This all-around immune elixir is great for supporting immunity, but it also has high antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. On top of that, the drink has potent longevity and anti-aging effect. Let’s go ahead and review all 11 carefully selected ingredients that make up this delicious drink to understand how they work synergistically to surround our body with an invisible defense shield. Let’s dive in!
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What Makes This Recipe Worth Trying Today:
- Longevity and anti-aging properties
- Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects
- Refreshing, invigorating and perfect to kick-start your day
- It’s one of those health-promoting recipes that actually tastes amazing!
- Fantastic as immunity booster, detoxifier that can be consumed first thing in the morning or after your workout.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals- especially rich in vitamin C
Grandma’s methods are still effective! And that’s our secret weapon to strengthen immunity in a natural way
Since antiquity, medicine has focused on prevention, and we have known for centuries that the most effective way to treat an infection is to prevent its development. A daily dose of vitamins that strengthen the body’s immune system and take care of our well-being is essential.
Older generations knew how to get the best from nature. This knowledge was partly forgotten, but the good news is that not completely! It is encouraging that more and more young people turn to nature and an ecological lifestyle. Natural immunity boosting remedies are extremely effective and can help treat symptoms before the disease sets in for good. And most importantly, unlike pills, these natural remedies reduce the risk of side effects to a minimum.
So, let’s go ahead and break this recipe down to its individual ingredients, and see what are the health benefits of each of them:
BLOOD ORANGE
Just like other citrus-type fruits, blood oranges are fruits rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C has many different functions in the body – from strengthening immunity, through facilitating the absorption of iron, to increasing the elasticity of the skin and blood vessels. It supports the body in the fight against free radicals that affect the condition of the skin and aging processes.
Anthocyanins ( these are compounds responsible for the red, purple, and blue pigmentation of some fruits and vegetables like berries, grapes, red cabbage, eggplant etc.) found in blood oranges, are anti-inflammatory and have strengthening effects on blood vessels, thus supporting the overall function of the circulatory system. There are also reports of anti-cancer effects of anthocyanins.
Red oranges contain a lot of potassium. The potassium found in citrus fruits has a beneficial effect on the heart.
In addition, regular consumption of fresh citrus juice, such as blood orange juice, protects against the formation of kidney stones.
Beta-carotene has beneficial effects on eyesight, and hesperidin, found in citrus fruits, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it supports cardiovascular function, and it’s beneficial for type 2 diabetes.
MANDARIN
Mandarins also contain a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. But they are also a treasury of vitamin A – they have way more of it than lemons or oranges!
Consuming mandarins is beneficial for people with obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Mandarins are an excellent ingredient to include in all kinds of weight-loss diets, thanks to their low calorific content (one fruit of approx. 65g provides only about 35 calories.) This is because these fruits consist largely of water. Mandarins accelerate the process of cleansing the body of toxins and improve digestion, therefore are a perfect choice for obese and overweight people.
These fruits are recommended for both people who want to prevent type 2 diabetes and those who are already suffering from this disease. This is due to the fact that mandarins have a low glycemic index of about 30. They contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates.
KIWI FRUIT
Kiwi fruit is your friend in the fight against the common cold, and has an immune-supporting effect. These fruits are a rich source of antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins B, E and C. You will cover your daily requirement for vitamin C, only by eating 100 g of that delicious fruit a day.
You can eat kiwi fruit guilt-free! That’s because kiwi fruit is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, which regulates the work of the digestive tract.
Kiwi fruits contain considerable amounts of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc and magnesium. This fruit is ideal for for people with excessive body weight, and folks who are on a weight-loss diet. It can be used as a low-calorie snack.
Nutritionists confirm that eating kiwi significantly reduces the level of triglycerides in the blood.
LEMON
Lemons are full of vitamin C and B, flavonoids, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber. The potassium bicarbonate in lemons helps neutralize environmental, dietary and metabolic acids that are associated with aging and many diseases.
