Today, I chose to post some information on immune boosting foods from Joy McCarther. It's that time of year that we start to get colds, so this is perfect time to start juicing for immunity!
By Joy McCarther
Several years ago I invested about eighty dollars and bought myself aWaring Pro stainless steel (looks pretty on my counter) Juice Extractor. And let me tell you, I've gotten my money's worth.
Now I know you might be thinking that juicers are the type of kitchen appliance that one gets excited about only to have it collect dust year after year. If that scenario sounds familiar, then read on, because I'm about to inspire you to dust off that juicer and make yourself an immune-boosting juice that will have your cells singing with joy.
If you often visit juice bars in your city, then you know a good juice with a shot ofwheatgrass or any other fancy ingredient can cost as much as a meal. However, if you are feeling under the weather, no cost is too great. When I feel a cold coming on, I immediately make myself a juice and feel instantly better. I swear by it.
Here are my top five immune-boosting ingredients to add to your juice, whether you make it yourself or buy it at a restaurant. And my two top ingredients for any juice are usually always beets and apples, which I use as a base -- gotta love thoseantioxidants.
1&2. Apples and Oranges: It's no secret that fruit is a source of vitamin C. But did you know that vitamin C boosts the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, thanks to its ability to increase levels of "interferon," the antibody that coats cell surfaces to prevent the entry of viruses? Make sure you use the white stringy bits on your orange, as they are high in phytochemicals that fight cancer, and have anti-viral properties, too.
Recipe after the jump...
3. Beets: Another root vegetable that is a must for any immune-boosting drink as it's also a potent liver detoxifier. Beets add a sweet flavour because of their natural sugar content, as well as a source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and immune-enhancing zinc.
4. Garlic: Not only does garlic ward off vampires, but the "stink" in garlic called allicin is anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-cancer, all of which translate to immunity-boosting. Garlic also works by increasing the production of enzymes that rid the body of carcinogens BEFORE they cause a cell to mutate.
5. Ginger: This root vegetable is one that is worth an entire blog post! Not only does it add a little kick to your juice, but it is incredible for your immune system. Compounds in ginger inhibit proliferation of cancer cells -- specifically, leukemia, skin, kidney, lung and pancreatic cells. It can be used as an antibiotic because it kills many different kinds of bacteria.
Immune Boosting Juice
If you don't have a juicer, then check out your local juice bar and ask for a juice with these ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 medium-sized beets
1-2 apples
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tbsp of freshly shaved ginger (NOT from a jar, likely to contain sugar, aspartame or even MSG)
1 orange
Place all the ingredients in the juicer for a few minutes. The final product will be a really rich red colour, thanks to the beets. Just make sure you eat some parsley for fresh breath if you plan on getting close to anyone after drinking this.
EnJOY!
Joy McCarthy, owner of Joyous Health, is a certified holistic nutritionist and health coach with a passion for inspiring people to eat well, live well and feel more joyous on a daily basis. Joy welcomes your questions or comments and although you may not receive a response, your submission will certainly be read and may be selected as a topic for a future column
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