Hormone Healthy Chai-Spiced Coconut Milk
Cozy season is here and this chai spiced coconut milk is the perfect thing to sip on all season long! It’s a little spicy, just the right amount of sweet and full of healthy fats to keep your hormones happy and healthy.
Because healthy fats and cholesterol are the backbone of all the hormones in your body. Without them our bodies can’t make estrogen, progesterone, testosterone or cortisol. And they make your food taste better, and keep you feeling more satisfied too!
*chef’s kiss
Saturated fats from foods like coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and ghee were previously thought to contribute to heart disease, but have more recently been shown to actually improve cardiovascular health, as well as improve brain health and function.
It’ s all about moderation though. Some people, particularly those with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol don’t tolerate fats from coconut oil well so pay attention to what works for your body and aim to get the majority of your fats from nuts, seeds, olives, and extra virgin olive oil.
The collagen in this chai helps make it a little more blood sugar friendly and the spices lend some extra anti-inflammatory effects.
But aside from all that, it’s just really delicious!
Pour yours in a to-go mug for an outside adventure or into your favorite mug to cozy up at home. Either way, I think you’re going to love it!
INGREDIENTS
1 can coconut milk
1 ½ cups water
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped (i often use jarred ginger from the ginger people)
2 Medjool dates, pitted
1 cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cardamom
3 whole cloves or a pinch of ground cloves
3 whole black peppercorns
star anise (optional)
1 scoop collagen (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Add all of the ingredients to a medium sized pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly then use a slotted spoon to remove the whole spices. Pour the mixture along with the collagen (if using) into a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into mugs and serve warm.
*If you want a caffeinated version, just steep 2 black tea bags along with the spices. Be sure to remove before adding to the blender.