- Ginger, turmeric and chia seeds can help reduce inflammation and support better digestion.
- Orange juice delivers brightness that pairs well with warming ginger and earthy turmeric.
- A short warm-up in the microwave unlocks the flavor—no stovetop required.
This Turmeric-Ginger Chia Tonic is like sunshine in a glass—bright, refreshing and full of gut-healthy ingredients. Fresh orange juice delivers a burst of vitamin C and natural sweetness, while ginger and turmeric layer in warming spice and anti-inflammatory benefits. Stirring in chia seeds adds plant-based omega-3s, fiber and protein, and creates a slightly thickened texture that makes the drink feel satisfying. Give it a try—you may just find it becomes part of your daily routine. Read on for some handy tips to make it even better.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
- Keep an eye on the microwave time. Overheating turmeric or ginger can make the tonic taste harsh; stop as soon as you see gentle bubbling.
- If you love spice, grate a bit more ginger; if you prefer earthy notes, add more turmeric to the mix.
- For a sweeter sip, use a Cara Cara or mandarin orange instead of a navel orange.
Nutrition Notes
- Navel oranges have a high water content and contain some electrolytes in the form of potassium and trace amounts of sodium to support hydration. While juicing will remove the fiber benefits typically found in oranges, you’re still getting a naturally sweet flavor and loads of antioxidants to support immunity.
- Fresh ginger has been touted for centuries for its role in relieving nausea and upset stomachs thanks to a compound called gingerol. While it’s tempting to reach for the comfort of sugar-sweetened ginger ale when experiencing an upset stomach, drinks containing fresh ginger can better provide pain-relieving benefits without the added sugars.
- Fresh turmeric, along with ginger, packs a punch of anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric in particular contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. To get the most benefits from turmeric, add a pinch of black pepper, which helps increase absorption.
- Chia seeds contain the trifecta of plant-based protein, healthy fats and fiber, all of which can support weight loss by increasing satiety and promoting a healthy gut. Chia seeds are a good source of magnesium and also contain some calcium and potassium, all of which contribute electrolyte benefits. Chia seeds swell up in liquid, which helps to retain hydration, increase fullness and slow digestion.
