Golden Milk Kefir Smoothie

Golden milk is a beverage originating from the Ayurvedic tradition, the centuries-old healing practice from India. It is typically made with turmeric and other spices steeped in milk to create a comforting, nourishing beverage. I put my twist on it by adding these medicinal herbs to kefir instead of warm milk. The kefir is kept raw in this version, as it is a digestion-promoting probiotic food and heating will kill its beneficial microbes. The tangy flavor of the kefir also adds a new element to the classic sweet, spiced golden milk.

Turmeric gives golden milk its signature yellow color, but also adds antioxidant compounds, including curcumin. Turmeric, along with ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit gut health, immune health, skin, and more. Turmeric’s medicinal compounds are not well-absorbed from food unless combined with black pepper or fat; in this recipe, the whole milk kefir lends the healthy fat to help improve turmeric’s absorption. Feel free to add a sprinkle of black pepper to yours for an extra kick! You can keep it simple with just the kefir, honey, and spices or make your golden milk kefir thicker and a bit more filling by adding a handful of frozen fruit for a quick breakfast treat.