Drink to boost immunity
Vitamins and juices that boost immunity are nothing short of miraculous for our bodies’ defenses. This was particularly true during the coronavirus pandemic. Many people have added vitamin-C rich foods to their diets after the pandemic to boost their immunity power.
Many people have difficulty finding foods that will strengthen their immune system. Very few people rely on supplements. A boost immunity drink is the best way to do this. These immunity booster drinks can be made with the basic ingredients found in your kitchen. The idea of immunity booster drinks, however, is not new. They have been the main treatment for flu since ancient times.
Immunity-boosting drinks work by increasing our immunity. Healthy immune systems reduce the chance of getting sick.
What is Immunity?
Immunity refers to the body’s ability to protect itself against disease-causing organisms. Our bodies come in contact with many pathogens every day, but only a small number of these can cause disease. Our body is able to produce antibodies that protect the body from these pathogens. This defense mechanism is known as immunity. You can take steps to boost your immunity.
1. Carrot, ginger and beetroot juice
This spicy root vegetable juice not only boosts your immune system against viruses and bacteria, but also reduces inflammation.
Red beets contain high levels of bioactive compounds like betanin, vitamins A,B, and C, as well as minerals (potassium iron, manganese, and so on). Beetroot juice may be an important part of your cardiovascular and renal system protection.
Carrots are high in antioxidant beta carotene and vitamins A and C, as well as minerals (iron zinc and copper). This superfood increases the production of white blood cell, which is crucial for fighting infections.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup chopped carrots and beetroot
* 1 inch of peeled ginger
How do you prepare
Let the chopped carrots and beetroot boil together for 10 minutes. After cooling, blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add water to adjust consistency. Do not strain. Place in a glass and serve.
2. Citrus Fruits’ Juice
Citrus fruits are not only rich in vitamin C and A, they also have a high content of flavonoids which have excellent antioxidant properties.Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that help in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
There are many citrus fruits available in your area. Bright pink grapefruits are loaded with lycopene, which helps protect cells from damage. Oranges are high in potassium, and can help regulate blood pressure.
Even the lemon, a common kitchen staple, is rich in limonoids and vitamin C. The limonoids can protect you against degenerative diseases that are associated with ageing and cancer.
Honey can be added to these juices to increase their health benefits. Honey is an antimicrobial, sodium-free and immunobooster that not only promotes weight loss and heart health but also has antimicrobial properties.
Ingredients:
* Citrus fruit depending on availability
* Honey
How do you prepare
* For grapefruit and oranges, wash the skin first. For 1 cup of juice, you will need either 1 medium-sized grapefruit or 3 large oranges.
* Wash and cut lemons into halves while using them. Then, remove the seeds.
* Use a juicer or manual squeeze to extract the fresh juice. These juices can become bitter if they are stored.
* Enjoy a spoonful of honey.
Recommended intake
This healthy drink can be taken daily for a substantial boost in immunity.
When to Consume:
Consuming citrus fruit juices between meals is a good idea. To avoid hyperacidity, it is best not to consume these juices empty- stomached.
3. Kadha, or spice tea
Kadha was used long before western medicine became popular to relieve a sore throat or treat a cold. This concoction can be enjoyed by all ages, including children and adults.
There are many kadha recipes that are very popular in India. Many of these have been passed down through the generations. Indian Ministry of Ayush suggests the following immunity-boosting kadha recipes.
It is high in antioxidants and has been described below.
Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties help fight flu.
Ingredients:
* 5 holy basil leaves or tulsi leaves
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
* 1 tsp of black pepper powder
Dry ginger: 1 teaspoon
* Few munakka raisins
* Lemon juice or jaggery as per your taste
How do you prepare
* Combine the tulsi leaves with all the spices in 2 cups water.
* Allow the mixture to simmer on a low heat for 5-10 minutes until all the flavors have soaked in.
* Strain the mixture and add lemon juice or jaggery to suit your taste.
This drink is best when it’s warm.
Recommended intake
One to two cups of kadha can be consumed in a single day.
When to consume
Kadha can either be taken in the morning or as a substitute for evening tea.
4. Turmeric Milk
Traditional Indian families have long loved this drink for its many health benefits. It can be used to fight the flu, colds, and even relieve severe pain from injuries. Turmeric, a common spice in Indian cuisine, is the main ingredient.
Research has proven curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric, has many beneficial properties. Curcumin is an antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent that can also prevent certain types of cancers.
This drink also contains other spices, like ginger, cinnamon, and blackpepper. These spices increase its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and flavoring properties.
Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, increases curcumin bioavailability in golden milk. It also increases curcumin absorption in the blood. A pinch of black pepper can significantly increase the health benefits of this beverage.
Ingredients:
* Non-dairy or dairy milk
1/4 teaspoon (tsp) turmeric powder
* 1/2 inch crushed ginger
* 1 small stick of ground cinnamon
* Add a small amount of black pepper
* Honey to your liking (optional).
How do you prepare
1. Bring 1 cup of non-dairy or dairy milk to a boil.
* Add crushed ginger, turmeric powder, cinnamon, and black pepper powder.
* Mix the ingredients in a bowl until all of the spices are dissolved in the milk.
Serve warm by squeezing the mixture into a cup.
* Cool your golden milk and add one teaspoon honey to sweeten it.
Recommended intake
Take a cup of warm golden milk every day if you feel sick or as a preventative measure to avoid getting the flu.
When to consume
This should be consumed before you go to bed.
5.Tomato Rasam
This popular South Indian dish is high in antioxidants that can protect cells from damage. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, betacarotene and folate which can strengthen the immune system. Additionally, their potassium content can help maintain blood pressure. The healthy lipid content of coconut oil has both immunomodulatory and antibiotic properties.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups tomatoes
* 1 tablespoon tur dal (Split pigeon peas)
* Rasam powder
* Tamarind pulp
* Jaggery
* Tempering coconut oil, asafoetida and mustard seeds, red chilies, turmeric, curry leaf
How do you prepare
Boil the tur dal with chopped tomatoes, curry leaves, and salt in 2 cups of water until it is cooked. Blend the mixture and strain it to obtain a smooth consistency.
1. Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a saucepan and then add the tempering spices.
Sauté the rasam powder in a pan for a few seconds, then add the tomatoes.
* Heat for a few seconds.
* 1 teaspoon tamarind pulp or jaggery powder is added
* Garnish with chopped coriander leafs
Recommended intake
This can be served as an appetizer or side dish with rice.
When to consume
This tangy beverage can be enjoyed at lunch and dinner.
6. Green Tea
Since ancient times, this antioxidant-rich beverage has been enjoyed throughout Asia. Green tea contains polyphenols that regulate T-cell function, which plays an important role in immunity. You are also protected from neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and cancer-causing diseases by polyphenols.
ECGC (epigallocatechin galate) is responsible for the antimicrobial properties of green tea.
Ingredients:
* Unprocessed green Tea
* Additional flavourings available
How do you prepare
* Bring a cup of water to a boil.
* Add 1 tsp green tea to the boiling water and allow it to steep for 2 – 3 minutes.
* You can add flavourings of your choice, or just enjoy them as they are.
Recommended intake
Green tea can be consumed up to 2 cups per day.
When to consume
Green tea can be enjoyed anytime of the day. You can have green tea anytime you want.