Our immune system is one of the main reasons we get to go through our daily lives, especially during an unprecedented health crisis or exposure to environmental pathogens. The antibodies our body produces combats infections and helps fight off unwanted diseases. Apart from vitamins and supplements that aid in strengthening our immunity, it also depends on the food we eat. Here are some immune-boosting recipes that take credit for helping you continue your healthy lifestyle.
Tomato and Zucchini Salad
Tomatoes contain lycopene that acts as an antioxidant, ridding the body of impurities and toxins. It also has a high degree of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene that aids in bodily functions. Here is a recipe that is jam-packed with vitamins and tart goodness!
Ingredients:
7 wedged tomatoes
3 sliced zucchini
2 sliced yellow peppers
1/3 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of minced tarragon, basil, and parsley
Salt
Instructions:
1. Combine the veggies in one big bowl.
2. Mix the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and herbs in a separate bowl.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the veggies, and voila, your salad is ready to eat.
Berry Smoothie
Berries are known for being extra yummy and contain a high degree of properties, from anticoagulants to antioxidants. They contain vitamins C, B9, and a decent amount of minerals. This fruity recipe is suitable for a hot summer day!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup of hulled strawberries
3/4 cup of blueberries
1/3 cup of nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup of crushed ice
Instructions:
1. Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve in a glass.
Ginger – garlic tea
Ginger is best known for helping fight off inflammation and tender throats. Experts also gave it credit for having properties that help lower cholesterol. Relatively, garlic is also known for battling hypertension and other serious illnesses. Together they make a great combo for starting the day ready to ward off diseases. Here’s how you make this drink.
Ingredients:
A small chunk of unpeeled ginger
One teaspoon of crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Honey
Instructions:
1. Boil a pot of water.
2. Add the ingredients and let them sit.
3. Strain the mixture and add honey to taste
Ginger Butter Baked Salmon
Salmon contains a high degree of omega-3-fatty-acids, which help improve your body’s collagen and immune response. Here is one main course that you can cook for your friends and family, so you guys can enjoy and stay healthy at the same time! It’s flaky, juicy, and super easy to make!
Ingredients:
Six tablespoons of unsalted butter
Four cloves of minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Brown sugar
Salt
Pepper
One lemon
Parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a sheet pan with cooking spray
3. Mix melted butter with sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Pour over salmon
5. Squeeze half a lemon over the fish
6. Add salt and pepper to taste
7. Bake for 15 minutes until fish becomes flaky.
8. Remove from oven and serve with parsley and half a slice of lemon.
Honey Lime Fruit Bowl
Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants that aid in your immunity and take credit for making your skin glow and hair shine. This bowl is complete with vitamins and other fruits like mango and strawberries. Make your own bowl and see what the fuss is about!
Ingredients:
1 pound of hulled strawberries
Three kiwis
Two mangoes
10 ounces of blueberries
1 cup of green grapes
1/2 of a pineapple
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Three tablespoons of honey
Instructions:
1. Peel and dice the fruits according to your own liking and place them in one big bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the lemon and pineapple juices along with the honey.
3. Pour syrup on the fruits.
4. Serve.
Photo Sources:
Cover – Pixabay / JerzyGorecki
Photo #1 – Pixabay / Samueles
Photo #2 – Pixabay / blandinejoannic
Photo #3 – Instagram / miaspace_xoxo,
Photo #4 – Instagram / jazzyjameson_
Photo #5 – Pixabay / silviarita