MEXICAN HOT CACAO WITH TURMERIC, COCONUT OIL, MACA & SPICES

Coffee replacement and all year warmer. Slow ageing, increase mental alertness and increase strength and stamina

This has been a favourite of mine for some time, but I’ve been playing around with the recipe, which has been a saviour since coming back to the UK from Spain. It’s cold, it’s dark, it’s not great. Although today was stunning, Spring is on the way. Always the optimist!

For me, this drink is a healthier version of the bulletproof coffee – without the coffee and with the benefit of medicinal herbs and superfoods.

Great for the winter but a beneficial morning boost and replacement for coffee all year around. If you want to slow down ageing and increase your overall strength, stamina and mental sharpness; look no further.

Recommended to drink twice per day. If, like me, you’re sensitive to caffeine (which is in the cacao) try not to have this too close before sleep. Probably best to drink before 1pm in this case.

INGREDIENTS

  • Two cups of hot (not boiling) water or Coconut milk, Rice milk or Almond milk

  • 1 heaped TBSP of unrefined Coconut Oil or MCT oil

  • 1 TBSP of raw, Organic Cacao powder (heaped if you like it more chocolatey)

  • ½ - ¾ rounded tsp. of Organic Turmeric powder (more if you like it spicy)

  • A pinch of Black Pepper (helps with the absorption of the Turmeric)

  • A pinch of Cayenne Pepper to taste (again, depending on how spicy you like it). You can also use Cayenne Tincture if you have this - for greater medicinal potency

  • 1 tsp. of Maca powder or Chocolate Protein powder

  • 1-2 tsp. of Maple Syrup or Organic Honey

  • ½ tsp. of Organic Cinnamon powder

  • ½ tsp. of Organic Ginger powder

  • ½ tsp. of Himalayan salt

Mix and blend for up to 1 minute

SUPERFOOD BENEFITS:

Coconut and coconut milk are comprised of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA’s). The digestion of MCFA’s by the liver creates ketones which are a readily accessible energy for the brain. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need of insulin to process glucose into energy.

Recent research has shown that the brain actually creates its own insulin to process glucose and power brain cells. As the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient has lost the ability to create its own insulin, the ketones from coconut oil creates an alternate source of energy to help repair brain function.

Turmeric is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Black pepper increases the effectiveness of turmeric by as much as 2000% so it’s really important to add a pinch of this to the recipe.

Cinnamon slows blood sugar spike, curbs sugar cravings and reduces blood glucose concentration, which can help assist with weight loss and help manage diabetes. Cinnamaldehyde, an active compound found in cinnamon, is also believed to suppress colon cancer cells and may be effective against human liver cancer cells.

Cayenne pepper fights inflammation, boosts metabolism and prevents complications from diabetes by enhancing circulation in critical areas.

Maca is commonly used to treat chronic fatigue and anaemia. It boosts memory, stamina, athletic performance, energy, and fertility. Women can use Maca for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, and to lessen symptoms of menopause.

Cacao’s antioxidant properties offer neuron protection and enhance cognition and positive mood. It also lessens allergic responses and fight bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.

Elizabeth Wright