flu

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Flu season: Three-ingredient immune-boosting shot

Cold and flu season is fast approaching and it’s now more important than ever to boost our immune systems.

flu

Image supplied

There are a few things you can do to boost your immune system like eating healthily, exercising, reducing stress, getting restful sleep, reducing inflammation and taking vitamins and minerals. All of these can help you avoid getting flu this winter.

This powerful all-natural shot recipe is easy to make and can boost your immunity, metabolism, energy and mood. All you need is three ingredients — ginger, lemon and garlic — and a juicer or blender. All these ingredients have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Why ginger?

Ginger boasts many powerful medicinal properties. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and helps aid digestion. As an antioxidant, ginger fights free radicals and toxins, as well as cleaning your lymphatic system. Ginger is antimicrobial, meaning that it kills bacteria. Ginger boosts your metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar.

Why lemon?

Lemon is great for the immune system because of its high vitamin C content. Lemon contains antioxidants and has alkalinizing properties.

Why garlic?

Garlic contains compounds with potent medicinal properties. Garlic is very nutritious and contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage. Garlic has antibacterial, antibiotic and antiviral properties. Garlic is effective at both preventing and treating upper respiratory infections.

Recipe and ingredients

100g fresh ginger root (about ½ to ¾ cup of chunks)

2 lemons peeled (the peels have many health benefits so keep them on if you don’t mind the bitter taste)

3 cloves garlic

Juicer method

Juice ginger, lemons and garlic and take it as a shot.

Blender method

Blend up ginger, lemons and garlic then strain the mixture through a nutbag or cheesecloth. Add water if needed. For a less wasteful method do not strain the mixture and rather consume it like a smoothie for the added benefit of fibre.

Don’t have a blender or juicer?

No problem, just chop up the ginger, lemons and garlic. Consume spoonfuls or add to warm water (not boiling) and drink it as a tea.

Other ingredients you can add to your shot

  • Turmeric root (add a pinch of black pepper to help with curcumin absorption)
  • Honey
  • Oregano
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Fruit and vegetables like oranges, berries, apples, leafy greens, carrots and beetroot

Give this recipe a shot and cheers to your health.

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