When I’m feeling run down my first plan of attack starts in the kitchen. I start to juice and blend fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that provide me with a concentrated source of nutrients that the body easily absorbs.  I love making my simple immune boosting green smoothie on a daily basis and alter the ingredients depending on what I feel like and what’s in season. Citrus such as orange, lemon, pink grapefruit and lime are a great staring base then you can top it off with leafy green vegetables and any boosters such as ginger, turmeric, manuka honey, pineapple and superfoods.

What I love about making smoothies is that you get wholefood ingredients that are easily digested in one glass.  This includes lots of plant based fibre that helps your body eliminate toxins as well as keeping you full and energized for hours after you drink it. To help boost my intake of immune boosting minerals, I also love to add pumpkin seeds when making the smoothie. Coconut water or the addition of some pineapple is also lovely if you want your smoothie a little on the sweeter side.

What’s great about it:
Citrus is rich is vitamin C that helps boost immune function and helps to deactivate histamine in the body, relieving nasal congestion. Leafy greens such as spinach and parsley are anti-inflammatory to the body and loaded with phyto-nutrients and zinc to nourish your immune system.

IMMUNE BOOSTING GREEN SMOOTHIE

2 Whole Oranges, peeled
1 Whole lime. peeled
1/2 Whole lemon. peeled
1 large handful baby spinach leaves or your choice of greens
small sprig parsley
1  1/2  – 2  cups water depending on your desired consistency ( see notes )

Peel oranges, lime and lemon.
Combine in a high performance blender like a Nutribullet with baby spinach, parsley, Natural Immune Support and water.
Blend for a few seconds until smooth.
Enjoy 
Serves 1

BOOSTERS:
Pineapple – High vitamin C  – Contains Bromelain that aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Manuka Honey – Antibacterial to help fight virus and bacteria.
Ginger – Anti-inflammatory + helps promote gastric motility.
Turmeric – Natural antiviral with potent anti-inflammatory properties. High in curcumin a powerful antioxidant
Fermented Foods – This may include kefir (water, coconut or dairy versions), yoghurt, kombucha or a probiotic supplement.
Pumpkin seed – add 1 teaspoon to your smoothie before blending. High in zinc for optimum immune function.

NOTES:
Some of your water can be replaced with coconut water or kefir if you prefer.