HEALTHY ELIXIRS

by Kelly Oden

We all know the expression, you are what you eat, but we would be wise to add that you are also what

you drink. When we think about getting our daily doses of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, our go-to solution is often a salad, some lean protein or lightly cooked vegetables and supplements to fill in the gaps. While these are all great options for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sometimes we want something a little different—something a little exciting. To that end, we’ve rounded up a handful of healthy elixirs—delicious drinks with healing properties to keep your body and mind in good health. Try one or all of them. Bottoms up! Here’s to your health!

The star of golden milk is turmeric—a root in the same family as ginger that has been used as an anti-inflammatory compound in Chinese and Indian cultures for thousands of years. Turmeric gets its brilliant color from its active ingredient, curcumin, which has been found to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties. This superfood has also been linked to lower total cholesterol levels and improved liver function. Be sure to include the black pepper—it boosts the absorption of curcumin. Golden milk is often consumed in the evening for a restful sleep. For a morning pick-me-up, try a golden chai.

Ingredients:

4-5 fresh turmeric roots (or 3-4 teaspoons turmeric powder) 3/4 to 1 cup of water 2-3 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper 3-4 tablespoons cold pressed coconut oil 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder 4 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (or 2 teaspoons ginger powder)

Golden Milk

Directions:

Prepare the Paste

Wash and peel the turmeric and ginger. Finely chop or grate the roots. Note: Turmeric does stain skin and clothing, so be careful or wear gloves. Blend turmeric and ginger into a fine paste, adding a little water at a time to keep paste moist. Transfer paste to a pot. Cook on low and stir continuously for three to five minutes. Remove from heat and add black pepper, cinnamon and oil. Mix well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For Golden Milk

Warm milk of your choice on low heat. Almond milk works very well. Add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric paste. Heat for 3-5 minutes. Strain. Add honey if desired.

For Golden Chai

Add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric paste to chai tea. Let steep three minutes. Strain. Add almond milk if desired.

Beet Apple Carrot Juice

An immunity-boosting tonic with A kick, fire cider is a mix of herbs, roots, citrus, peppers and spices steeped in apple cider vinegar. With origins as a folk remedy, fire cider proponents tout its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, decongestant, and circulation-boosting properties. Take it as a shot to get your system going or mix it in your favorite beverage (We hear it’s great in a Bloody Mary!). Fire cider can even be used in cooking—add it to your favorite soups, cooked greens or homemade salad dressing for an extra dose of spicy goodness.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peeled and diced horseradish 1/2 cup peeled and diced garlic 1/2 cup peeled and diced onion 1/4 cup peeled and diced ginger 1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric 1 habanero or jalapeno pepper, sliced in circles 1 orange, thinly sliced 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped parsley 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary 2 tablespoons chopped thyme 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 2-3 cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup raw honey, or more to taste

Directions:

Wash, peel and chop all of the roots, herbs and spices. Layer everything in a one quart jar. Pour the vinegar over the top of the layered ingredients until the jar is full. Place a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap over the top of the jar before screwing on the lid—this keeps the vinegar from corroding the lid. Screw the lid on tightly and store it in a dark place for about a month. Shake it daily. After one month, strain and store in cool dark cabinet or refrigerate.

Ingredients:

2 small to medium beets 5-6 carrots 2-3 small apples 2-inch piece of ginger Juice of one small lemon besides being A gorgeous color, this simple, fresh juice packs a nutritional wallop. Beets are very hearthealthy and full of vitamins A, C and B-complex. Beets also contain a bounty of minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium and copper. Apples are packed with nutritious dietary fiber and are high in Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K, as well as folate, niacin, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, sodium and manganese. Carrots contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E and K, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium and beta-carotene.

Directions:

Wash all produce. Cut beets and apples in quarters. Peel ginger. Push beets, carrots, apples and ginger through juicer. Add lemon juice. Drink immediately. If storing, fill container to top to eliminate air and seal tightly.

Your care team. Your way.

At Ochsner 65 Plus, the focus is on you and your unique health needs. Along with your physician, we build a care team that will provide you with customized goals and preferences. You will experience extended visit times and frequent interactions with your provider and care team, along with access to daily group activities including chair yoga, card games, bingo and arts crafts and you will have exclusive access to a fitness center located inside the facility. Achieving your health goals has never been easier.

COMING SOON

University Center, 1095 East 9 Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32514

Call 850-558-4665 for a guided tour or appointment, or scan the QR code to learn more at

ochsner.org/65Pensacola

Accepted plans include: All Humana HMO Plans, All Humana PPO Plans, All Humana Honor Plans, All Humana Duals and Chronic Special Condition Plans, All Humana Give Back HMO or PPO Plans