Turmeric Root, pictured above, featured in my Longevity Nutrition workshop at the Gozo retreat. We explored the research surrounding Okinawa and the other Blue Zone - areas of the world with the largest number of centenarians. Of course, it's not all about the number we live to but the propensity to live well into old age. We discussed not only nutrition but social connections, faith, respect, exercise and surrounding ourselves with people who have a healthy approach to life too. We found that this is what Amchara is all about - sharing a desire to feel good, eating optimally, exercising without over-exercising and working on the respect we have for ourselves and others.
It is very easy to think - why on earth would you fly across Europe to drink only juice, do yoga and avoid all the usual holiday naughties - booze, caffeine, sugar, lethargy ....do we really feel well rested after this. I'd say no. I have never felt so well rested. A retreat such as this may well extend your longevity - only, of course, if you take home some of the health strategies and place them with commitment into your routine.
Nutritionally we focused on the humble sweet potato as this featured hugely in the Okinawan diet circa 1950, and this is the period I am interested in. We also shared turmeric and ginger tea. Participants offered their own ways to use sweet potato and turmeric. I will share some recipes here this week.
Tea for two, simply grate a 2 inch piece of turmeric root and the same of ginger. Pop into a suitable tea pot with filter (as pictured) add the juice of half a large lemon plus a dash of honey or maple syrup. So refreshing and you will get the benefit of the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric plus the digestive aid of ginger.
More recipes to follow this week, including chia jam (which the Gozo clients requested), anti-inflammatory sun-dressing and sweet potato ideas.