I rarely, and I mean rarely, get sick (I would say that I haven’t gotten sick in a good 2 years, however, a couple of weeks ago I had a slight cough and the sniffles – so I don't want to lie). No joke. Every week another person at school is sick and it’s an endless cycle of germs and yuckiness that goes throughout the entire semester. every semester. Yet somehow, I have managed to remain mostly sick-free!
I have some theories on why. Firstly, I eat raw garlic like it's my job. My broke-college-girl spaghetti that I make quite regularly (I’m not perfect – while I strive to always eat healthy, it doesn't constantly happen) – consists of olive oil, chopped raw garlic, hot pepper, cayenne pepper, black pepper and parmesan cheese. So, I definitely get my fill of raw garlic from that, as well as anytime I sense that I may be getting sick – I eat that raw garlic alllllll on its own. Doesn't taste particularly good but the health benefits are so major that I do.not.care. Steer clear, vamps. [learn more about health benefits of garlic here]
My second theory is that it's all due to the magical potion I drink quite frequently that not only has health benefits up the wazoo, but that (in my opinion) tastes great. Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you I’m basically obsessed with this drink – when anyone I know is sick I either make this for them, or tell them to make it for themselves ASAP (sorry, can’t do it all).
This potion, as I like to refer to it as, is very simple to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
(P.S. this is nothing revolutionary – I didn't come up with it myself, it’s all over Pinterest – BUT the important part is I DRINK IT, and you should too.)
I have some theories on why. Firstly, I eat raw garlic like it's my job. My broke-college-girl spaghetti that I make quite regularly (I’m not perfect – while I strive to always eat healthy, it doesn't constantly happen) – consists of olive oil, chopped raw garlic, hot pepper, cayenne pepper, black pepper and parmesan cheese. So, I definitely get my fill of raw garlic from that, as well as anytime I sense that I may be getting sick – I eat that raw garlic alllllll on its own. Doesn't taste particularly good but the health benefits are so major that I do.not.care. Steer clear, vamps. [learn more about health benefits of garlic here]
My second theory is that it's all due to the magical potion I drink quite frequently that not only has health benefits up the wazoo, but that (in my opinion) tastes great. Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you I’m basically obsessed with this drink – when anyone I know is sick I either make this for them, or tell them to make it for themselves ASAP (sorry, can’t do it all).
This potion, as I like to refer to it as, is very simple to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
(P.S. this is nothing revolutionary – I didn't come up with it myself, it’s all over Pinterest – BUT the important part is I DRINK IT, and you should too.)
Benefits of these Magical Ingredients:
Turmeric: I have yet to discover fresh, raw turmeric here in Italy, however they do sell the powdered form, which is what I use. Turmeric is the Holy Grail of all things healthy – if it’s not a current staple in your diet, make it one. ASAP. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant with strong ant-inflammatory properties. Studies found it helps stop cancer from spreading, as well as helping prevent type 2 diabetes. Find out more benefits here.
Ginger: (find out all the benefits of ginger in my post about Ginger Carrot Soup here)
Cayenne Pepper: I couldn't find cayenne pepper here for a while; I recently discovered that they sell it at Tiger (closest location to AUR is right near Campo Di Fiori). I love all things spicy so cayenne pepper is an absolute must for me – I put this spice on anything and everything. Cayenne pepper has anti-irritant properties (helps ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats), anti-cold and flu properties, anti-fungal properties, helps with migraine prevention, anti-allergen, digestive aid, helps prevent formation of blood clots, detoxifies the body, has anti-bacterial properties, helps in weight loss…..the list goes on and on.
Lemon: Rich in Vitamin C, powerful antioxidant, helps maintain healthy, beautiful skin, potassium, flushes out toxins and alleviates bloating, aids in digestion, anti-bacterial properties, helps maintain immune system, helps maintain pH levels in the body, reduces pain and inflammation in joints, helps cure common cold, helps fight against eye problems.
Honey: Firstly, make sure to always go for raw honey, which is honey that has not been heated, pasteurized or processed, therefore preserving important vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Honey is rich in minerals, boosts immune system, has anti-viral properties, anti-bacterial properties, anti-fungal properties, promotes digestive health, powerful antioxidant, boosts immune system, balances sugar levels, is an anti-inflammatory, etc.etc.for.days. Basically, it's the bees knees and you should be having more of this good stuff….uhhh huhhh honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar: aids in weight loss, helps maintain healthy alkaline pH level, helps detox the body, great for lymphatic system (helps break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes), helps rid of allergies, helps rid of candida (yeast) in the body (candida can lead to symptoms of: fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings + yeast infections), helps reduce heartburn. I mean, clearly ACV is another winner!!
