Smoothies For
Immune Building

Build your immune system.  Don't catch
that cold when everyone around you has it.

Think of your immune system as an army of millions of microscopic soldiers that operates within your body.  How well (or how badly) you feed your army will determine how they protect you from viruses and bacteria. Drinking smoothies regularly gives you the opportunity to add the extra immunizers that you may otherwise not eat.  They make an especially appealing alternative when you are unwell and have no appetite to take solid food.

Read about other healthy ingredients that you can add into your smoothies.

Cut down on your intake of (table) sugar and alcohol.  Excessive consumption of these substances significantly suppresses the multiplication of white blood cells, and greatly reduces their ability to fight viruses and bacteria in your body.  The immune suppressing effect starts almost immediately and can last for up to five hours.  During this time, your body protection is halved and risk of an infection increases.

Eat generous amounts of garlic and onions for their sulfur compounds that help stimulate the immune system.  Step up on your vitamin C and E, carotenoids, bioflavonoid, selenium, copper, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.

Try these immune-building smoothie recipes when you're exposed to a contagious illness, or when you feel a cold coming on.  They're awesome in taste and in protection.

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Citrus Rush

Vitamin C is in abundance in the citrus family.  Only 500 mg is needed to help prevent respiratory infections.  If you already have a cold, halve the suffering time by taking this immune-boosting smoothie.  Also a great drink to rid that sore throat.
 

Orange

Grapefruit

Lemon/Lime

Ginger

1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 pink grapefruit, peeled and seeded
1/2 lemon or 2 limes, peeled and seeded
1 or 2 inches fresh young ginger, skin scraped off
1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, vanilla flavor
2 teaspoon raw honey

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Kick The Blues

Blueberries are rich with antiviral and antibiotic compounds that you so need during this time.  Together with the rich beta carotene from the mango, your immune system is well protected from the free radicals attack.
 

Blueberries

Banana

Mango

1 cup of fresh/frozen blueberries
1/2 banana that is just almost ripe (less calories)
1/2 cup mango slices
1/2 cup milk of choice
1 tablespoon of any kind of ground nuts (optional)
1 teaspoon chlorella/spirulina powder

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Orange Power

This smoothie recipe is rich with beta carotene and bioflavonoid that are great immune boosters, topped with anti-inflammatory enzyme papain.  Definitely easy on an irritated stomach.
 

Carrot

Papaya

Orange

1/2 cup fresh carrot juice
1 cup ripe papaya, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup oranges, peeled and seeded
1 tbsp brewer's yeast or chlorella/spirulina powder

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Strawberry-Pumpkin Shake

This is a very delicious and thick smoothie which can be rather filling.  Add some ginger (optional) for its sweet and spicy taste.  Cut up a small slice of pumpkin into cubes and then steam it for 15 minutes, and leave to cool for this recipe.  Blend all ingredients together.

1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup frozen/fresh strawberries
1/2 cup steamed pumpkin
1 or 2 inches fresh young ginger, skin scraped off
1 teaspoon of chlorella/spirulina (optional)

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The Melon Sisters

The Melon Sisters is a refreshing smoothie recipe that not only boost your immune system, but is an awesome drink on a hot summer day.  Use only frozen yogurt for this recipe so that your smoothie turns out nicely thick and creamy.
 

Watermelon

Honey Melon

1 cup of fresh/frozen watermelon, seeded and cubed
1/2 cup of honey melon, seeded and cubed
1/2 cup frozen non-fat yogurt with flavor of choice
500 mg vitamin C powder

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