Drinks to Boost Your Immune System

With the seasonal flu, spring allergies, and the spread of the coronavirus, we could all use these drinks to boost our immune systems. 

By drinking natural juices, smoothies, and tea, you can increase your vitamin and mineral levels and, in turn, help your body’s immune system. We all know that orange juice is a popular drink for people feeling sick because of its Vitamin C content, but there are a ton of additional drinks that you can incorporate into your usual routine. Instead of your usual cup of orange juice, try these natural drinks to boost your immune system today.

Juices

Juicing has gained popularity in the last few years. You may have new juicing stores popping up in your neighborhood, but why all the fuss? While juicing fruits and vegetables hasn’t been scientifically proven to be healthier than eating fruits and vegetables, it is more convenient for most people. Eating a cup of raw kale, a lemon, a cucumber, and a cup of carrots may be difficult for your typical person, but drinking these is much easier-and usually tastier. 

Because you are increasing your daily intake of fruits and vegetables when you juice, your immune system gets an excellent boost! Try these five juicing recipes for a simple boost to your immune system.

Spinach, Lettuce, Kale

You may read these ingredients and flinch, but the nutrients are worth the strong flavor! Spinach is packed full of vitamins, kale has several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and lettuce provides calcium and vitamin C. If you still aren’t sold, consider adding in lemon or green apple to this juice. Both will add a sweetness to calm the strong flavor.

Strawberry-Kiwi Mint

Strawberries are yet another source of vitamin C. One cup of strawberries will contain 140% of the average recommended amount of vitamin C. Kiwis take things even further and contain 273% of our daily recommended amount. Wow!  Along with the anti-inflammatory benefits from mint, this juice is sure to boost any immune system.

Homemade Tomato Juice

This juice is simple, but its benefits are enormous. Tomatoes contain several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and folate. Vitamin C, as we all know, is necessary for a healthy immune system, and folate is needed to produce white blood cells, the security our body has against infectious diseases, and foreign invaders.

Apple, Carrot, and Orange

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and so will this delicious juice. With its vitamin C from the oranges and anti-inflammatory properties from the apples, this juice is excellent for anyone looking for a tasty, yet healthy drink.

Beet, Carrot, Ginger, and Mint

With all of these nutritional powerhouses, this juice should be at the top of your list. Beets have numerous health benefits, such as fighting inflammation and increasing blood flow. Along with this, they also contain the folate and vitamin C that your immune system needs. Ginger is great for relieving pain and nausea and reducing inflammation. It also is known to ease symptoms of the cold and flu. If you’d like to lighten the flavor of this juice, consider adding in an apple for sweetness.

Don’t have a juicer, but still want to juice? Try this easy hack. You’ll save money and counter space!

Smoothies

If juices aren’t for you, try smoothies instead! Smoothies are another great way to add even more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. While juices are very nutrient-dense and have low amounts of fiber, smoothies keep the fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer and helps your digestive system. Whichever you prefer, as long as you make sure to choose healthy ingredients, you’ll reap the benefits. Here are two simple smoothies that you can make. 

Watermelon and Mint Smoothie

This cool smoothie will be very refreshing. Its simple ingredients will be loved by everyone in your household, even the picky eaters. Watermelon and mint are a great pair and can help your body with a healthy detox. Along with this, the two will also help with your overall immune function. Add a slice of lime to your smoothie for an extra kick of flavor!

Berry Smoothie

Berry smoothies are probably one of the most popular smoothie types and for a good reason. Berries are low in calories and rich in antioxidants. They also have such a variety that you can make your smoothie with your favorite berry, but still get all of the health benefits. Add in some low-fat yogurt, 1% or plant-based milk, and some spinach (which you definitely won’t be able to taste over the berries), and you’ve got yourself a quick and healthy treat!

Teas

Replacing your morning latte with a cup of freshly brewed tea can also boost your immune system. Tea contains antioxidants and has a significant number of anti-inflammatory properties. We’ve got two recipes that you’ll want to brew today!

Hot Lemon and Ginger Tea

If you are already feeling a bit down, this simple recipe will help you greatly! The lemon and ginger ingredients will help clear your sinuses, and the tea will help with inflammatory issues.

Green Tea with Honey

Skip the sugar and sweeten your green tea with natural honey. Green tea has many benefits  Green tea and honey can help your body fight against the common cold and the flu and will also help strengthen your immune system.

Key Points

Whether you’re juicing, mixing up your favorite smoothie, or relaxing with a warm cup of tea, naturally boosting your immune system is simple! Use some of the recipes throughout this blog, or make your own by using a nice variety of fruits and vegetables. No matter how you go about it, you can help your immune system and prepare your body for the flu season and other infectious diseases that can put your family at risk.

If you’re looking for an anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe, check out our 21 Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan which is full of yummy recipes to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.