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THE POWER OF ROOTS

Yams, beets, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, yuca, kohlrabi, onions, garlic, celery root, horseradish, turmeric, Jerusalem artichokes, radishes, and ginger...

Roots are some of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world.  The various different roots share many of the same characteristics.

Root vegetables grow underground - so they absorb a great amount of nutrients from the soil. They are packed with a high concentration of antioxidants, Vitamins C, B, A, and iron, helping to cleanse your system. Packed with slow-burning carbohydrates and fiber, roots make you feel full and help regulate your blood sugar and digestive system. This factor, plus the high-octane nutrients and low calories, make roots excellent for people who are trying to lose weight, or simply stay healthy.

BY WELCOMING GINGER AND TURMERIC INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE, YOU WILL BE WELCOMING IN MANY MORE BENEFITS... MAKE FOOD YOUR MEDICINE.  

NOW IS ROOT SEASON

Most root vegetables are available year round, but their peak season is fall through spring, with the exception of beets, which are best summer through fall. When in-season, roots have a deeper, sweeter flavor and tend to be juicier, but they are one of those plants that seem to stay consistently great all year long.

A POWERFUL & WARMING TEA

The vibrant yellowish/orange powder that comes from the root of the perennial Curcuma longa plant, and the spicy ginger root has been used for centuries throughout Asia.

Turmeric:  It has a particular affinity for the blood, and is thereby able to circulate its powerful health benefits throughout the body. It is used to support a number of systems and functions in the body. To name a few, Turmeric promotes digestion, bolsters the immune system, is a potent antioxidant activity keeps cells functioning optimally, supports the brain and nervous system and nourishes the heart and circulatory system. 

Ginger: Wonderful ginger!  There is an ayurvedic sutra (verse) that says that everyone should eat fresh ginger just before lunch and dinner to enhance digestion. Not only does ginger stoke the digestive fire, but it also starts the appetite, improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to targeted body tissues, and clears the microcirculatory channels of the body. 

INGREDIENTS 

1 chunk fresh ginger {approximately 5-6" in length}
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp cayenne pepper
6 fresh lemons 

HOW TO MAKE IT 

1. peel the ginger and dice into thin slices.
2.in a large pot or saucepan over high heat on the stove combine the peeled and sliced ginger and water. bring to a boil. then turn to low heat and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
3. after 10 minutes, add the cinnamon sticks, turmeric and cayenne and simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes; stirring occasionally.
4. then remove from heat, let cool and strain.
5. this makes about 6 cups of a concentrated version of the detox tea which you can store in a glass container in the fridge. you can drink this concentrate warm or cold and add ½ fresh lemon juice right before you enjoy.
6. I personally like to add ¼ c of this mixture to ½ fresh lemon juice and 6 oz hot water.

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