As we near the end of autumn and the beginning of the cold wintery days, there really is nothing better than a warm drink in front of the fire. Recently, I have been loving a turmeric latte; its cosy, sweet and milky- it is like a hug in a cup.

It’s super easy to make, non caffeinated so it’s a perfect drink for later on in the day and your immune system will love you for it.

A couple of years ago before I started prioritising my health, every year around this time without fail I would get ill with the cold. When the cold days and nights started to roll in and the end of year work starts to pile up (uni students I know you are with me on this one, when those new semester blues kick in and the November deadlines start to hit). I could almost predict the week I was going to get ill with the cold before it even came. I used to just think it was something I couldn’t avoid and had to deal with; I prepared for the recovery rather than preventing it in the first place. But that was then. For the last two years I’ve completely avoided the November illness and how it that? I prioritise my health now and live my life to prevent illness/disease, eating foods which support my immune system, give me energy and regulate cell growth and repair.

This turmeric latte is the ultimate immune system supporter. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, that gives turmeric its bright yellow/orange colour, is a potent immune regulator- promoting the activity of anti-inflammatory (disease preventing) immune cells and decreasing the activity of inflammatory compounds (the disease causing compounds). Many studies highlight beneficial effects in individuals with arthritis, allergy, asthma, cardiovascular disease, alzheimers and research to validate curcumin as a potential treatment for inflammatory disease is ongoing. Ginger contains a number of powerful compounds (gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zerumbone) that support the immune system, mopping up all those disease causing compounds (free radicals) throughout the body that have been associated with the development of cancers as well as supporting curcumin in reducing inflammation. Cinnamon, popularly used to spice up dishes, has shown beneficial effects in autoimmune conditions (where there is a lack of immune system regulation resulting in the immune system attacking its own cells) by increasing the activity of Treg cells which slow the immune system activity when it has done the necessary job. Finally, honey, a commonly used natural cold remedy, added to teas or warm water- but do you know why? Raw honey contains flavonoids and polyphenols which are antioxidants that like ginger mop up the toxic disease causing free radicals and microbes. This combination of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and honey is an immune system powerhouse, the top of the top when it comes to immune support, a weapon against disease and will certainly make you bullet proof against that November illness.

Try making this cosy turmeric latte and cold and flu season will be a breeze this year.