I love visiting my favourite juice bar and getting a warm elixir. In the middle of winter I tend to gravitate to more spicy concoctions and am less likely to get a green juice or wheatgrass shot. I prefer something that warms me from the inside out, like this super tasty Golden Elixir! I love it so much because not only is it delicious and warming, but it's also Skin Brightening & Gut Loving!
This elixir is packed with vitamin C, enzymes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich plant compounds. Plus it is super tasty!
What exactly is an elixir you might be wondering? The exact definition is pretty simple: A magical or medicinal potion. I love that description. This elixir is definitely magical in that it makes you feel really good and it's medicinal because it contains hundreds of beneficial plant compounds for your skin and gut health.
Let's take a quick look at some of the health benefits of each ingredient!
Because these two powerful spices have many similar benefits and are cousins (from the same plant family called rhizomes), I have grouped them together. I've talked about both these incredible superfoods on the blog many times before so I will keep it brief. Turmeric and ginger are anti-inflammatory superstars and can help to lower inflammation in the gut as well as reduce redness in the skin. You'll find turmeric in this most-loved soup recipe. Turmeric has been revered in Indian culture and Ayurvedic medicine for literally thousands of years!
This wonderfully sweet fruit is a great source of fibre and it is extremely hydrating which is great for both skin and gut health. Eating more fibre and hydrating foods eases the burden of digestion, support the microbiome and prevents constipation. Pineapple is a great source of an enzyme called bromelain, which helps aids in protein digestion and is anti-inflammatory. You'll find pineapple in this Keto Green Smoothie.
For this recipe, I used Cara Cara oranges but you can use any kind of orange. They have a beautiful colour that is a cross between a grapefruit and a blood orange. They are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which help maintain healthy skin, including the epithelial tissue of the gut lining. The anthocyanins in these oranges fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation. And finally, they are rich in folate, a nutrient that is great for mood and mental health. You'll find oranges in this Orange Mint Baked Salmon recipe or this Orange Chicken with Black Rice.
Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a skin-beautifying and protective ingredient. Vitamin C is the most abundantly used antioxidant in the body. Lime is a very hydrating fruit that provides much-needed hydration, especially during the winter months. You'll find limes in this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad.
- Skin-brightening and gut-loving
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based
- Kid-friendly (maybe use a little less ginger so it's not as spicy)
- Perfect to warm you up in the winter
- Extremely hydrating and a great way to start your day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1 thumb size fresh ginger root
- 1 thumb size fresh turmeric root*
- 1 lime, peel removed
- 1 orange, peel removed
- 3 cups hot water**
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a high power blender and blitz until fully combined.
- Enjoy 1/3-1/2 cup on an empty stomach. Refrigerate for 24 hrs or freeze in smaller batches to drink in the future.
Notes
*If you can't get fresh turmeric sub in 1 tsp ground turmeric powder.
**If you boiled the water in a kettle, let it the water cool slightly before adding to the blender to prevent too much steam from blowing the top off your blender when it's blending.
- I recommend drinking this on an empty stomach to max out the benefits, preferably in the morning, followed by breakfast 20-30 minutes later.
- Freeze the rest of it to enjoy at a later date. You could freeze it in an ice cube tray and just pop out a couple to enjoy each day. You can just add some hot water to it and blitz again if you like.
I don't recommend keeping in the fridge longer than a day as I mentioned in my video because it won't remain fresh that long.
Enjoy!
Joy xo
Is it recommended to take this daily?
ReplyYou can but I think it's better to have variety and not eat/drink the same things day after day, as delicious as it is! I usually make a batch and enjoy it for a week and then make another batch a few weeks later.
The recipe is wonderful and already a favourite in the house, especially during these cold winter months in Canada. Just a heads up to anyone with a Blendtec, this completely stained my Wildside Jar totally yellow! I blended it and immediately removed the drink but the turmeric had already gone to town :( . I've tried everything to clean it but it hasn't touched it.
ReplyPlace half a lemon with some warm water and give it a good blitz, it should come out. Or put it in your dishwasher - either way works :) If the stain has already settled in and you use your blender daily it will fade over time.
Try keeping the stained jar in the sun for a day. The glow stain should disappear.
I have a pineapple intolerance, what can i use instead? I can't wait to try it!!
ReplyYou could use papaya - a great substitute and contains amazing enzymes that are protein-digesting and anti-inflammatory. You could use mango too, but it doesn't contain the same enzymes but it's rich in vitamin C and tasty!
I've been making this elixir all winter long alternating between a few other combinations, it's a real powerhouse to keep winter ills at bay. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyAmazing! Do share your other combos :) Would love to hear!
Yes, glad to! I like to add grapefruit and black pepper to the elixir recipe above or whatever citrus I have on hand. I also make a blend of fresh pineapple, cilantro, and lime as well - delicious!
Sounds great!!
How often can I drunk this
ReplyIf you make a batch of it then you'll have it for at least a week if you're drinking only 1/2 cup at a time.
Yummy! Does drinking it with clear sparkling water negate the health benefits?
ReplyNo not at all!! That's a great idea!
Hi Joy, my blender is not as powerful as yours. Should I pour my elixer through a sieve or do I drink it with all the pulp?
ReplyHi Carol! You can if you like? Or you can just chew it like a smoothie if you don't mind the texture :)
OMG. This is soooo good!!!
ReplyGlad you love it!!
Super yummy!
ReplyHi Joy. I continue to enjoy reading your posts and have made many of your recipes. Never been disappointed. In particular make the the golden soup and the fall veggie soup all the time. And love them every time. So Thank you! My question is about the elixir. When you freeze leftover, when you use some ice cubes, do you add more hot water or just thaw the cubes.
ReplyGlad you're enjoying my recipes! Just thaw the ice cubes and enjoy!