Stig’s anti-inflammatory turmeric shot  (1 small bottle)

½-1 glass unsweetened fruit juice – e.g. pineapple, apple or similar

1 tbsp turmeric powder

1 ml (1/5 of a teaspoon) chili or cayenne pepper

½ tbsp Ceylon cinnamon powder

½ ml (1/10 of a teaspoon) or a pinch of ground cloves

½ -1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (if possible organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar)

1 tsp lemon juice

Optional: 1 tsp cumin

Optional: A pinch of black pepper

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in carafe or a small bottle.

2. Shake it or mix it before taking your shot.

3. It can be stored in a bottle with a tight lid in the fridge for 3-5 days

Enjoy! 

Inflammation och anti-inflammatory spices

Inflammation is partly controlled by our genes, where about 1200 genes are involved in controlling inflammation. However, it has been found that certain spices can influence these genes. Turmeric, which is the star ingredient of this recipe, is one of the most well-studied spices in regard to inflammation. That is mainly due to the powerful antioxidant curcumin which has been the main interest of researchers.

Our turmeric shot also contains the healthy spices cloves and cinnamon. However, be sure to get ceylon cinnamon and not the regular saigon cinnamon as it can contain the toxic substance coumarin. Cayenne pepper helps the body absorb all the goodness from these beneficial spices.

Health benefits:

Turmeric 

The main active ingredient in turmeric is called Curcumin – a very strong antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It is recommended to consume turmeric with black pepper as it contains piperine – a natural substance enhancing the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%.

Curcumin is a fat-soluble substance, which means that fat can be used as an alternative to pepper (pipirine). If you use certain fats together with curcumin, the fat acts as an extra layer of protection around the curcumin so that it becomes more difficult to break down, which means that it stays in our bodies longer. A big advantage of combining curcumin with fat, especially in dietary supplements, is that you do not need such high doses as when using  pepper (piperine). Find Stig Bengmark’s Turmeric capsules here.

Chili and Cayenne Pepper 

Cayenne and chili peppers have been used since ancient times for their health benefits including as a digestive aid. Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Clove    

Cloves contain antioxidants and include multiple compounds that are linked to anti-inflammatory properties.

Cloves contain a specific natural antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory compound called eugenol which has been found to reduce the inflammatory response in the body and as antioxidant protecting the cells from damage from free radicals. Clove is also a rich source of manganese which is an essential mineral for maintaining brain function and building strong bones.

In order to keep the flavour and potency strong buy them whole, store in an airtight container, and grind them with a pepper mill to keep them as fresh as possible as their potency quickly fades once they’ve been ground.

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar responses after meals. High blood sugar levels contribute to aging and various chronic diseases. Best way to regulate blood sugar level is consuming a healthy diet avoiding refined carbs, and sugar. Choose organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria.

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