Good health and a healthy environment
World Health Day is annually celebrated on the 7th of April.
Many countries worldwide consider health as a basic human right in their constitutions. Yet, governments often do not act accordingly, passing laws and regulations that further deteriorate the populationโs health and access to health services.
There are many factors contributing to oneโs health; our diet has a major role at play.
According to a WWF report, Bending the Curve, our diets are the leading cause of death all over the world. Unbalanced diets and lifestyles are responsible for the rising numbers of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. In fact, in 2020, when the report was published, 1 in 3 people were obese, while 1 in 12 suffered from hunger or was malnourished.
Another large study by the Lancet Commissions, Food in the Anthropocene, clearly states that โUnhealthy diets pose a greater risk to morbidity and mortality than does unsafe sex, and alcohol, drug, and tobacco use combinedโ.
Current diets are not only a direct risk factor for our health; they are also unsustainable. It is clear that food production is amongst the largest drivers of global environmental disruption, namely when it comes to biodiversity loss, climate change, freshwater use, interference with nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, among others. Our diets are, therefore, both directly and indirectly impacting our health.
The same report from The Lancet suggests that a largely plant-based diet should be set as a global reference. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and unsaturated oils should make up the bulk of our diets, leaving little to no space for refined sugars and gains, and animal-based products.
Over the last decades, we have created very unhealthy habits when it comes to the way we eat. Changing that will take time, but it is imperative that we do so in order to enjoy good health and a healthy environment.
Golden Milk & Turmeric Latte
Recipe inspired by Pick Up Limes
Anti-inflammatory foods are our allies. They help us combat inflammation in our bodies.
It is important to understand what this means.
Inflammation is a defense mechanism by the body, helping us in case of illnesses. That would be acute inflammation and it is a normal, healthy bodily response. Chronic inflammation is another story entirely and can pose serious threats to our health.
Chronic inflammation is harder to notice but it persists over longer periods, being often connected to our environment, dietary choices, stress, and overall health. It may increase the risk of several diseases such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Now, something that reduces inflammation is normally called anti-inflammatory. Turmeric with its active component, curcumin, ginger, and cinnamon are powerful, natural anti-inflammatories. Todayโs recipe is high on anti-inflammatory foods, while sweet and comforting.
Ingredients:
Two servings
- 240 ml (1 cup) of unsweetened soy milk
- 240 ml (1 cup) of canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp (3 g) of ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (3 g) of ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (3 g) of ground ginger
- 1 tsp (5 ml) of pure vanilla extract
- 2 Medjool dates, pits removed
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper*
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) of Maple syrup (optional)
- ยผ cup (60 ml) brewed espresso (optional, for the Turmeric Latte)
*Curcumin, the active agent in turmeric, isnโt easily absorbed into our bodies. Combining it with black pepper can help to increase curcumin absorption by up to 2000%! And you wonโt notice it at all.
Preparation:
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth.
Pour this mixture straight into a saucepan. If your blender isn’t very powerful, or if you don’t like small fibers to remain in your drink, strain the mixture first when pouring it into the saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer on medium-high heat, stirring throughout. Taste test and add maple syrup if you’d prefer the drink sweeter. When warmed through, remove from the heat.
To turn it into a Turmeric Latte, add some brewed espresso to your cups if desired. Pour the golden milk into the cups, and enjoy!
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