The immune system consist of different organs, cells and elements and is the strongest (or weakest) defence system we have for preventing or combating external pathogens such as viruses. Considering its regeneration rate and building blocks, having sufficient amounts of nutrients, vitamins and eliminating toxins are vital.
It is not uncommon for people to come down with flu or the common cold around the time when seasons change. In this article we would like to share with you and easy and tasty juice recipe that naturally supports your immunity. While there is not a single superfood or supplement that can “boost” your immunity and could replace a healthy and balanced diet, there are certain foods that do have medicinal properties and therefore could support your body’s natural ways to heal itself.
Turmeric has been part of Indian kitchens for centuries, and has been widely recognised for its medicinal properties. Turmeric has antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, as well as promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in our gut. As homemade, natural remedy it has been used uncooked with milk and warm water or tea to help combat flu or aid digestion.
Turmeric is considered as a “superfood” with over 300 nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, iron, niacin and zinc. But its active compound, which received the most interest from scientists is polyphenol curcumin. According to research curcumin can help to reduce chronic inflammation in the body and is also a powerful antioxidant.
This dual benefit supports the body´s natural defence system to become more effective against viral elements. In addition, some studies suggest that curcumin could play a role in preventing heart disease and cancer, and by positively improving brain function helps to reduce the chance of Alzheimer's.
Important to remember that curcumin by itself has boor bioavailability, but when combined with other elements, like piperine from black pepper and healthy fats from avocado, its absorption rate greatly increases.
You can use in your recipes high quality, organic turmeric powder or the root itself if available.
Check out our Immunity Package, which includes a number of tests and consultations, providing with personalised recommendations on how you can restore and stimulate your body's natural defences. Follow the link for more details.
Ingredients:
3 carrots
1 apple
1cm slice of unwaxed lemon
Half-thumb size of turmeric (or 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder)
Touch of black pepper (1/2 tsp)
1/2 avocado
Method:
Wash your carrots, apple, lemon and turmeric root beneath cold running water.
If you have an unwaxed lemon you can leave the skin on – if you have a waxed lemon remember to remove the top layer of the skin.
Put the carrots, apple, lemon and turmeric root through your juicer. I find that I can get more juice out of the lemon and turmeric if they are “sandwiched” between pieces of apples. If you are using turmeric powder you will be adding this later.
Pour the juice into your blender or use a hand blender. Cut the avocado in half and scoop out the flesh into the juice. Add the black pepper. If you are using powdered turmeric instead of a root, add that too.
Blend until it’s creamy and smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!