By Kim Wilson
Superfood powders have been trending for years, and many of them for good reasons. Whilst we can certainly get the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from a varied and mostly plant-based diet, these flavourful powders play both a tasty and nutritious role when it comes to “spicing up” your diet. In lieu of listing off the benefits of each nutrient and leaving you to come up with ideas for how to serve them, here is a compilation of Superfood Drinks Recipes to transform your health:
MATCHA LATTE
Matcha is part of the green tea family, but it’s used as a concentrated powder rather than dried leaves. In so doing, it is much higher in caffeine as well as one specific amino acid called L-Theanine. This powerful compound is associated with feelings of heightened focus, alertness and sustained energy. Green tea is also a potent antioxidant.
RECIPE FOR ONE
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- ¼ cup hot water
- ¾ cup oat or alternative milk, warmed (and preferably frothed)
Method:
Add matcha and hot water to a large mug or bowl and whisk vigorously until frothy. Add in the vanilla, then pour in the frothed milk and serve.
TURMERIC LATTE
Turmeric has had a lot of media attention largely due to its main bioactive component called Curcumin. Curcumin has been linked with reduced risk for a wide variety of diseases, as well as being a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
RECIPE FOR ONE
Ingredients:
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 cup almond milk or oat milk
- ~1/2 cm fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup
- Pinch cinnamon
- Pinch black pepper
Method:
In a small saucepan, whisk all ingredients together except for honey and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes before adding the honey. Using a strainer, pour the milk into your cup. Use a frother if you have one.
MACA LATTE
Maca is a Peruvian root that’s typically used only in powder form. There’s evidence that maca can assist with boosting libido, as well as a host of other potential benefits including improved fertility, relief from menopause symptoms, improved mood, and improved energy levels. Maca also comes in three colours: red, yellow and black.
RECIPE FOR ONE
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup almond (or oat) milk
- 1 ½ tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tbsp maca powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Pinch cinnamon
- Pinch black pepper
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ - 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
Method
Whisk all ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat through, whisking often until hot. For a frothy consistency whisk vigorously before serving or use a frother.
GINGER & CINNAMON LATTE
Ginger is a fantastic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can help reduce cell damage over time. Ginger may also relieve symptoms of nausea and indigestion. Cinnamon on the other hand is great for balancing blood sugar levels in diabetics, and people often report a reduction in appetite when using cinnamon in their meals.
RECIPE FOR ONE
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ¼ cup almond milk (or oat milk)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cardamon
- Pinch of cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a small pot and bring to a slight boil over medium to high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into a mug and sprinkle with some cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick.
BEETROOT LATTE
Beetroot powder is made from freeze-dried concentrated beetroot juice. It is a concentrated dietary source of nitrates which when ingested are converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow. This benefits those with high blood pressure, and athletes who want to see improved stamina and energy. Beetroot is also rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit overall health.
RECIPE FOR ONE
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp beetroot powder
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ¾ cup almond milk (or oat milk)
- 1 tbsp warm water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
- ½ tsp vanilla
Method:
Combine the beetroot powder with warm water, maple syrup and vanilla in a small saucepan, whisk to dissolve the mixture. Add the coconut milk and ½ of the almond milk to the saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Pour into a mug. Froth the remaining almond milk before adding to your mug.
Superfood Drinks for Super Health
If you lack variety in your diet, then superfoods can provide you with the extra nutrients you may be missing out on. Superfood drinks can offer many nutritional benefits, especially when used as replacements for sugar-sweetened drinks! However, don’t let your superfoods journey end with just the recipes above, there are a whole host of delicious ways to include them in your diet. Superfoods can be added to smoothies, salad dressings, sauces, and more! All it takes is a little experimentation, but the sky is the limit.
Lifestyle Health
Lifestyle Center, Ballito
www.lifestylehealth.co.za
032 946 0441
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