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Photo:Couric: Unique Nicole/Getty Images. Recipe: Brie Goldman.
Couric: Unique Nicole/Getty Images. Recipe: Brie Goldman.
Cold and flu season is officially here, and we’re all doing our best to stay ahead of the sniffles. Whether it’s bundling up in scarves, sticking to a solid sleep schedule or keeping hand sanitizer within arm’s reach, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. But if you’re searching for a bright and flavorful way to support your immune system this season, Katie Couric has you covered withher ginger-turmeric shots. Packed with citrus, spice and a whole lot of goodness, these shots are perfect for giving your wellness routine a little boost of nutrients and flavor.
Ginger and turmeric have been celebrated for theirhealth-boosting propertiesfor centuries—and for good reason.Ginger contains gingerol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help with anything from soothing colds to managing chronic inflammation. Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow hue,boasts curcumin, an active compound that may support a healthier immune system and protect against illnesses like influenza. While they shine on their own, together they create a powerhouse pairing with complementary benefits.
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Couric’s recipe is as simple as it is effective, using just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to re-create her shots:
To start, Katie peels the lemons and oranges, cuts them into quarters and removes any excess pith or skins before adding them to a blender. While she says limes could work in a pinch, she opts for lemons for their bright tanginess. That citrus brings big flavor and nutritious benefits to the shots as well—lemons area great source of antioxidants, while oranges offerplenty of vitamin C.
Next, she preps the ginger, using a spoon to peel it—an ingenious tip she credits to her friend Joel Gamoran that makes peeling a breeze. (It’s also the methodour test kitchenalways opts for.) Once peeled, she slices the ginger and adds it to the blender along with a couple of knobs of turmeric, peeled using the same spoon method. A rough chop is enough to prep the turmeric and ginger—you can let the blender do most of the heavy lifting for you.
To add some kick, Couric sprinkles in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of black pepper, which can help make turmeric more effective. Thepiperine in black pepperactually helps the body absorb some antioxidants, including beta carotene and turmeric’s curcumin.
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Once you’re all set, just pour the shots into your favorite small containers and store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
As we embrace the cozy joys of the season, incorporating simple immune-supporting practices, like Katie’s ginger-turmeric shots, can help keep us healthy and ready to enjoy a winter full of wellness and warmth.
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