ELIXIRS are my jam! They're fun to craft, fun to consume, and have infinite possibilities!

If you're anything like me and are all about fun beverages to sip on (that don't contribute to jitters, blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, a racing heartbeat and feelings of anxiousness), then keep reading. ;)

An elixir, in the context of culinary nutrition, is a strategically-handcrafted beverage (enjoyed hot OR chilled) that is nutrient-dense and therapeutic in nature. Each of the strategically-chosen ingredients provides value and health-promoting benefits, whether it be nutritionally (e.g. antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, powerful plant-based compounds, etc.), stress support-wise (via adaptogenic herbs like reishi mushroom), energetically, or flavour-wise.

Call it a potion, of sorts!

My homemade elixirs typically have a few staple ingredients, such as coconut butter, coconut oil or cacao butter as a fat source, collagen peptides as a protein source, and other 'superfood' ingredients like raw/unpasteurized honey, medicinal mushrooms, raw cacao power, hemp hearts, or Ceylon cinnamon, for example.

I love experimenting with new ingredients I come across and how they are best enjoyed...in this case, organic, beetroot powder!

I first discovered beet root powder while exploring Australia for the first time. I came to learn that beet root is UBER POPULAR there and used in so many menu items in multiple forms, including in juices and smoothies, hot beverages, sandwiches, spreads/dips and desserts. Given how much I enjoy beets, I just couldn't get enough!

So, upon arriving backing to Canada at the time, I had to get my hands on some and start experimenting.

When combined with FOUR SIGMATIC'S MUSHROOM ELIXIR MIX WITH REISHI, along with the other ingredients appearing in this recipe linked below, the elixir yields the most incredible pink tone!

The (caffeine-free) FOUR SIGMATIC MUSHROOM ELIXIR MIX WITH REISHI elixir is a blend of:

• Reishi mushroom extract
• Field mint extract
• Rose hips extract
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) extract

While you can purchase this FOUR SIGMATIC product in boxes of 20 packets (online and in various health food stores), I also find them sold as individual packets at my local health food store - Community Natural Foods. They typically sell for approximately $2.50 per packet. This option comes in handy, as it allows me to experiment with this company's products in small amounts at a time, so as to discover what I enjoy most. I enjoy them all. ;)

I hope you enjoy this recipe! And don't forget, elixirs can be enjoyed chilled, too! Simply make, let cool, chill in the fridge, then blend or give a good shake prior to pouring over some ice.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch!

About Some of the Therapeutic Ingredients...

REISHI MUSHROOM

• Benefits of this wild, medicinal mushroom include the ability to enhance energy level, reduce blood pressure, slow the aging process and fight cancer[i]
• They are also capable of reducing inflammation, detoxifying the body and improving cognitive ability[ii]

RAW CACAO

• Is unrefined
• A good source of plant-based saturated fat
• High-quality fat is required in the body for a multitude of reasons, including for optimal brain and Central Nervous System function, cell communication, protection of organs from trauma and temperature change, and for transport of fat-soluble vitamins throughout the body
• A rich source of the magnesium (anti-stress mineral), and supportive of muscle relaxation and energy production
• A good source of both iron and antioxidant mineral zinc
• Iron supports red blood cell production and oxygenation to the muscles, energy production and the metabolism of protein in the body
• Zinc supports the Immune System, skin health, countless enzymatic reactions in the body, and detoxification

RED BEET

• Has a slightly sweet and earthy taste[iii]
• One tsp. of this powder is equivalent to approximately one beet[iv]
• Is dense with the same nutrients as the red beets it's derived from[v]
• Particularly rich in dietary fiber, antioxidant nutrients, calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, manganese and potassium[vi]
• Is naturally rich in nitrate compounds, which can help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure[vii]
• Also contributes to improved stamina; this effect may be attributed to the ability of the nitrates to regulate the uptake of oxygen and the presence of magnesium, therefore exercise feels less exhausting[viii]

HEMP SEEDS

• A source of plant-based protein, fiber and fat
• A complete source of protein (contains all 8 essential amino acids)
• Amino acids are the building blocks of protein; essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet, as the body is unable to manufacture them on its own

ORGANIC, VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

• Contains Lauric Acid and Caprylic Acid (fatty acids called Medium-Chain Triglycerides)[ix]
• Lauric Acid and Caprylic Acid contribute anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties to the body, helping to support the Immune System and protect the body from disease-causing organisms[x]
• The saturated fat coconut contains, given it is a plant-based source, is easier to both digest and absorb than saturated fat stemming from animal food sources[xi]
• High-quality fat is required in the body for a multitude of reasons, including for optimal brain and Central Nervous System function, cell communication, protection of our organs from trauma and temperature changes, transport of fat-soluble vitamins through the body (vitamins A, D, E & K) and energy storage in the body[xii]
• The presence of fat in the body frees up protein for tissue repair[xiii]

RAW, UNPASTEURIZED HONEY

• A natural (unrefined) sweetener offering anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties

GROUND (CEYLON) CINNAMON

• True cinnamon!
• Contains the mineral chromium
• Chromium is a key nutrient that supports blood sugar regulation

Access the recipe HERE.

If you make this cozy and fuelling hot elixir, be sure to tag me on Facebook or Instagram with your creation, letting me know what you think of it, and so I can drool over what you've created in your own kitchen!

Enjoy!

ENDNOTES

[i-ii] Organic Facts: Reishi Mushrooms - Benefits, Uses & Side Effects. Retrieved January 5, 2018 from https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/reishi-mushrooms.html

[iii-viii] Nuts.com. Beet Powder. Retrieved January 5, 2018 from https://nuts.com/cookingbaking/powders/beet.html

[ix-xiii] Haas, Elson M. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. New York: Random House Inc.