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Boost Your Immune System with These 3 Smoothies

The Alternative Daily

Begin your day the right way by keeping free radical intake low and antioxidant intake high. These smoothie recipes take care of that for you. Remember, you’re only as healthy as your immune system. So drink up and enjoy!

The hardworking immune system

The immune system defends and protects your body from bacteria, viruses, microbes, parasites and free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage that may eventually lead to illness. Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in keeping our immune system functioning optimally. Processed foods, smoking and alcohol significantly increase the amount of harmful free radicals our bodies take in. Immune-boosting foods help protect your body against toxins, free radicals and autoimmune disorders, as well as harmful bacterial and viral infections. 

Boost immunity with these foods

Dark leafy greens, carrots and bell peppers contain high levels of vitamin A, which protect the body from infection by keeping mucous membranes moist. Seeds (particularly sesame and pumpkin) contain zinc, an essential element that maintains white blood cell levels and helps heal wounds. Sunflower seeds and almonds contain high sources of vitamin E, which is important for strong immunity, healthy skin and eyes. Strawberries and citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant vitamin has properties that protect your immune system against the destructive effects of free radicals.

In order to gain the most benefits from these health-promoting fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, purchase organic varieties whenever possible. This will eliminate the risk of exposure to harmful pesticides, which are often used on commercially grown produce.

Drink Your Zinc Smoothie
Prep Time:
5minutes
Cook Time:
nocooking
Total time:
Serves:
1
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Our bodies need zinc to maintain strong cells in the immune system. However, we can’t produce zinc naturally so we need to add healthy sources to our diet — pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc. This smoothie is loaded with antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits and seeds. The addition of kefir, with its unique nutrients, and flaxseed, with its anti-inflammatory properties, help protect against bacteria and autoimmune disorders.
Ingredients
  • 1cup kale
  • 1cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 yellow pepper
  • 1/4cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1tablespoon flaxseed oil
  • 1cup almond milk kefir,milk kefir or coconut water kefir
Servings: serving
Instructions
  1. Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
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Coconut Flu-Fighter Smoothie
Prep Time:
5minutes
Cook Time:
nocooking
Total time:
Serves:
1
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and coconut water fights dehydration often associated with the flu virus. This smoothie is loaded with antioxidant-rich berries and greens. Sesame seeds are also a great addition to this smoothie, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds known as sesamol.
Ingredients
  • 1cup spinach
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2cup strawberries
  • 1tablespoon sunflower seeds
  • 1tablespoon pumpkin seeds
  • 2teaspoons coconut oil
  • 1cup coconut water
  • 1 - 2teaspoons raw honey
Servings: serving
Instructions
  1. Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
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Immune Boost Smoothie
Prep Time:
5minutes
Cook Time:
nocooking
Total time:
Serves:
1
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Flavonoids in parsley, particularly luteolin, work as antioxidants which, when combined with highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules, help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Garlic and ginger both have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic may also contribute to the prevention of certain cancers — especially renal and colorectal cancers. Avocado oil, rich in oleic acid and anti-inflammatory properties, may also lower the risk of some cancers and help prevent certain autoimmune diseases.
Ingredients
  • 1handful of organic parsley
  • 1 carrot
  • 1piece of ginger root
  • 1tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 apple
  • 1cup of coconut water
Servings: serving
Instructions
  1. Peel and cut the carrot into chunks. Core the apple and cut it into chunks.
  2. Combine all the ingredients and place them into a high-speed blender. Blend for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
[recipe_share]

Enjoy!

—The Alternative Daily

 

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