It is currently March 30, 2020, and I am currently at home after being in quarantine for two weeks. Life seems so unreal right now as the entire world is experiencing the Coronavirus Pandemic. Although the only thing we can do is stay at home and let the professionals do their job, this is the best time to work on yourself and strengthen your army of defense. I’m talking about strengthening your immune system. This is a battle that only your inner body can fight, therefore, the best way to prepare is to strengthen your immune system.
Understanding Your Immune System
When I refer to strengthening your immune system, I am referring to living a healthy life and using your body’s maximum potential. Thus, living a healthy life leads to you becoming stronger and not get sick so easily. The immune system cannot function higher than what is designed to, or what is considered normal. In other words, you cannot build a super immune system capable of magical healings. What I mean by strengthing your immune system is making it healthier and having it function properly.
The proper foods are what make our immune system function properly. As opposed to good food, bad foods such as processed foods lower our immune system, making it weak and unable to fight back invading pathogens.
Strengthen Your Immune System with Food
Strengthening your inner army is the only way to be strong enough to kill any invading pathogen including viruses.
The foods we eat determine if we have a strong army or a weak one. Adding just one superfood in your diet can make a big difference. I have come up with what I like to call a “superjuice”. It is so because this juice is filled with immune-boosting nutrients that are going to help you feel energized and also give your cells the power to fight back illnesses.
I try and make this juice every day because it gives me so much energy. What I love is that the energy is lasting, unlike coffee. Sometimes I might miss a day or two and I feel lethargic, then I remember it was because I didn’t take my “superjuice” Here are all the ingredients you will need:
- 1 Kale Leaf
- 1 Celery stick
- Cucumber (1 piece)
- Pineapple (2 frozen pieces)
- Ginger (small piece)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 TBS)
- Spirulina (1/2 TBS)
You simply mix all these ingredients in a blender, add some cold water and you have your juice. I like to blend twice just to make sure it’s very liquidy. My favorite ingredient is Ginger. I am in- love with ginger and try to consume it with lots of meals, here’s why…
Ginger Benefits
Ginger is known for its powerful benefits in fighting inflammation, diabetes, and arthritis. Not just that but, adding ginger to your diet can also help your body ward off germs and viruses. This in return helps you boost your immune system. Ginger also lowers sugar levels and may relieve arthritis pain. Here is a list of Ginger Benefits:
- Stops growth of bacteria and viruses
- Helps with pain+inflammation
- Calms Nausea (gets rid of built-up gas in intestines)
- Lowers sugar levels (helps the body use insulin better)
- Protects against diseases (loaded with antioxidants) May help your body fight off chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs.
- Supports Digestion
Kale Benefits
- High in protein. (has all 9 essential and non-essential amino acids)
- More omega-3 than omega-6. (anti-inflammatory)
- Vitamin A (essential for eyes, skin, immune system)
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Pre-Biotic (fiber feeds good bacteria)
- Detoxifies
Celery Benefits
- Lowers blood pressure
- Decreases muscle spasms
- Edema (reduces swelling)
Apple Cider Vinegar
I know most people including myself hate apple cider vinegar but trust me when I tell you that you don’t feel the taste here. I kind of like that it gives it a “sparkly” flavor like soda. It makes it sort of sour. If you prefer to consume apple cider vinegar another way, feel free to do so. I recommend purchasing Bragg’s organic apple cider vinegar with the mother. Here are some benefits of ACV:
- Balances the digestive system (reduce gas and combats constipation)
- Can help kill harmful bacteria
- Helps lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes
- May aid weight loss
- Boosts skin health
Spirulina Powder
Spirulina is known as one of the top superfoods. It is a type of blue/green algae and cyanobacteria. So, in a way, it is a pro-biotic that is loaded with chlorophyll, which helps alkalize your body. Here are the known benefits:
- Great for digestive system health
- Increases good bacteria of the gut
- Vitamin B, K, Zinc, and Magnesium
- Great source of protein
- Detoxifies the body from heavy metals
- Boosts energy levels
There you have it! My secret superjuice recipe is out. Try and get these ingredients on your next supermarket trip. I like to get these at Sprouts. (not sponsored) If you prefer a more fruity drink, try my Kale Fruit Smoothie. Stay healthy friends! We will get through this together!
Much Love, Xio 💚
//www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-ginger
//www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-kale#section1
//www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/health-benefits-of-celery
//www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
