Table of Contents
Introduction
In this world where currently a virus named CoVid-19 has grown its wings all over the globe and has affected more than 7 lakhs people till now. This is not the only virus that is infecting the world but there are millions of other bacteria and viruses that affect the body and initiate certain kinds of diseases in the body. To curb these diseases, the immune system is the only system in your body that is active against these pathogens and eradicates them from the body. The proper functioning of the immune system is essential to keep the diseases and infections at bay. As the immune system is not the one-man army, it is the combination of different organs, cells, and tissues that altogether make up the immune system.
It is a known fact that the food we eat directly affects the functions of the body, the same as for the immune system. The cells that make up the immune system initially recognize the cells- whether they are foreign or own cells of the body. Secondly, an immune response is initiated in reaction to the foreign-recognized cells or pathogens and lastly, the cells of the immune system-antibodies kill the pathogen. Your body recognizes some of the foodstuffs too as foreign invaders and initiates an immune response against too thereby reducing the immunity. Therefore, it is very essential to eat foods that are high in nutritional content and boost up the levels of immunity. Here is the list of some of the special drinks that should be consumed to elevate the levels of immunity and maintain a healthy and disease-free body.
No. #1: Orange and Carrot Squash
Oranges are the rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that are very essential for a healthy immune system and aid in the proper functioning of the body by alleviating the free-radicals present in the body. Also, the carrots are known to contain high amounts of Beta-carotene which are modified into Vitamin A in the presence of antioxidants. Both these ingredients have high amounts of potassium, magnesium and other essential minerals that are essential for the proliferation of the cells of the immune system thereby keeping the diseases at bay. For preparing the squash you need to simply blend both of the ingredients. The blend also contains fruit pulp which is not liked by many and for removing the pulp, filter the blend through a muslin cloth or sieve. It is recommended not to filter the squash as the pulp contains good amounts of fibre, necessary for digestion.
No. #2: Pulpy Tomato Juice
Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C, E and Beta carotene that are known to play a major in incrementing the proliferation of the cells of the immune system. Also, the tomatoes aid in the formation of collagen proteins in the body essential for the growth of skin, nails, and hair. The tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, killing the free radicals that interfere with the immune system reducing immunity. The great thing about making the tomato juice is that it doesn’t require any blender or machine and can be simply extracted by heating the tomatoes after cleaning and cutting them into pieces. The juice can be extracted by mashing the heated tomatoes and filtering them through the sieve. You can season the juice with some black pepper and salt.
No. #3: Apple and Orange Squash
Apples are power-packed with a large number of fibers and antioxidant properties that keep the digestive system healthy and elevate the levels of immunity. Also, these fibers have the power to convert the pro-inflammatory cells into the anti-inflammatory cells that reduce inflammation and aid in rapid healing. The oranges are rich in Vitamin C and E and have important roles in the maintenance of growth and division of immune cells and augmenting their potential. The apple and orange squash can be prepared by crushing the fruits in a blender and filtering them through a sieve or muslin cloth. You can also add some black salt and garnish with small pieces of fresh carrots.
No. #4: Kale, Celery, and tomato squash
Vegetable squashes are the rich source of Vitamins and minerals. Kale is rich in Vitamin A, C, and K and is power-packed with a high amount of nutrients. These Vitamins are essential for the growth of bones, teeth, and skin. The antioxidant-rich kale is cardinal in removing the free radicals from the body that hamper the functioning of the immune system. Celery leaves are known to strengthen the individual immune system of the liver by strengthening the lymphocytes and elevating their functional capacity. For the preparation of this squash, crush all three ingredients using a blender, filter the squash and garnish with some black salt and black peppers.
No. #4: Mango and Strawberry shake
Mango is a seasonal fruit that is highly admired and loved by the people worldwide. Not only the incredible flavor but also the number of nutrients that mango contains makes it one of the tempting fruits. It is a rich source of Vitamin A and C and being rich in antioxidants, it fights off infections, strengthens the immune system, and keeps the diseases at bay. The strawberry is also rich in Vitamin C content that is essential for the proliferation of the cells of the immune system. The mango and strawberry shake can be prepared by crushing the fruits in a blender and then adding milk and mixing it well and garnish with crushed almonds and raisins.
