Not to brag, but we have never failed to convince someone to try our anti-inflammatory turmeric shot. And we have to say, it’s not at all tasty. Imagine vinegar, black pepper, turmeric, clove, cinnamon and lemon, mixed with water, and then add the fact that it’s slightly grainy. However, to this day, no one has ever turned down the offer.

But a couple of days ago, when we held our first retreat in the mountains not far from Marbella, we were really close to that first “no”. It was not difficult at all to get the 16 participants to understand the health benefits you get from a daily sip of this grainy drink. But to convince Javier, buffet manager/personal trainer/masseur (his own words), to try it… That was almost impossible.

– Que es?

With a look of disgust on his face, Javier stares at the mixture in the blender and puts his tongue out. We have prepared many turmeric shots for the group over the last four days, and every time he has muttered unhappily. Mia says to Lina:

– What did he just say?

– He asked what it was.

Mia looks at Javier, surprised.

– Well, tell him that it’s an anti-inflammatory turmeric shot that will strengthen your immune system and help prevent chronic inflammation.

Lina hesitates.

– I’m not sure how you say chronic inflammation in Spanish.

– Try!

Lina says something to Javier. To her disappointment, Mia notices how fast he turns his back on her and leaves the room.

– What did you say to him?

– I just told him that there’s been an alarming increase in chronic diseases, like cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, in our part of the world. Since they’re lifestyle-related, there’s so much we can do, for example improve our diets and eat nutritious food. But that was all I managed to say before he walked out the door.

– That’s odd…

Javier enters the room carrying a large butcher’s knife. Lina starts talking to him about spices and herbs, how anti-inflammatory they are, and that we need good intestinal bacteria in order for the body to utilize the antioxidants that they carry.

– UNA GUERRA?

Mia looks anxiously at Lina.

– What’s “guerra”?

– It means war. I told Javier that he has hundreds of billions of good and evil bacteria, fighting a war against each other in his colon. Since the good bacteria protect us, it’s important that we feed them. The good bacteria love healthy foods, especially fibers. The evil bacteria love unhealthy food, like sugar. A gut flora with many good bacteria will help us to absorb nutrients, and utilize the antioxidants in turmeric. These will also help prevent inflammation in the body.

Mia pours the shot and gives the glass to Javier.

– Ask him if he wants to try it. 

Instinctively, Javier walks backwards when he sees the yellowish muck. But all of a sudden, Lina lights up and asks if he has heard of Zlatan.

– Zlatan? No.

Lina has limited knowledge about soccer but gives it a try.

– Maradona?

– Sì!!!

Javier throws his arms about and his face splits into a wide smile. For the first time in days, Javier looks truly happy. He grabs the shot and gulps it down immediately. Mia looks at Lina, amazed.

– What did you say to him?

– I just said what I usually say, that turmeric contains a small but complete soccer team, consisting of strongly anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and that the strongest antioxidant is Maradona himself. I didn’t even have to tell him that turmeric has proven to be a strong and non-toxic COX-2 inhibitor. He drank the shot anyway.

This might sound like a spiced-up story, but it’s all true. The day after our breakthrough with Javier, right when we are about to leave the hotel, he stops us. He proudly tells us that he started the morning by offering our turmeric shot to the whole staff. He says it’s too bad we’re leaving already, since he’s planning to add some turmeric to the fish he’s serving for lunch.

Maybe some of you aren’t convinced yet, but we hope you will find the courage to try this recipe. If Javier can, you can. We promise.

Zlatan’s anti-inflammatory turmeric shot

0,4 cup water (or any juice)
1 heaped tbsp dried turmeric
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
a pinch of cayenne or black pepper
a pinch of clove
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon

This recipe is invented by our dear professor Stig Bengmark. Give it a stir and gulp it down. Cheers!

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