Fermented turmeric and ginger elixir

Ginger is for many an all time favorite when it comes to fighting the flu, whether it's by eating it whole, soaked in tea or pressed to a shot. I love ginger and all it's medicinal properties. It's said to reduce nausea, pain and inflammation and to promote a healthy digestion and metabolism. Ginger also aids in promoting a strong immune system.

And then we have turmeric, same family, different type. 

Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It contains curcumin, a compound responsible for that bright color and it's known for its antioxidant content and for being the most potent anti-inflammatory agent we know.

It's said that turmeric is a natural liver detoxifier, that it helps in reducing oxidative stress as well as strengthening the immune system. Turmeric has also been shown to reduce the growing effect of estrogen on cancer cells.

Although turmeric is a spice with great benefits, it’s all about the curcumin, the bioactive ingredient in this golden root which is not easily absorbed without a few additions. 

A Healthy Fat

Fats allows curcumin to be absorbed better, so add a little good quality fat when ingesting.

Black Pepper

Just a pinch of pepper can make all the difference as it helps with the absorption of curcumin. 

Fermentation

When you ferment turmeric it becomes even more bioavailable.

Fermented foods are foods that have been through a process of lactofermentation in which natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food creating lactic acid. This, along with the strains of probiotics created during the fermentation process, explains the link between consumption of fermented foods and improved digestion. Fermented foods contain beneficial probiotics, digestive enzymes and health boosting nutrients, and the process makes the nutrients in the foods used, more available for our bodies to use and absorb. 

Ingredients

200 grams of organic fresh ginger root 

200 grams of organic fresh turmeric root 

Juice from 1 lemon

2 tsp organic cane sugar

1 dl kombucha

1 litre boiled and cooled water 

1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Chop ginger and turmeric, unpeeled if organic.

2. Blend everything except black pepper, in a high-speed blender.

3. Pour the liquid into a mason jar or another container made of glass and cover with a clean towel.

4. Ferment for 4-5 days, in room temperature.

5. Strain through a colander and pour the golden drink into a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Add pepper. (The ginger make the liquid explosive, so make sure to open the bottle once in a while!)

6. Store the elixir in the fridge.

Citrus fruits are not only sweet and refreshing, they are also loaded with flavonoids, which have anticancer properties. Citrus flavonoids are also antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and may protect against heart disease. Citrus fruit is also high in Vitamin C, folate, and potassium.