The immune system is important for your everyday health, helping to fight off infections. However, for your immune system to work to its optimal best and keep its energy up, it requires a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Consuming immune-boosting foods, including beverages, especially when you are sick or under the weather, can help quicken your recovery time.
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Fortunately, there are many such immune-boosting beverages. Seven such immune-boosting beverages to drink when you are sick are examined below:
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1. Orange, grapefruit, and other citrus
Combining citrus fruits, such as orange and grapefruit, can help you get more than enough of your daily recommended vitamin C intake. The high antioxidant effects of vitamin C can help protect your cells from substances that can cause further damage to the body, thus preventing delayed wound healing, an impaired immune response, and the inability to fight infections properly.
2. Green apple, carrot, and orange
The combination of fruits, such as green apples, carrots, and oranges, in a smoothie, can help your body protect itself and fight off infections. According to Healthline, apples and oranges give you vitamin C, while carrots help provide vitamin A, which is also critical to a healthy immune system. Carrots also contain vitamin B-6, which is crucial in immune cell proliferation and antibody production.
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3. Beet, carrot, ginger, and apple
The trio of beet, carrot and ginger are root vegetables with immune system-fortifying properties. According to a publication by Healthline, inflammation is often an immune response to infections originating from viruses or bacteria. But with their powerful anti-inflammatory properties, carrot, beet, ginger, and apple can help fight off cold or flu-like symptoms such as coughs, body aches, and runny nose.
4. Tomato
Fresh tomato juice is yet another immune-boosting beverage you can take when you are under the weather. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin B-9, commonly known as folate, which helps lower your risk of infections. In addition, tomatoes also contain moderate amounts of magnesium, an anti-inflammatory.
5. Kale, tomato, and celery
Another beverage you can make and consume at home when you are sick is the kale-tomato-celery smoothie. They are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight off the body’s response to inflammation. In addition, their vitamin A content is on the high side.
6. Strawberry and kiwi
Strawberries and kiwis are incredibly high in vitamin C. Rather than juice; it is recommended that you blend your strawberries into a smoothie. You may add milk to the smoothie to ensure you get enough vitamin D and protein. Healthy levels of vitamin D in your body can help reduce your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia or the flu.
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7. Strawberry and mango
Strawberry mango smoothies also pack a punch in terms of nutrient composition. In particular, the high vitamin E content of mango helps provide extra antioxidant benefits to enhance the immune system, especially in older adults.
