Your immune system is constantly active, figuring out which cells are good and belong in your body, and which don’t. A strong immune system fights foreign disease and reduces the risk of infection. Rome was not built in a day, and a little booster juice can help speed the process of building immunity.
This is the belief of Plattenberg Bay, juice extraordinaire Zukiswa Gqirana (34). A good old juice has been her fighter since she was a waitress and tried to increase her energy levels while on the job. She discovered the wonders of immune boosting juices after noticing benefits including skin, improved gut health and mental health.
“Drinking cold pressed juices will heal your body, improve your digestion, give you more energy, improve your mood and help you stay healthy,” says Gqirana.
Gqirana’s love for juicing has even inspired a business she proudly calls Zuki’s Cold Pressed Juices.
A way of life
Cold pressed juices not only aid weight loss, but they can also help protect your body from sicknesses such as flu, while improving your overall health due to the essential vitamins and nutrients they provide the body.
Linda Radebe (28) from Attridgeville, Pretoria says he juices as it is an effective way to ensure that he meets his nutritional needs.
“I really wanted to get into juicing because it seems like a healthier way for me to get sufficient nutrients and vitamins into my body without having to depend on medications should my immune system be compromised.”
Health For Mzansi reader Linda Radebe
Durban-based registered dietitian, holistic health and wellness coach Danielle Oldfield says when done correctly, juicing can be helpful and useful in boosting the immune system especially in the colder months.
This is because when you add ingredients such as ginger, for example, it may boost immune health due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
“Try to aim for recipes that use more vegetables and less fruit to keep the sugar content down.”
Oldfield adds that upping your intake of antioxidant-rich foods and vegetables such as ginger or consuming pressed juiced that use ginger as a main ingredient, may combat inflammation and keep your immune system health.
Looking for your winter juice fix?
If you want to stay on top of your health game this winter, Gqirana shares recipes for fresh juices to boost healthy living in winter.
Pineapple and ginger juice
INGREDIENTS
Pineapple
Ginger root
Orange
2 carrots
METHOD:
- Juice ingredients and enjoy this vitamin C loaded delight that will have you feeling and looking your best in the winter.
Orange and pineapple juice
INGREDIENTS
1 orange
1 lemon
½ pineapple
Inch ginger root
Inch turmeric root
Black pepper
METHOD:
- Juice and enjoy this immune boosting shot!
Six foods for non-juicers
If you are not a fan of cold pressed juices or health shots then feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong, says Oldfield.
If you’re looking for natural ways to prevent colds, the flu and other infections that come with the cold season, these foods should be at the top of your grocery list. These are six foods for non-juicers to munch on.
Citrus fruits: Nearly all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C.
Red bell peppers: Red peppers contain almost three times as much vitamin C.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse, supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C and E.
Garlic: Garlic’s immune-boosting properties are found in a heavy concentration of sulphur-containing compounds such as allicin.
Ginger: Not only does ginger help decrease inflammation, but it can also help reduce a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses.
Spinach: Spinach is rich in vitamin C, and it is also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which plays a huge role in increasing the infection fighting ability of the immune system.
So whatever you do this winter, don’t forget about your health.
