The immune system is the body’s incredible defense network against infections, viruses, and bacteria that enter the body. The stronger your immune system is, the less chance you have of getting sick and the faster you can recover if you do. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables containing immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins will help you achieve a healthy immune system with all-natural, plant-powered ingredients.
Believe it or not, you can drink your way to a stronger immune system—by indulging in some veggie- and fruit-loaded smoothies, that is. By incorporating fresh produce (and some other boosters) into your daily diet, you’ll not only get some necessary nutritional benefits, but you’ll also help to fight off that dreaded cold and flu. Bonus: We have a hangover-fighting recipe, too!
Check out these 5 healthy smoothies from Simple Green Smoothies and help recharge your first line of defense.
For all recipes, use at least one frozen fruit to make a cold green smoothie.
Banana Spice
This all-natural superfood smoothie is the ultimate in boosting immunity. Adding just a ½-inch chunk of fresh ginger to your green smoothies provides amazing health benefits, like reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and helping the body naturally detoxify. It may also help alleviate pain—from arthritis to menstrual pain and more. It’s like an all-natural ibuprofen, immunity booster, and anti-inflammatory.
Banana Spice
(Makes 2 servings)
(Makes 2 servings)
2 c spinach
2 c unsweetened coconut milk
3 bananas
1 piece (½-inch) fresh ginger, peeled
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground cardamom
2 c unsweetened coconut milk
3 bananas
1 piece (½-inch) fresh ginger, peeled
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground cardamom
- BLENDthe spinach and coconut milk until smooth.
- ADDthe bananas, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom and blend again.
Tips: For a gut-healing super boost, swap 1 cup coconut milk for 1 cup coconut yogurt. A little ginger goes a long way, so if you’re not used to using fresh ginger, start off small and add more as your tastebuds adjust. If you’re feeling the sniffles or a cold coming on, ginger will help kick that cold to the curb just a bit faster.
Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon and mint are a superhealing combo, and when blended together in a smoothie, they taste indulgent. Watermelon contains lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that can protect against degenerative diseases and help cells function better. Mint contains menthol, which is a natural decongestant that helps break up phlegm and mucus. Blend up this treat when you are feeling under the weather or need to clear your sinuses.
Watermelon Mojito
(Makes 2 servings)
(Makes 2 servings)
2 c Swiss chard, stems removed
¼ c fresh mint, stems removed
2 c chopped watermelon
2 c chopped mango
Juice of ½ lime
¼ c fresh mint, stems removed
2 c chopped watermelon
2 c chopped mango
Juice of ½ lime
- BLENDthe Swiss chard, mint, and watermelon until smooth.
- ADDthe mango and lime juice and blend again.
Tip: There’s no need for an added liquid base in this recipe; once you blend your watermelon, it will liquefy and make melon “juice.”
Purple Power Healer
Boost your health with this healing elixir! Red cabbage (the purple kind) contains anthocyanins, which studies have shown help suppress inflammation. Elderberry extract is a natural cold and flu fighter, which is why it’s always in our fridge! It is also called Sambucus and is considered a natural alternative to synthetic cough-and-cold syrups.
- Purple Power Healer
(Makes 2 servings) - 2 c chopped red cabbage
1 c water
1 orange, peeled
1 c blackberries
1 banana
1 tsp elderberry extract - BLENDthe cabbage, water, and orange until smooth.
- ADD the blackberries, banana, and elderberry extract and blend again.
- Tip:Try red cabbage microgreens—studies show that they can have more vitamin C than full-grown cabbage.
Citrus Cold Recovery
Catch a cold? Try this green smoothie to help nurse yourself back to health. Beets are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. Flaxseed oil contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; having a proper balance of these fatty acids is important for brain function and heart health.
Citrus Cold Recovery
(Makes 2 servings)
(Makes 2 servings)
2 c green cabbage
1 c water
2 oranges, peeled
2 c chopped pineapple
¼ c peeled and cubed raw golden beet
Juice of ½ lemon
2 Tbsp flaxseed oil
1 c water
2 oranges, peeled
2 c chopped pineapple
¼ c peeled and cubed raw golden beet
Juice of ½ lemon
2 Tbsp flaxseed oil
- BLENDthe cabbage, water, and oranges until smooth.
- ADDthe pineapple, beet, lemon juice, and flaxseed oil and blend again.
Tropical Mango-Rita
Meet the tastiest, healthiest hangover cure we know. You’ll need to strengthen your immune system if you’ve been partying a little too long (or drink this instead of alcohol at your next party!). In just 1 cup of pineapple, you’ll find 52% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin B6. This vitamin plays a key role in nerve cell communication, red blood cell formation, and antibody combinations that are needed to fight various diseases. Oh, and the coconut water base is great for replenishing lost electrolytes to help you stay hydrated.
Tropical Mango-Rita
(Makes 2 servings)
(Makes 2 servings)
2 c fresh spinach
1 c unsweetened coconut water
1 orange, peeled
2 c chopped mango
1 c chopped pineapple
Juice of ½ lime, plus 2 lime slices for garnish
Coarse salt for rim of glasses (optional)
1 c unsweetened coconut water
1 orange, peeled
2 c chopped mango
1 c chopped pineapple
Juice of ½ lime, plus 2 lime slices for garnish
Coarse salt for rim of glasses (optional)
- BLENDthe spinach, coconut water, and orange until smooth.
- ADDthe mango, pineapple, and lime juice, and blend again. If desired, rub the rims of two margarita glasses with the squeezed lime, and then dip the rims in coarse salt. Pour the smoothie into the glasses and garnish each with a lime slice.
source:www.prevention.com
