Stay Healthy With These Immune-Boosting Drink Recipes

Immune Boosting Recipes by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca

Immunity is still very important as the virus lingers in BC, and we want to ensure our systems are as healthy as possible. To stay healthy, Alyssa shares some great, refreshing healthy drink recipes to boost our immune systems while staying fuelled up for the fall months.

Immune Boosting Drink Recipe 1: Turmeric Sipper

This recipe is not for the faint of heart. It is zingy and spicy, and leaves a slight burn in the throat – a feeling you will either love or hate. It is health-in-a-cup, and you can almost feel its powers. Sip it cold in the summer, or even hot in the winter. It has immune-boosting foods to help keep you warm. 

Turmeric: A wonder root, this bright orange root is an ancient Ayurvedic power healer. It helps with inflammation and is known to prevent cancers and terminal ageing.

Ginger: Another interesting root, this zingy root also helps with inflammation, and builds up immunity while also being a digestion powerhouse.

Cayenne: This spicy red powder is part of the capsicum family. It is known to speed up metabolism, fight infection, prevent cancers, and is a natural detoxifier.

Lemon: My all-time favourite citrus – I cannot go a day without lemons. From lemon water to lemon salad dressing, my house is constantly stocked with this alkalizing fruit. Vitamin C is a huge healer, but a lemon’s alkalizing properties trump all.

Cinnamon: Aside from its delicious flavour, this ground powder is loaded with antioxidants, and it helps to protect the heart and lower blood sugars.

• 1 thumb-size knob of turmeric, peeled if not organic
• 1 thumb size knob of ginger
• 1/2 lemon, peeled
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 10-12 cups water, or until large pot is full

Fill a large pot with water. Add all ingredients and boil. Simmer for hours.

Cool and serve either hot, or store in the fridge in a glass pitcher.

Immune Boosting Recipe 2: Everything Greens Juice

I am obsessed with kale, and for good reason. This superfood has more nutritional value for fewer calories than most other foods, and its alkalizing properties are just as tremendous. This juice is loaded with beta-carotene, protein, folic acid, vitamin B, iron, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulphur. Need I say more? That’s why this tangy and tart juice is my daily go-to, either as my wake-up boost or afternoon pick-me-up.

Related: 3 Surprisingly Healthy On-The-Go Snack Recipes For Kids

• 1 bunch kale
• 1 green apple, halved
• 3 celery stalks
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 bunch of parsley
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 thumb size of ginger, peeled (more if you want it zingier)
• Chunk of pineapple, for sweetness

Wash all produce and juice. Serve over ice. Drink ASAP.

Immune Boosting Drink Recipe 3: Nourished Sun

Skip the high fructose corn syrup and yellow dye found in classic yellow drinks, and press a fresh juice that’s sweetly natural instead. Drink in the sun with this antioxidant, potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A-packed tonic. A strengthened immune system, energy boost and glowing skin are just a few of the other sweet perks. Who can beat that?

• 2 mangoes
• 1 lemon
• 1 orange
• 1 yellow or orange pepper 
• 2 inch piece of ginger (more for extra bite)

Peel mangoes and orange and wash pepper.

Slice pepper and remove seeds.

Peel ginger.

Juice and pour over ice.

For more healthy recipes, check out our latest issue, online now.