes.) Serve immediately.
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Matcha Tea
Matcha, which has been dubbed the "highest quality tea," is a powder made from green tea leaves and is rich in antioxidants. Similar to chai, it contains caffeine and theanine, which can help to keep us alert and focused.
Blend the milk, which quickly creates a froth. Dissolving the matcha in hot water before mixing it with the milk helps to prevent the powder from clumping.
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Pumpkin Latte
Here is a drink which is caffeine free and is digestive, anti-inflammatory, and has blood sugar-balancing benefits.
You need coconut milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla extract and spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) & espresso or your coffee of choice. Simply add all of your ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Heat until just bubbling over medium heat, then add coffee of choice and stir. That’s it!
