Cold and flu season is upon us and you may already be feeling it! The good news?
According to experts, the stronger your immune system, the less chance you have of getting sick.
So, what foods enhance your immune system you ask? A diet rich in fruits and veggies containing immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins, of course.
Even better, you can drink your way to a stronger immune system, by gulping down one of the following smoothies, loaded with all-natural goodies sure to help you ward off the common cold and get you back on your feet.
Banana Spice Smoothie
Fresh ginger reduces inflammation, aids digestion, and helps the body naturally detoxify. The superfood concoction may also help alleviate pain from arthritis, menstrual pain and more.
(Makes 2 servings)
Ingredients
2 cups spinach
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
3 bananas
1 piece (½-inch) fresh ginger, peeled
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground cardamom
Directions
Combine spinach and coconut milk in a blender and mix until smooth. Add the bananas, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom and blend again.
Citrus Cold Recovery
Beets, loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, boost the immune system. While flaxseed oil a rich source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids enhances brain function and heart health.
(Makes 2 servings)
Ingredients
2 cups green cabbage
1 cups water
2 oranges, peeled
2 cups chopped pineapple
¼ cup peeled and cubed raw golden beet
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp flaxseed oil
Directions
Blend the cabbage, water, and oranges until smooth. Add the pineapple, beet, lemon juice, and flaxseed oil and blend again.
Elderberry Smoothie
Prevent the common cold with this smoothie, loaded with a lethal mixture of fiber, probiotics and antioxidants.
(Makes 2 servings)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Norm’s Farms Elderberry Wellness Syrup
1 fresh ripe pear
1 fresh ripe banana
½ cup plain Greek Yogurt
½ cup coconut milk
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix at high speed until smooth.
Tip - You can also substitute 3/4 cup of berries, peaches, mango or other fruit for the pear in this recipe.
Cold Buster Green Smoothie
Get your daily dose of essential vitamins with this go-to green smoothie.
(Makes 2 servings)
Ingredients
2 cups spinach
1 cup orange juice
½ orange with peel
3 baby carrots
1 banana
½ cup frozen pineapple
½ small apple
½ cup ice
Directions
Combine juice, spinach and remaining ingredients in a blender, ending with the ice. Blend until smooth and drink up.
Green Smoothie Flu Fighter
Increase the body’s energy levels and ward off the flu with this delicious blend of fruits and veggies.
(Makes 2 servings)
Ingredients
2 oranges, peeled
1/2 lime, peeled
1 ripe banana
1 inch of ginger root, peeled
1/2 cup parsley
1 cup of your favorite leafy green
1/2 of a ripe bell pepper
Water for blending
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Enjoy!