Are you susceptible to cough and cold or suffering from recurrent infections of the urinary tract? If your immune system is not receiving the right nutrients, it will become weak and germs will easily overpower the immune system and you will suffer from frequent infections. However, you can easily boost the health and function of your immune system by eating the right food. The easiest way to consume the appropriate nutrients in the right amounts is to include the following delicious immune boosting drinks in your daily diet.
Here Are 8 Drinks To Boost Your Immune System:
Citrus Fruit Juice
Citrus fruits are the best sources of vitamin C. Studies have shown that the vitamin C levels in the plasma and white blood cells fall rapidly during infections. Increasing vitamin C intake helps in strengthening the immune system and boosts production of the white blood cells that fight the germs. To boost your immune system prepare a drink by blending at least three citrus fruits of your choice such as lemon, orange and grapefruit. Add a tablespoon of honey to sweeten the drink.
Green Smoothie
The green vegetables are loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, B vitamins, dietary fibers, iron, sulfur and an array of antioxidant compounds. If you have difficulty in adding a variety of green vegetables to your daily diet, consider preparing a delicious green smoothie to meet the nutritional need of your body. Chop kale, spinach, cilantro and dandelion greens and put them in a blender. Add a slice of ginger, two teaspoons of lime juice, a cup of yogurt and water and blend the ingredients.
Cranberry Juice
If you are suffering from recurrent urinary tract infection, drink a glass of cranberry juice twice daily. The antimicrobial compounds in cranberry prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract and the germs can be easily flushed out of the urinary tract. Moreover, vitamin C and antioxidants in cranberry help in strengthening the immune system.
Carrot And Beetroot Juice
Carrot is a wonderful source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Your immune system needs vitamin A to sustain normal production of the infection fighting white blood cells. Beetroot is a source of compounds that help in stimulating regeneration of the immune cells. Hence, a drink prepared by blending carrot and beetroot juices will help in strengthening your immune system.
Green Tea
Green tea leaves are rich sources of antioxidant polyphenols called catechins. EGCG, the key bioactive polyphenol in green tea, has powerful immune boosting property. By neutralizing the free radicals, the antioxidant compounds in green tea help in maintaining the optimal health of the immune system.
Blueberry And Almond Smoothie
Blueberries are packed with antioxidant nutrients that protect the immune system from the scavenging activities of the reactive oxygen species or the free radicals. Moreover, the berries are also an excellent source of the immune boosting vitamin C. Almond contains vitamin E, which is essential for maintaining healthy immune function. To prepare the smoothie, add two cups of almond, a cup of blueberries and a cup of low fat milk to a blender and blend the ingredients.
Banana And Nuts And Seeds Smoothie
Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and cashew are excellent sources of zinc, which is essential for healthy functioning of the immune system. Banana is one of the healthiest fruits packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential for bolstering the immune system. To prepare a smoothie, add mashed banana, 10 to 12 cashews, a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds, a tablespoon of sesame seeds and a glass of milk to a blender and blend the ingredients.
Watermelon And Pineapple Drink
Watermelon is a rich source of beta-carotene. It also contains glutathione, an antioxidant that helps in strengthening the immune system. The seeds of watermelon are good sources of zinc. To prepare an immune boosting drink, in a blender add watermelon pulp including the seeds and pineapple slices, and blend the ingredients.