Immunity Boosting Smoothies – Need Of The Hour

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Immunity has never been so much in fashion. Trending high on search engines, people suddenly seem to be wanting to know quick fixes to improve their immune systems.

Just like there is no short cut to success, there are definitely no ways to make a beeline to better immunity. But stuck in self quarantine, we do have some time on our hands to make efforts towards this goal. The goal of a stronger us.

Real and wholesome nutrition is really the best way to build a better immunity. Sure, supplements work, but if you depend more on popping pills and less on eating less food, it won’t show permanent results. Nothing can replace proper food, exercise and good amount of sleep.

With fully fledged self-quarantine in action, it has become important that all our family members get a shot at getting stronger. By all family members, I mean kids too. And we all know how little kids eat. Selected quality and selected quantity.

Smoothies are a great way to get them to slurp down some fruits, veggies and other essential foods that help boost their immunity. What's better, they are so satiating to have as a healthy late night drink, for when the cravings get real!

Below I have listed some delicious smoothies packed with much needed nutrition that have been given the thumbs up by my picky eating children.

Mango Turmeric and Pepper Vitamin C Smoothie

This smoothie is creamy, tangy with a punch of spice! I find mangoes to be the perfect addition to any smoothie as it adds flavor and texture to the drink. Mangoes are rich sources of vitamin C, copper, folate and vitamin B6, all very essential in building immunity.

Turmeric on the other hand has been proven to be an anti-inflammatory food. The curcumin present in the turmeric helps clear upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and allergies.

One strange ingredient is the pepper. Why are we using pepper? Well, pepper contains the active bio compound piperine. Piperine accelerates the absorption of curcumin in our bodies by 2000%! As a rule, remember to combine turmeric with pepper, even if it is just a pinch.

You can use frozen mangoes for this one, and whichever milk you prefer. Nut milks will work as well as dairy milk.

An inch of peeled knob of turmeric is excellent, though not all of us have fresh turmeric at home. I most certainly don’t! But a bottle of turmeric powder is always in my pantry.

For this smoothie, I blend together 1 1/2 cup of milk,1 cup of frozen mango chunks, half teaspoon turmeric and a pinch of black pepper. This recipe makes enough for 3 servings.

Banana Ginger and Chia Smoothie

Bananas (how long do bananas last?) are another versatile fruit that give that rich and satisfying feel to any drink. Apart from the good carbs that are so important for young children, bananas are high in potassium and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 aids our metabolic processes and potassium reduces anxiety, stress and high blood pressure. God knows I need some potassium in us to survive this quarantine!

Ginger on the other hand, is a powerful anti-inflammatory food that halts the growth of bacteria like E coli and shigella. It is an immunity bolster and has been used since thousands of years to treat chest congestions, cough and colds.

The chia seeds (how long do chia seeds last?) give a nice bite and crunch to the smoothie. Chia is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that improve good cholesterol levels.

For this recipe, blend together 4 medium size bananas, 1 1/2 cup milk of your choice, a 2-inch knob of ginger (substitute with half teaspoon of ginger powder (how long does ginger powder last?), and 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. Again, these quantities make enough to serve a family of five.

Spinach Cherry and Yogurt Probiotic Smoothie

Good health starts from the intestines. Probiotics are very important for maintaining optimal gut health. They are present at the front lines of your defense system, whenever you eat food. These beneficial microorganisms protect your organs and filter all substances before they can enter the bloodstream.

Yogurt increases the population of the good bacteria in our digestive tract.

Spinach provides us with vitamin A, iron and fiber all of which boost immunity and improve digestive regularity.

Cherries (how long do cherries last?)are another great source of antioxidants just like spinach. The antioxidant levels in cherries help combat damage due to oxidative stress. They also reduce inflammation, thereby strengthening the immune system.

For this smoothie, I blend together two bunches of spinach, 1 cup of frozen cherries and a large cup of yogurt. You may have to add some water to get a smoother and a lighter consistency.

Dates, Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Smoothie

Ajwa dates from Medina have been studied to improve liver function and inhibits cancer growth. As a matter of fact, dates of any kind have potent immunity boosting properties. Magnesium from dates enhances nerve health while thiamine and pyridoxine are essential for good metabolic activity.

Peanut butter (how long does peanut butter last?) gives a good dose of protein for those growing children. The secret ingredient, cinnamon is a beautiful, earthy smelling and sweet tasting spice. Studies show cinnamon has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

Blend together 6-8 large dates of any kind you may get your hands on with 2 cups of milk. Add to it one tablespoon of organic peanut butter and a 3-inch stick of cinnamon.

Tip

It is better to grind some cinnamon sticks (how long do cinnamon sticks last?) to get a powder beforehand. A single stick may not tun to a fine powder in the blender.

Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or dates.

Balancing life, family and work while facing the grim reality of the COVID19 virus is not easy. As I write this blog, I fully understand most of us are struggling to keep our pantries from running out and our kids fed.

Let us take each day as it comes, and show kindness and solidarity, we have never needed it more than we need it now.

Read about more fun recipes you can try with your kids while #stayingin