Boost your Immune System with Fresh Juices
It’s the time of year for falling temperatures, falling leaves, and for some of us, falling ill. Feeling that first tickle in the back of your throat, telling you a cold is about to come on? Turn to fresh, homemade juice to boost your immune system. You’ll fight off that cold or flu and be back on your feet in no time!
You should know that the benefits of these juices are only from FRESH juice, so you have to juice these fruits and vegetables at home, yourself. Store bought juices have most of the beneficial nutrients removed through extensive heat and filtering, so they can stay on the store shelves longer and look prettier. Fresh juice only lasts a day or two, and is cloudier, but it’s packed with health promoting vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Without the fiber, these juices are extremely potent healing foods. For some of these items, you can reuse the fiber in crackers, cookies, breads, meatloaf, stir-fry, and many other creative applications.
Oranges are full of vitamin C, and it’s well known that this is an excellent vitamin to help your immune system. They also have potassium, which is an essential electrolyte. Lemons, limes, and grapefruits are in the same citrus family, and also have health promoting properties, so use these citrus fruits liberally.
Carrots contain carotenoids, which help the body to produce vitamin A. This is also essential for proper immune function. These root veggies are very popular in juices since they are known to be a powerhouse for health.
Ginger should be included in your juices as often as possible, but only in small amounts. It’s extremely healthy, helping to reduce mucous and fight bacteria and viruses, but it’s got a powerful flavor that can be off-putting in larger amounts.
Garlic is great for the same reasons as ginger, and should be used just as sparingly. Only 1 or 2 cloves per glass of juice will be plenty to help you feel better faster.
Pineapple is delicious, and contains enzymes that help your body to function better on all levels. This tropical fruit has lots of B complex vitamins that will help you regain your energy.
Strawberries, blueberries, and other berries are packed with compounds called anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and help the immune system to attack pathogens more efficiently. Of course, they’re high in vitamin C too, so you’ll be getting plenty of this important vitamin.
Experiment with different fruits to find a combination you love, and drink up. You’ll feel better in no time!
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