Hurried lives, cholesterol-rich diets, poor habits and our improper daily routines have all contributed greatly to our weakened immune systems, making us more susceptible to illnesses. To improve your overall health and immune function, you must make changes in your dietary choices and lifestyle first. Here are four additions to your diet thaat will certainly improve your immune system:
1. Tomato-Carrot Juice:
One of the best combinations, tomato and carrot juice results in a delightful blend of flavors of the two healthful veggies. It is one of the best immune-boosting recipes out there, owing to its high concentration of the antioxidants vitamin C (from tomatoes) and vitamin A (from carrots).
Vitamin C helps in the formation of skin’s structural protein called collagen that keeps the skin strong, thereby acting as a barrier to prevent the entry of disease-causing pathogens. It also helps in the production of white blood cells that fight infections.
Vitamin A helps ward off infections and maintains mucosal surfaces by regulating the activity of T cells, B cells, and cytokines. Vitamin A also helps prevent the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium finely chopped tomato
- 1 medium peeled orange
- 1 medium chopped apple
- 4 large chopped carrots
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Add all the ingredients in a juicer and blend together until smooth
- Serve chilled and fresh
2. Ginger-Garlic Juice
The magic ingredients, ginger and garlic, have both been known to help fight infections for over centuries. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School physicians found that increased garlic consumption can ward off cancers. Garlic also contains a phytonutrient called allicin that contributes to improved cardiovascular health.
It even lowers blood pressure and regulates cholesterol: ginger contains the chemicals shagaols and gingerols that help stimulate blood circulation and ensure that the tissues get more oxygen and thereby remove toxins.
Ginger plays a major role in preventing, and curing flu, suggests a research conducted by the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan. This juice recipe is your perfect beverage to stay healthy and disease-free.
Ingredients:
- 2 chopped beets
- 2 finely cut apples
- 1 medium peeled orange
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ¼ of a ginger root
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Add all the ingredients in a juicer and blend together until smooth
- Serve chilled
3. Green Juice
Leafy green veggies are probably the healthiest natural foods known to man. They contain a combination of essential nutrients like ascorbic acid, carotene, riboflavin, folic acids, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
Their moderate antibacterial properties with various pharmacologically active compounds help treat bacterial infections, reports the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine study. This juice contains a mix of the most nutritious green veggies that make it the perfect blend of great taste and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 3 celery stalks
- 1 cup parsley
- 1 small bunch dandelion greens
- 1 small bunch watercress leaves
- 1cup green kale
- 2 pears
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cucumber chopped
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
- Add all the ingredients in a juicer and blend until smooth
- Serve chilled