Lemons have a beneficial effect on diabetes, help dissolve stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, cleanse the liver, have proven anti-cancer properties, support the immune system in the fight against colds and flu.
PERSIMMON( KHAKI/ KAKI) FRUIT
Kaki fruits resemble tomatoes in appearance, but their taste is sweet, slightly sour and wonderfully aromatic. The fruit can come in different colors – from bright, yellow-orange to dark, orange-red.
Let’s go through some of the main health-promoting properties of that mouth-watering fruit:
They contain many substances that are valuable for the body, especially for the immune system, e.g. flavonoids, antioxidants and high content of polyphenols. They have an overall anti-inflammatory effect and are especially precious in fight against skin aging.
Thanks to considerable amounts of lutein contained in them, kaki fruits also lower the risk of age-related eye diseases, like eye macular degeneration.
The fruit helps to lower blood pressure, the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and the level of triglycerides. Therefore, regular consumption of kaki can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
BEET / BEETROOT
Beets contain carotenes, B vitamin and a small amount of vitamin C. They are a rich source of minerals such as: iron, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium compounds.
In addition, the betaine contained in this vegetable facilitates the absorption of proteins from food and improves liver function. Betaine is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals.
Beetroot is our ally in strengthening the circulatory system, and eating beet can also help avoid anemia.
Beetroot is also an important element of a heart-healthy diet , because it prevents calcification of blood vessels, contributes to the normalization of cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure.
The folic acid contained in beets has a calming effect, helping us sleep better fall asleep faster.
Because of its expectorant effect, beetroot is a proven way to get rid of a persistent cough.
GINGER ROOT
Thanks to its unique compounds, such as zingiberene, zingerone, gingerol and shogaols, ginger has a wide spectrum of health-promoting effects.
The root has been known for centuries as an effective remedy for colds, menstrual pain and nausea.
Let’s name just a few of the healing properties of this aromatic spicy root:
It improves circulation, warms the whole body, protects against blood clots, treats colds, cares for the oral cavity – disinfects and refreshes, relieves menstrual pain, helps fight against migraines and nausea, facilitates digestion.
TURMERIC + BLACK PEPPER
Turmeric has been called the “queen of spices” for centuries. This is due to its over 200 active ingredients, among which curcumin deserves special attention. Curcumin is a polyphenolic pigment that gives turmeric its intense yellow color.
Turmeric and black pepper – the perfect combination to support your health!
To take full advantage of the wonderful properties of turmeric, it should be consumed together with black pepper. The latter contains piperine, which increases the absorption of curcumin in the body by up to 2000%.
Turmeric combined with pepper has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. As such, it is an excellent remedy for various inflammatory problems such as: diabetes, obesity, dementia, joint pain, heart disease, etc.
The use of turmeric will bring relief to the pancreas, intestines and liver, as it regulates the digestive process, while multiple studies conducted, among others, in the USA and the UK support the thesis that turmeric protects against various forms of cancer.
Curcumin helps cleanse the body of toxins and reduces appetite, helping people on weight loss diets to stick to their daily calorie intake limits. Turmeric also speeds up metabolism and promotes fat burning while regulating blood sugar levels. This golden spice promotes the removal of cholesterol from the arteries and the breakdown of fat cells.
THYME HONEY
Thyme is a herb with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Greek thyme honey is perhaps the most appreciated of all Greek varieties and has strong anti-inflammatory properties, while being an excellent source of valuable micronutrients such as:
potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and cobalt and vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin.
It has health-promoting properties, strengthens the heart, soothes the nerves, revitalizes the brain, heals wounds and works great in the fight against colds, coughs and sore throats.
A serving of real Greek yogurt topped with thyme honey and sprinkled with walnuts is a classic Greek breakfast full of goodness (and super delicious!)
FRESH MINT
Fresh mint is a rich source of minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and selenium. In addition, it contains folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamins A, C, B1
Peppermint boasts the highest content of antioxidants among commonly available herbaceous plants.
Mint is recommended for all kinds of gastrointestinal ailments.
