Who couldn’t use an extra boost of immunity in their day?
With two toddlers in preschool, we are always
looking for a way to kick up the immune system, especially with cold season approaching quickly. Parents, let’s face it, it’s hard to get the kids to eat all of the healthy foods necessary to keep their immune systems strong. And we all know it’s basically impossible keep them away from germs, so we wanted to find a way to give them the nutrients they need, in a form they love, that keeps them happy and healthy. (Bonus- this recipe is great for parents and non parents as well. It’s not kid specific, they just happen to love it.) In other words, this smoothie was discovered out of necessity in an attempt to keep everyone in the house cold free.
We love Onnit’s Shroom Tech Immune and take it regularly with great results so we wanted to find a way for our girls to get the same benefits that we were receiving. Shroom Tech is a great immune system booster that can be taken daily or when you find yourself in a situation where a cold may be possible (i.e. in an airport during the holiday season- yuck!). However, taking vitamins in capsule form is out of the question when it comes to young children. My husband had the idea to open the capsules and add it to a smoothie. In addition he added some oranges for more vitamin C and blended with yummy frozen bananas, alas the orange immunity machine was born! Most of you may not have Shroom Tech lying around so we created an alternate way to get the same benefits through turmeric. But I highly recommend checking out Onnit for all of the great stuff they have to offer.
WHY you should give it a try:
Oranges
- Vitamin C protects cells from cancer-causing chemicals. It is also anti-inflammatory which is helpful in curing osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. Not to mention vitamin C is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system.
- In a study done in December 2003 citrus appeared to offer the most significant protection against esophageal, mouth, larynx and pharynx, and stomach cancers.
- The high amount of soluble fiber and protein keeps digestion moving at a steady rate which keeps the colon healthy, keeps you fuller for longer and regulates blood sugar to prevent spikes and crashes and has been proven to lower cholesterol.
Bananas
- The health benefits for bananas is impressive and extensive, here are a few key benefits I found to be worth mentioning.
- The high levels of B6 in bananas help to reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells.
- Since bananas are high in potassium and low in salt, they are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.
- They help overcome depression thanks to the high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter. Also helps to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Turmeric
- Many benefits to this “super herb” including ability to heal wounds, protect cognitive abilities, ease menstrual difficulties, reduce inflammation, eliminate depression, alleviate pain, slow the aging process, protect the digestive tract, and prevent cancer.
- Most well known characteristic is its ability to reduce inflammation which is helpful in reduction of arthritic pain, gout, and muscle pain following exercise or injury.
- Turmeric has been long used as a stomach soother, particularly when it comes to constipation and cramping. This benefit is thanks in large part to it’s anti-inflammatory capabilities.
- The active organic compounds in turmeric work to aid in improving the liver functions and lowering the toxicity levels in the blood.
WHERE to get the goods:
- This is an easy recipe to create because all of the ingredients can be found in many kinds of grocery stores.
- Shroom Tech is available through Onnit.
HOW to enjoy it:
- Due to it’s healing capabilities, this is great recipe to have on hand during cold and flu season.
- The turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits and bananas potassium levels make this a great after workout drink as well.
- Not to mention- kids love it and it keeps the colds at bay.
I hope this recipe keeps your home cold free this upcoming flu season. Leave a comment and let me know how much the little ones in your life enjoyed it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Em
- 6 oz water
- 6 oz nut milk
- 2 oranges, peeled
- 3 dates, pitted
- 1 scoop vanilla protein of choice, optional
- 1 banana, peeled
- 1 tbsp ground flax seed
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups ice
- Blend together all ingredients except ice, until smooth.
- Add ice and blend until frosty.
- Enjoy!
- Option for a superfood boost- add 1 tbsp chia seed with ice and blend.
