Enhancing Immunity with Juices: A Guide for the Unwell
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Your immune system is perpetually at work, distinguishing between cells that are part of your body and those that aren’t.
This necessitates a steady supply of vitamins and minerals to maintain its vitality and functionality.
The subsequent recipes are brimming with vital nutrients for daily health or for combating viruses like the common cold or flu.
Discover the immunity-boosting nutrients each juice, smoothie, or seed milk offers, and kickstart your day with a revitalizing enhancement to your body’s natural defenses.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, Grapefruits, and More
This citrus medley by Happy Foods Tube delivers approximately 60% of the Daily Value of vitamin C per cup.
A deficiency in vitamin C can result in delayed wound healing, a compromised immune response, and a reduced ability to effectively combat infections.
At present, there is no evidence to suggest that oral vitamin C can prevent the spread of the coronavirus or treat COVID-19, the disease it causes. Neither oral nor intravenous vitamin C therapy is currently advised for treating COVID-19.
However, if you’re suffering from a cold, high doses of vitamin C could potentially alleviate symptoms and expedite recovery. For adults, the maximum tolerable limit is 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day."
Green Apple, Carrot, and Orange Juice
The apples and oranges are packed with vitamin C, while carrots provide vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, an antioxidant.
Additionally, carrots are a good source of vitamin B6, which aids in immune cell proliferation and antibody production.
The Urban Umbrella’s recipe is a great way to kickstart your day, with the tartness of green apples balancing the sweetness of carrots and oranges.
Beet, Carrot, Ginger, and Apple Juice
Inflammation is typically an immune response to infections caused by viruses or bacteria, leading to symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and body aches.
This juice could be particularly beneficial for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, given the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger.
Tomato Juice
Kale, Tomato, and Celery Juice
Strawberry and Kiwi Smoothie
Strawberries and kiwis are healthy additions to a vitamin C-rich beverage, Given that it takes about 4 cups of strawberries to yield 1 cup of juice, you might prefer to blend these fruits into a smoothie.
We recommend this recipe by Well Plated, which incorporates skim milk, a good source of protein and vitamin D, nutrients often lacking in fruit or vegetable juices.
Many people have a vitamin D deficiency, which can be mitigated through sunlight, diet, or supplements, reducing the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia or the flu.
For an extra health boost, replace the milk with a few ounces of probiotic-rich Greek yogurt, which increases the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut, offering protection against harmful bacteria.
Strawberry and Mango Smoothie
Watermelon Mint Juice
Watermelon, rich in vitamin C and arginine, can strengthen your immune system. The high water content of this fruit also makes it easier to juice. Check out this recipe for watermelon mint juice at Dasani's Veg Recipes. You can also blend watermelon juice with other plain fruit juices, like apple or orange, which may not be as rich in vitamin A.
Pumpkin Seed Milk
Many online pumpkin juice recipes require a lot of added sugars or store-bought apple juice. That’s why we’ve included this pumpkin seed milk recipe by The Blender Girl.It’s one of the freshest, most natural recipes available online and serves as a great base for fruit smoothies. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, a common ingredient in many cold remedies due to its effects on inflammation and the immune system.
Lettuce, Green Apple, and Kale Juice
Store-Bought Juices
If you’re short on time, opt for bottled juices without added sugar or sweeteners, like high fructose corn syrup. Avoid juice concentrate or choose 100% fruit concentrate to ensure your drink contains only fruit juice. Among the most commonly purchased juices, including apple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice, orange juice is recommended due to its high vitamin C content compared to apple and cranberry juice. Ensure it is 100% orange juice.
Maintaining a Strong Immune System
Using a Blender