5 Immunity Boosting Beverages to Drink if You Are Sick

by | Nov 21, 2021 | Avni Kaul |

Our immune system is always active, finding out which cells belong to your body and which do not. This means it requires a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to keep its energy full and going.

The following beverages’ recipe shared by Nutritionist and Dietician Avni Kaul is filled with essential nutrients for your daily health or for fighting off viruses like the cold or flu. Specifically, at the time when the winter has almost settled in,

Avni says, know about which immunity-enhancing nutrients each juice, smoothie, or seed milk has, so you can begin your days with a refreshing boost to your body’s natural defense mechanisms.

1.Orange, Grapefruit, and other Citrus based Fruits

The citrus fruits contain more than enough of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C contains antioxidant properties, which safeguard your cells from substances that damage the body. A vitamin C deficiency could lead to delayed wound healing, and impaired immune response, and the incapability to properly counter infections.

There is presently no evidence that oral vitamin C is effective in averting transmission of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) or treating the disease and it causes.

However, some research has shown promise for intravenous (IV) infusion of vitamin C as a COVID-19 treatment. More clinical trials are in process for treatment, not prevention, using IV infusion, not oral therapy.

However, if you are suffering from a cold, a high dose of vitamin C could result in less severe symptoms and a faster recovery.

Nutrients available:

  • potassium in the oranges
  • vitamin A in oranges and grapefruit
  • vitamin B-6 in the oranges
  • vitamin B-9 (folate) in the oranges
  • vitamin C from every citrus fruit
  • zinc in the oranges

2. Carrot, Beet, Ginger, and Apple

This fortifying juice features three root vegetables that will support your immune system and reduce inflammatory symptoms.

Inflammation is mostly an immune response to infections forming from viruses or bacteria. Cold or flu symptoms consist of a runny nose, coughs, and body aches. People who have rheumatoid arthritis might find this juice specifically beneficial, as ginger has anti-inflammatory effects.

Nutrients available:

  • potassium present in the carrots, beets, and apple
  • vitamin A available in the carrots and beets
  • vitamin B-6 in the carrots
  • vitamin B-9 (folate) in the beets
  • vitamin C in the apple

3. Tomato

The ideal way to be certain your tomato juice is fresh and does not have a lot of added ingredients, is to make it yourself. The best thing? No juicer or blender is needed, although you would want to strain the bits and pieces through a sieve.

Tomatoes are high in vitamin B-9, usually, known as folate. It helps reduce your risk of infections. Tomatoes also give modest amounts of magnesium, an anti-inflammatory agent.

 Nutrients available:

  • magnesium 
  • potassium
  • vitamin A
  • vitamin B-6
  • vitamin B-9 (folate)
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin K

4. Carrot, Green Apple and Orange             

Carrots, green apples, and oranges are a top combination for helping your body to protect itself and counter off infections. The apples and oranges provide you your vitamin C.

Vitamin A, which is also important to a healthy immune system is available in carrots in the form of the antioxidant beta carotene. The carrots also have vitamin B-6, which plays an essential role in immune cell proliferation and antibody formation. The tartness of the green apples truly cuts through the sweetness of the carrots and oranges.

Nutrients available:

  • potassium inside the carrots
  • vitamin A in the carrots
  • vitamin B-6 in the carrots
  • vitamin B-9 (folate) in the oranges
  • vitamin C present in the oranges and apple

5. Pumpkin Seed

Several pumpkin juice recipes include plenty of added sugars or needs store-bought apple juice.

This is the reason to include this pumpkin seed milk recipe here. It is one of the freshest, and most natural. It works as an excellent base for fruit smoothies too. The added health benefits are also hard to overlook.  This milk not only enhances your immune system, but it could also help your:

  • bone health
  • urinary health
  • menopause symptoms or impacts like worsening cholesterol
  • hair and skin
  • mental health
  • prostate health

The pumpkin seeds are a top source of zinc. Zinc is already a common ingredient in several cold remedies, because of its positive impact on both inflammation and the immune system.

Nutrients available:

  • magnesium
  • manganese
  • potassium
  • zinc

Drinking juices, smoothies, and nutritional drinks is one of the tastier as well as healthier methods to remain healthy. No matter which one you prefer, you can always add other superfoods like chia seeds and wheat germ for more health benefits.

Other methods to keep your immune system strong include practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, maintaining a good lifestyle such as sleeping well, reducing stress, and exercising daily.

Dietician Avni Kaul
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