- Spencer Elizabeth
Summer Chia Seed Turmeric Lemonade
Looking for a healthy summer drink without all the added sugar? Try this refreshing anti-inflammatory chia seed lemonade recipe — Pairs well with a lawn chair and umbrella!
Nutritional Highlights
Turmeric — Turmeric is a mutlifunctional spice that helps to reduce inflammation, acts as an antioxidant, and supports the liver and gallbladder as well as the digestive system.
Chia Seeds — Chia seeds are unique in that they are a complete protein. They are also a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and antioxidants which help reduce inflammation.
Lemon — Lemons are high in vitamin C (which helps support the immune system and acts as an antioxidant), vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid, flavonoids and the phytochemicals. Lemon juice is also great for digestion.
Ingredients:
4 cups of room-temperature filtered water
¼ cup of chia seeds
1/2 tbsp ground turmeric - OR - 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric
pinch of black pepper (this makes the curcumin in turmeric more bioavailable)
juice of 5-6 lemons
1/2 - 1 tbsp raw honey - OR - organic stevia drops, to taste (6-10 drops) (Choose your own adventure!)
Instructions:
Mix chia seeds and water in a large bowl and wait 10-15 minutes until the chia seeds become soft and gelatinous, stirring occasionally to break up the chia seeds. Move to the fridge to cool.
In a large pitcher, add all the other ingredients except the sweetener, mixing well with a whisk.
Taste the lemonade before adding the sweetener. Start by adding 1/2 tbsp honey or 2-3 drops stevia and taste. Sweeten to your liking. Depending on the size of your lemons, you may want to add more water to reduce tartness. Enjoy!
Resources
Bauman, E. & Friedlander, J. (2015). Therapeutic Nutrition Part 1. Penngrove, CA: Bauman
College. Morris, J. (2015). Superfood Snacks. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Murray, M., Pizzorno, J. & Pizzorno, L. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New
York, NY: Atria Books.
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