This immune boosting juice is mainly made out of lemon, ginger, and turmeric. Even though there are lots of varieties, we chose to also add some oranges and carrots to help add some sweetness to the juice. This drink will help you boost your immune system, whether you’re trying to avoid getting sick or you’re feeling ill and trying to get well. You would think about the taste? It’s delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 2 oranges
- 2 carrots
- 7-8cm (3-inch) piece ginger
- 5cm (2-inch) piece turmeric
Optional
- 1 tsp honey per serving
- A tiny pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash all the produce. Rinse the ginger and turmeric well under running water to remove any remaining dirt.
- Peel the lemon and oranges and cut them into pieces. Chop the carrots into chunks. Peel and chop the ginger and turmeric into small pieces.
- Add oranges, lemon, carrots, ginger, and turmeric to the juicer.
- Once you get the juice, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to stir or shake well before serving.
- If you add honey, it takes a while to dissolve with the other ingredients, so stir it well.
- Also, if adding ground black pepper, stir well and sip it.
Nutritional benefits and immune boosting properties
Citrus fruits
These fruits are highest in vitamin C, which helps increase immune defense cells and provide a barrier against viruses and pathogens. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helping protect cells from oxidative damage and combating inflammation.
Honey
As a natural sweetener, honey adds sweetness without the need for refined sugars. The natural sugars in honey provide a quick energy source. On the other hand, it is a natural antibacterial and antiviral. It acts as an immune defense alongside our immune system. Honey has been shown to increase lymphocytes, the cells that help build antibodies and kill microbes that shouldn’t be in our bodies.
Carrot
While not as high as some other fruits, carrots still provide a decent amount of vitamin C. A half cup can give us up to 5% of our daily vitamin C needs. The vitamin C in carrots helps our body build immunoglobulins that defend our immune system. In addition to immune defense, vitamin C also increases the intake and use of iron in our body and helps prevent infections.
Carrots are very rich in vitamin A, which can help promote good overall health and a strong immune system. A half-cup can give up to 73% of our daily vitamin A requirements. A study published in Science Direct found that carrot’s β-carotene and other bioactive compounds such as phenolic acid, flavonoid, polyacetylene, and ascorbic acid modulate immunity by anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune response modulation mechanisms.
Ginger and turmeric
When combined, ginger and turmeric create a powerhouse of immune-boosting benefits. They have shown strong immune-building, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
When we get sick, our body’s reaction to fight it ends up causing inflammation, which we experience in the form of fever. Ginger and turmeric help to counteract this inflammation, leading to us feeling better quicker and promoting a lowered inflammatory response while allowing our immune cells to fight their best ability.
These ingredients also offer essential micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, K, B6, and B9, all of which contribute to overall health. The healthier we are overall, the less likely we are to get sick.
Black pepper
Black pepper is a spice that’s a must in our diet. It can be a great addition to cold-pressed juices. Black pepper brings a subtle heat and depth to our juices. In addition to its flavor-enhancing properties, this humble spice also offers a range of health benefits that can make your juice even more nutritious. Known for its digestive properties, black pepper can aid in the absorption of nutrients, which is especially beneficial when enjoying raw juices. Including this spice in our blends may help our body process the ingredients more effectively. The piperine, an organic compound found in black pepper, enhances the bioavailability of certain nutrients, increasing their effectiveness. For instance, it can help improve the absorption of curcumin from turmeric, maximizing the health benefits of the juice. Piperine also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting immune function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