Turmeric: I have yet to discover fresh, raw turmeric here in Italy, however they do sell the powdered form, which is what I use. Turmeric is the Holy Grail of all things healthy – if it’s not a current staple in your diet, make it one. ASAP. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant with strong ant-inflammatory properties. Studies found it helps stop cancer from spreading, as well as helping prevent type 2 diabetes. Find out more benefits here.
Ginger: (find out all the benefits of ginger in my post about Ginger Carrot Soup here)
Cayenne Pepper: I couldn't find cayenne pepper here for a while; I recently discovered that they sell it at Tiger (closest location to AUR is right near Campo Di Fiori). I love all things spicy so cayenne pepper is an absolute must for me – I put this spice on anything and everything. Cayenne pepper has anti-irritant properties (helps ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats), anti-cold and flu properties, anti-fungal properties, helps with migraine prevention, anti-allergen, digestive aid, helps prevent formation of blood clots, detoxifies the body, has anti-bacterial properties, helps in weight loss…..the list goes on and on.
Lemon: Rich in Vitamin C, powerful antioxidant, helps maintain healthy, beautiful skin, potassium, flushes out toxins and alleviates bloating, aids in digestion, anti-bacterial properties, helps maintain immune system, helps maintain pH levels in the body, reduces pain and inflammation in joints, helps cure common cold, helps fight against eye problems.
Honey: Firstly, make sure to always go for raw honey, which is honey that has not been heated, pasteurized or processed, therefore preserving important vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Honey is rich in minerals, boosts immune system, has anti-viral properties, anti-bacterial properties, anti-fungal properties, promotes digestive health, powerful antioxidant, boosts immune system, balances sugar levels, is an anti-inflammatory, etc.etc.for.days. Basically, it's the bees knees and you should be having more of this good stuff….uhhh huhhh honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar: aids in weight loss, helps maintain healthy alkaline pH level, helps detox the body, great for lymphatic system (helps break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes), helps rid of allergies, helps rid of candida (yeast) in the body (candida can lead to symptoms of: fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings + yeast infections), helps reduce heartburn. I mean, clearly ACV is another winner!!
I’m pretty sure it’s obvious that you cannot go wrong with this drink. The benefits are literally endless.
How to Prepare the Potion:
There are various ways to prepare this drink – sometimes I take it cold, by putting filtered water in a large cup (think mason jar) or a container, and squeeze in the lemon, shave in some ginger, add the cayenne pepper, turmeric and the apple cider vinegar (usually when I drink it cold, I don't add the honey because it doesn't mix in well). Alternatively, the perhaps better, or healthier, way to drink it is to cut up the lemons into slices (as many as you want, usually I do anywhere from 1-3 lemons), add them to a pot of water, let them come to a boil, and add the rest of the ingredients and then let it sit on low heat for a bit. Both ways are good – just depends on what you’re in the mood for.
Also, occasionally I will make it hot, but then let it cool down and refrigerate it - which is probably my favorite way to drink it because all the flavors are really set in but I get to enjoy it cold so it's refreshing.
Give this potion a try and let me know what you think.
sources:
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmerics-smart-kill-properties-put-chemo-radiation-shame
http://www.e-health101.com/2014/10/eat-garlic-properly-often/
http://carbswitch.com/2015/02/25/immune-system-boosters/
http://www.mommypotamus.com/spring-turmeric-tonic/
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-cayenne-pepper/
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water
http://www.naturalnews.com/035493_raw_honey_health_benefits_antibacterial.html
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/cleansing-ginger-lemon-tea/
http://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5875/15-Reasons-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Every-Day.html
How to Prepare the Potion:
There are various ways to prepare this drink – sometimes I take it cold, by putting filtered water in a large cup (think mason jar) or a container, and squeeze in the lemon, shave in some ginger, add the cayenne pepper, turmeric and the apple cider vinegar (usually when I drink it cold, I don't add the honey because it doesn't mix in well). Alternatively, the perhaps better, or healthier, way to drink it is to cut up the lemons into slices (as many as you want, usually I do anywhere from 1-3 lemons), add them to a pot of water, let them come to a boil, and add the rest of the ingredients and then let it sit on low heat for a bit. Both ways are good – just depends on what you’re in the mood for.
Also, occasionally I will make it hot, but then let it cool down and refrigerate it - which is probably my favorite way to drink it because all the flavors are really set in but I get to enjoy it cold so it's refreshing.
Give this potion a try and let me know what you think.
sources:
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmerics-smart-kill-properties-put-chemo-radiation-shame
http://www.e-health101.com/2014/10/eat-garlic-properly-often/
http://carbswitch.com/2015/02/25/immune-system-boosters/
http://www.mommypotamus.com/spring-turmeric-tonic/
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-cayenne-pepper/
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/cheers-to-drinking-warm-lemon-water
http://www.naturalnews.com/035493_raw_honey_health_benefits_antibacterial.html
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/cleansing-ginger-lemon-tea/
http://authoritynutrition.com/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5875/15-Reasons-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Every-Day.html