Why This Recipe Is So Good!
It’s packed full of good-for-you ingredients that have been shown to provide a variety of health benefits. Am I claiming it’s a miracle cure for whatever ails you? Of course not! But there is some research and logic behind this combo of spices and liquids. Ever had fire cider? Well, this immunity shot is like that… only it’s way easier to drink. No onions, no horseradish, and you don’t have to soak the ingredients in ACV for days or weeks ahead of time. Honestly, this one is really pretty tasty! Other than the orange and the lemon, you can keep all the ingredients for an immune booster shot on hand in your pantry or fridge, meaning you’re well prepared whenever you start to sniffle or feel that tingle in the back of your throat. Even if you don’t have the ingredients handy, though, you shouldn’t have to go out of your way to track anything down. Everything is most likely available at your local grocery store!
What’s In an Immune System Booster?
Don’t let the ingredients scare you away. I promise, this elixir is ridiculously delicious! Naturally sweet with a little zing for an at-home remedy that you’ll actually look forward to drinking.
Honey. Rich in antioxidants and often used to soothe sore throats. It adds a natural sweetness to the drink. Lemon Juice. Very high in vitamin C and can help to support heart and digestive health. Orange Juice. Naturally high in vitamin C, folate, and potassium, as well as being a great source of antioxidants. Garlic. Known to boost the function of the immune system, and in studies it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of a common cold. Ginger. Has a very long history of use in traditional and alternative medicine. Is commonly used to help digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the common cold and other illnesses. It also gives the immune booster shot a little zing. Cayenne. Contains capsaicin which is known to have a number of health benefits. It’s said to help boost metabolism and lower blood pressure. Turmeric. A great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Black Pepper. Just a pinch, used to activate the curcumin in the turmeric. Apple Cider Vinegar. Can kill harmful bacteria, keep your digestive system on track, and support your immune system. It’s important that you use an organic, raw, unfiltered ACV that contains “the mother”, which is made up of strains of proteins, enzymes, and good bacteria (a.k.a. probiotics!).
Chef’s Tips
Make sure all of your ingredients are fresh, especially the spices! Avoid bottled orange juices, since they’re highly processed and full of added ingredients. Use raw ACV rather than filtered, and fresh garlic and ginger rather than jarred, dried, or paste. Let the garlic rest a little. Cutting garlic cloves releases enzymes that form antioxidants and healthy compounds like allicin. Just cutting it isn’t enough, though – those enzymes need to react to oxygen in order to form those compounds, and the longer you can let the cut garlic sit and oxidize, the stronger those compounds will be. That’s true whether you’re making an immune system booster or just cooking dinner as usual, so let your garlic rest for extra benefits each and every time you use it!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Technically, yes! The ingredients are most potent when they’re fresh, so it’s best to consume the mixture immediately for maximum immune boosting benefits. That being said, you can make it ahead of time if you need to. Simply prepare the mixture exactly as written, then refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to drink it. Consume the refrigerated immunity shot within 2 days of preparing it!
Does This Immunity Shot Really Work?
Look, I’m not a doctor, and I don’t pretend to play one on the internet. I won’t make you any promises that this immune booster shot will rid you of a fever or eliminate your sinus issues or anything like that.What I can tell you, though, is this: whenever I start to feel like I’m coming down with that infamous crud, I down one of these bad boys and get a little rest. Sure enough, every time I’ve done it, I’ve never gotten fully sick. When I haven’t done it? UGH. So, I’ll let you decide for yourself if it “works” for you or not. For me, I figure there’s no harm in consuming any of the ingredients (for me personally at least), so why not take all the precautions I can?Please note that we are not medical professionals, and the information contained on this blog should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before acting on any information presented here.
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