Cold and flu season is upon us, and while you can load up on handfuls of pills and supplements, sipping on a nutrient-rich Smoothie is a much tastier way to boost your immune system. Whether you start your morning with a green smoothie or snack on a tropical treat later in the day, smoothies can be a perfect addition to your diet during the fall and winter months.
Of course, choosing the right ingredients is key to supporting overall health. Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and certain kinds of milk will provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, and other dietary factors it needs to stay in fighting shape. Try these delicious, immunity-supporting recipes, and remember to wash your hands, get quality sleep, and practice other healthy lifestyle habits to keep colds and flu at bay.
1. Blueberry Maple Smoothie
The standout of this smoothie is the blended blueberries — and not just because they deliver that Insta-worthy hue Blueberries naturally contain vitamin C and offer antibacterial properties, which are the perfect duo to boost your immune system. Eating them has also been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Get the recipe: Blueberry Maple Smoothie.
2. Banana Berry Peanut Butter Smoothie
Move over, spinach! There’s a new green in town. Broccoli is a surprising addition to this yummy smoothie, and it comes with a substantial helping of vitamin C and fiber. In fact, a cup of broccoli contains almost 80 mg of vitamin C — more than a medium orange!
Get the recipe: Banana Berry Peanut Butter Smoothie
3. Pumpkin Smoothie
Immune support may not come to mind when you think about pumpkin, but it should! This tasty gourd is loaded with immune-supporting vitamin A — and a smoothie is a perfect way to use that leftover pumpkin puree.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Smoothie
4. Fig Honey Yogurt Smoothie
Loading up on yogurt can support your gut health, which is especially important during cold and flu season, considering that’s where 70 percent of your immune system is located. And if you happen to get a cold, the honey in this recipe can also help soothe your symptoms.
Get the recipe: Fig Honey Yogurt Smoothie
5. Carrot Cake Smoothie
It may look and taste like dessert, but this smoothie is more like a vitamin in liquid form. The carrot delivers vitamin A, the cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory benefits, and the honey (emphasis on pure honey) contains natural antioxidants.
Get the recipe: Carrot Cake Smoothie
6. Superfood Tropical Smoothie
This immune-boosting smoothie is packed with spinach and nutrient-rich foods like pineapple and mango — and if that weren’t enough to win you over, it tastes like a tropical vacation!
Get the recipe: Superfood Tropical Smoothie
7. Blueberry Melon Protein Smoothie
A protein deficiency may impair immune function, which makes this smoothie’s 19 grams per serving pack quite a nutritional punch. Adding frozen blueberries — which are often frozen shortly after they’re harvested to retain nutrients like vitamin C — is just a bonus.
Get the recipe: Blueberry Melon Protein Smoothie
8. Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This simple recipe includes one cup of strawberries, giving your body more than half the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C. To make it even more nutrient-rich, add a handful of washed spinach. (Just don’t expect the end result to be as pretty!)
Get the recipe: Strawberry Banana Smoothie
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