No. #5: Ginger and Lemon Infusion
Ginger is a common herb that is added to the dishes to enhance the flavor. Also, ginger is known to contain high levels of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and many other ailments. Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C, potassium and folate that is essential for the growth and division of the cells of the immune system. Also, lemon has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that keep the infectious diseases at bay. The ginger and lemon infusion can be prepared by boiling an inch of ginger with a spoonful of lemon juice in one glass (approximately 250mL) water and boiling it till only half i.e. 125mL is left. Filter it and serve hot after adding some black salt and black peppers. You can also add a few leaves of mint or Tulsi to add flavor.
No. #6: Kiwi and Strawberry Smoothie
Kiwi is a fruit that is known for its ability to ward off cold and flu and keeps the immune system healthy. Also, kiwi enriched with Vitamin C that is known to regulate the development and growth of the immune system. Strawberries are also studied with elevated levels of Vitamin C, E and are known to strengthen cornea and retina thus promoting the health of eyes too. For preparing this amazing drink, blend a kiwi and 3-4 strawberries, and put a glass of milk into the paste, mix well and serve with mint leaves, raisins, and almonds.
No. #7: Beetroot, Carrots, Turmeric and Ginger juice
This juice is richly loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients which are essential for strengthening the immune system. Beetroot and carrots are rich in Vitamin A, C, folates, iron, magnesium, and potassium that help in elevating the number of cells involved in immunity and fortify the immune response. Ginger and turmeric are the potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory herbs that are essential in alleviating the infections from the body and keeps the body disease-free. For the preparation of this juice, crush beetroot, carrots, and an inch of ginger the ingredients in a mixer and filter the mixture through a sieve or muslin cloth. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder, mix well and garnish with Tulsi leaves.
No. #9: Orange and Grapefruit Juice
Oranges are grapefruits studded with high levels of Vitamin C and help in the prevention of certain diseases like asthma, eye infections, manage elevated levels of blood pressure and cholesterol and more. Grapefruits are also known to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. As they are loaded with rich amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, they are very essential in strengthening the immune system and thus keeping diseases at bay. For the preparation of this juice, cut the fruits into small pieces, crush them using a blender or juicer, and filter them using a cloth of muslin or sieve. You can also garnish the juice with some salt and black pepper.
No. #10: Watermelon and Ginger Squash
Watermelons are a rich source of water and essential vitamins and nutrients that are very essential for the maintenance of a healthy body and boost up the levels of immunity. Also, ginger is a rhizome studded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which makes them essential for the consolidation of the immune system. Watermelon is rich in amino acid L-Citrulline that is known to improve the circulation of blood in the body and is the best hydrating fruit as it is composed of 90-92% water. For the preparation of this flavorsome squash, cut a watermelon into pieces and add approx. 1-1.5 inch pieces of ginger and crush the contents in a blender. It is recommended not to filter the contents as the pulp is rich in fibres that keep the digestive system healthy.
Conclusion
These are some of the amazing drinks which are not only tasty but also help in maintaining a healthy immune system. Along with boosting immunity, these fruits and vegetables are essential for eradicating stomach related disorders like bloating, constipation, and more. These fruits and veggies are rich in fibres that provide the necessary amount of fibres required for the proper functioning of the gut and also keep the liver healthy. The liver is composed of some sort of immune system of its own thus by keeping the liver healthy, the body can potentially eradicate the toxins, microbes, and pathogens from the food and keeps the body disease-free and healthy. So, to live a healthy and disease-free life, incorporate some fruits, veggies, and soups in your dietary regime and prevent yourself from diseases and infections. [Also Read 8 Essential Vitamins and Minerals that Boost Immune System ]
References
- 10 Power-packed Juices To Help Boost Your Immunity
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/10-power-packed-juices-to-help-boost-your-immunity/photostory/71151983.cms
- Effect Of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Immune Function in Older People: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Gibson- Andrew- Edgar-J David- Gilchrist- McKinley-Michelle C- Patterson- Chris- Ian-Jayne V- Sarah ECM- Woodside – https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/96/6/1429/4571488
- Health Benefit Of Vegetable/fruit Juice-based Diet: Role Of Microbiome
Susanne Henning-Jieping Yang-Paul Shao-Ru-Po Lee-Jianjun Huang-Austin Ly-Mark Hsu-Qing-Yi Lu-Gail Thames-David Heber-Zhaoping Li – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5438379/