It is recommended for indigestion, as it stimulates the secretion of gastric juice. It also helps to get rid of bloating, and due to its antispasmodic effect, it can help with irritable bowel syndrome.
What Will You Need:
- 1 lemon
- 2 blood oranges
- 3 mandarins
- 2 kiwis
- 1 beet-cooked and peeled
- 1 tsp ginger root- diced
- 2 persimmon ( khaki/ kaki) fruits
- 1/4 a tsp turmeric powder
- a pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme honey
- some fresh mint leaves
How to Make BLUE ZONES Immunity Boosting Elixir:
1.Peel and dice 2 persimmon ( khaki/ kaki) fruits
2.Peel and dice 2 kiwi fruits
3. Cut 1 cooked and peeled beet into pieces
4.Dice a small piece of peeled ginger root- aim for 1 tsp of diced ginger
5.Add all 4 ingredients into a smoothie blender and mix well
6.Squeeze the juice of 2 blood oranges, 1 lemon and 3 mandarins
( choose the seedless type, like clementines)
7.Add the juice into the blender and mix again
8.Add 1/4 a tsp of turmeric powder
9.Add a pinch of black pepper
10.Add 1 tsp of thyme honey
11.Mix well to combine all the ingredients
12.Pour into glasses and garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves
13.Drink immediately, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach
Immunity boosting elixir drink
Serving and Storing
And VOILA! Your refreshing and immunity boosting elixir is ready!
Make sure to drink it immediately after preparing , as vitamin C is easily damaged by air, and if not consumed immediately the nutrients begin to degrade.
If you can, it’s best to drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, but any time of the day is good.
Some Things to Consider:
Kiwi fruit allergy
It is not uncommon for kiwi fruit to cause allergies, especially in young children. If after consuming you experience itching, swelling of the tongue, throat or mouth, chances are you’re allergic to kiwi fruit. In rare cases it can also cause anaphylactic shock.
Khaki fruit allergy
Unfortunately, many people may be allergic to kaki fruit. They contain allergens similar to those found in apples, peaches, strawberries and carrots. People who are allergic to kaki fruit may experience: rash, runny nose, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.
Contraindications to the use of turmeric
The choleretic properties of turmeric can harm people struggling with urolithiasis and obstruction of the bile ducts. It may interact with antiplatelet, anticoagulant and thrombolytic drugs, intensifying their effect.
It should not be used by pregnant women, because the active ingredients contained in it can stimulate uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage. The daily recommended consumption of turmeric should not exceed 3 mg/1 kg of body weight.
Remember to exercise caution, and it’s always best to make an allergy test prior to consuming potentially allergic fruits. If you’re aware of an allergy you may have to any of the above mentioned ingredients, simply skip them, and replace with another fruit you usually eat.
For diabetics
All of the ingredients contained in this elixir have a low to medium-low glycemic index. However, people with diabetes may be better off avoiding honey altogether. In addition, you can be tempted to add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, which, according to many studies, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Immunity Boosting Elixir To Drink Every Morning – Blue Zones Longevity
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 2 blood oranges
- 3 mandarins
- 2 kiwis
- 1 beet-cooked and peeled
- 1 tsp ginger root- diced
- 2 persimmon ( khaki/ kaki) fruits
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- a pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme honey
- some fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Peel and dice 2 persimmon ( khaki/ kaki) fruits
- Peel and dice 2 kiwi fruits
- Cut 1 cooked and peeled beet into pieces
- Dice a small piece of peeled ginger root- aim for 1 tsp of diced ginger
- Add all 4 ingredients into a smoothie blender and mix well
- Squeeze the juice of 2 blood oranges, 1 lemon and 3 mandarins ( choose the seedless type, like clementines)
- Add the juice into the blender and mix again
- Add 1/4 a tsp of turmeric powder
- Add a pinch of black pepper
- Add 1 tsp of thyme honey
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients
- Pour into glasses and garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves
- Drink immediately, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach
Nutrition
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