Golden mornings: Unlock health with turmeric and pepper oatmeal

"Golden" is aptly named not only after its hue but also for its abundant qualities that positively affect the body, making such oatmeal an ideal morning jumpstart.

The component lending oatmeal its "golden" shade is turmeric, a well-acknowledged yet undervalued spice. A small dash, roughly recommended as 2-3 grams daily, bolsters the body's functions. Nevertheless, turmeric's efficacy is significantly enhanced with a dash of pepper, which boosts its bioavailability. Despite what one might think, this duo pleasantly complements even sweet oatmeal. Here's a recipe you need to know.

Turmeric features curcumin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, it's poised to assist in managing varied inflammatory illnesses, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Yet, the advantages of turmeric-infused oatmeal extend beyond anti-inflammatory and anticancer benefits. It also enhances digestion, accelerates fat metabolism, and keeps cholesterol levels in check.

Pepper contributes piperine, which elevates curcumin's bioavailability, ensuring the body fully absorbs turmeric for optimal effectiveness. Adding a tad of pepper to your oatmeal should not be a concern. However, the benefits of pepper don’t stop there. Piperine aids in the production of digestive juices, fostering digestion, while its warming effect can boost circulation and alleviate aches. Both ingredients act in tandem to amplify their health impacts.

Ingredients:

• 75g of mountain oat flakes,
• 250ml of milk,
• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey,
• Half a teaspoon of turmeric,
• Half a teaspoon of cinnamon,
• A pinch of pepper,
• 1 small apple,
• Walnuts for sprinkling.

Preparation:

1. Pour milk into a pot, add spices and heat the mixture.
2. Then add the oat flakes to the warmed milk and simmer for roughly 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
3. Mix in maple syrup near the end of cooking (or add honey once the oatmeal has cooled a smidge).
4. Transfer the cooked oatmeal into a bowl, combine it with the finely grated apple, and garnish with walnuts.