Smoothies can help you reach your five-a-day in no time. And while there aren’t many rules as to what you should put in your blender, there are recipes you can follow that are designed to contribute to normal function of your immune function. We’ve listed a few of these below. But first, why are smoothies so effective?
Why you should drink more smoothies
Smoothies can help you explore new fruits and exotic tastes. Fruit aside, they’re also an easy way to get raw veggies like broccoli, which can lose key nutrients during cooking, into your diet. Try these six smoothies for an antioxidant-full elixir. A quick tip, you can boost most smoothies with our amazing superfood powders, including protein-rich spirulina and fibre-loaded maca.
Six smoothie recipes for immunity support
1. Banana, clementine & mango smoothie
Vitamin C supports cellular functions within the immune system1, helping to prevent infection. You’ll find vitamin C in high supply in this bright orange smoothie, which blends clementine juice with mangoes for a vibrant summery drink that can be enjoyed any time of year. If you can’t find clementines, just use satsumas or oranges instead.
2. Triple berry kiwi smoothie
Not only does one kiwi have over 100% of your recommended intake of vitamin C2, its juicy flesh is also packed with vitamin A and E to help strengthen your body’s defences3. This rich red smoothie is loaded with antioxidants, thanks to a trio of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
3. Smoothie with blueberries and oats
A perfect breakfast alternative, this flavourful oat smoothie goes further than fruits and leafy greens with turmeric and flax seeds. Turmeric can help your body fight inflammation4 and when you add spinach and blueberries to the mix, you have a smoothie filled with superfoods! For a creamier consistency, add a dollop of fat-free Greek yoghurt.
4. Wellness smoothie
We’re long-time advocates of manuka honey, which has been used in medicine for centuries for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities5 .And it’s this extra ingredient – along with vitamin-rich bananas, pineapple, turmeric root and a few other flavours – that gives this bright green smoothie a real edge.
5. Mango ginger smoothie
Here’s another vibrant recipe that’s filled with tasty mango (frozen is fine) and leafy greens. Don’t worry if you’re not a big spinach fan; you can hardly taste it behind the ginger and celery. This recipe is high in vitamins C and K, which can help to ease inflammation6.
6. Antioxidant beet and berry smoothie
Beetroot is high in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C7. It’s also been named one of the 10 most potent antioxidant vegetables8. That’s particularly important because antioxidants have been shown to improve immune responses9. Your body will thank you for this delicious smoothie recipe, made up of strawberries, apple juice and sliced banana. Haven’t got strawberries? Try adding blueberries or raspberries instead.
Have fun trying out these recipes and remember to check out our powdered superfoods range to take your smoothie game to the next level.
Last updated: 29 April 2020
Sources
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29099763
2 https://theprettybee.com/triple-berry-kiwi-smoothie
3 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271232
4 https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=2d07f077-1a67-4ba4-91bd-5589d76382e5
5 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manuka-honey-uses-benefits
6 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mango#digestion
7 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-beetroot
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28620796
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8227682
