Yahoo Finance 6 immunity boosting juice shots you can make at home
Our bodies have changed with the passing of time. While our longevity has increased, our bodies have become more susceptible to illnesses and weakness. It is due to several factors and changes around us.
We are not eating seasonally any more. What we eat is so heavily processed, that it does our bodies more harm than good. Our bodies need certain vitamins, nutrients and supplements to survive. Our kids no longer play with the earth or spend time amongst Nature which are natural boosters for one’s immunity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention back to immunity and why it is very important to build our body’s capability to fight viruses.
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What are immunity boosters?
Chef Michael Swamy, food stylist, Gourmand Award winner and author says, “Immunity boosters are ingredients that help the body fight against the plethora of viruses and illnesses. For long, Indians have been having home made kada in some form or the other. Thanks to Turmeric and Saffron in our cuisines, our dishes automatically contain antioxidants. From Basil and Tulsi to Turmeric to Lemon grass, the usage of organic produce and other ingredients like ginger and garlic help boost one’s immunity besides purifying our blood. Immunity boosters also help control sugar levels in many ways as well as keep us hydrated in the summer months and healthy during the cold weather.”
Chef Swamy shares 6 incredible immunity boosting juice shots that can be made easily at home.
1.Turmeric shot
Ingredients
250 grams ginger
250 grams fresh turmeric
3 medium lemons
1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
Honey as required
Method
Wash the turmeric and ginger well.
Juice the turmeric, ginger and lemon. You can juice separately if you prefer.
Mix everything and add the black pepper. This is needed to help get all the benefits from the turmeric.
Store in little jars and keep refrigerated.
Mix in honey before serving.
Notes
The recommended daily dose is between 60 and 80 ml. The leftover pulp can be dried to be ground into powder (which then can be used as a booster for other juices or smoothies.)
Tip: For a special cold/flu busting juice, you can also add some orange juice to this shot (around 1 orange per daily shot).
Important: If fresh turmeric is not available, boil 3 heaped tablespoons of turmeric powder in 2 cups water and use that in place of fresh turmeric juice.
The following immunity boosting shots should be enjoyed as soon as they are made as they will begin to degrade once juiced. The pulp left over can be added into sauces, tart shell bases, pie crusts or can be dried and powdered.
2. Herbal Tea shot
Ingredients
100 grams ginger
1 cup lemon grass stalks
6 cloves
2 inch piece of cinnamon
2 litres water
1 cup wild basil
½ cup honey
Method
Keep the honey aside.
Bring all the ingredients to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain the contents into a jug.
Add the honey and serve hot.
3. Carrot Turmeric shot
Ingredients
3 carrots
1 lemon, peeled
1 inch piece ginger
½ tsp turmeric
Method
Wash the carrots well and scrub clean.
Place in a small jug blender with remaining ingredients and pulse until blended. You may need to add some water to help blend.
Pour into a nut bag or cheesecloth and squeeze all the moisture out. The shot is ready to drink.
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4. Beetroot Lemon shot
Ingredients
1 beetroot, including tops if possible
1 apple
1 lemon, peeled
Method
Wash the vegetables well and scrub clean. Leave all other skin on for maximum nutrition. Remove the seeds and tops of the fruit and vegetables.
Combine in a small jug blender and pulse until blended. You may need to add some water to help blend.
Pour into a nut bag or cheesecloth and squeeze all the moisture out. Drink the juice.
5. Leafy Greens shot
1 Lemon
1 handful leafy greens like Kale or Spinach
1 handful herbs like Mint or Parsley
2 sticks Celery
Method
Wash the greens and herbs well and scrub clean.
Place in a small jug blender and pulse until blended. You may need to add some water to help blend.
Pour into a nut bag or cheesecloth and squeeze all the moisture out.
Add the lemon juice and drink.
6. Cayenne Ginger Pineapple shot
Ingredients
1 lemon, peeled
1 pineapple
4 inch piece ginger
A pinch of Cayenne pepper
Few tablespoons water
Method
Wash the pineapple and scrub clean. Remove the peel and core.
Place in a small jug blender and pulse until blended. You may need to add some water to help blend.
Pour into a nut bag or cheesecloth and squeeze all the moisture out. Drink the juice.
