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Flu Shots

immunity boosting juices + juice detox

The debate regarding flu shots and vaccinations is a hot one, but no matter what side of the road you are on, daily fresh juices are essential to your health, especially during the colder months.

Here are 6 common and not so common immunity boosting “flu shot” juices for juice detoxing and to help combat the cold and flu this season

flu shot Kiwi

Hi-C

Kiwifruit contains about 3 times more immunity boosting vitamin C than oranges (average 60mg per fruit).

Sleep Aid

New research reports that the high amounts of antioxidants and serotonin in kiwifruit have been shown to significantly benefit sleep length and quality. 

Digestive

Kiwifruit contains actinidin, a protein-dissolving enzyme that helps with digestion while eating the fuzzy skin triples fiber intake and acts a natural laxative that helps to detoxify the intestinal tract.

Muscle Builder

The high content of the electrolyte potassium in kiwifruit helps to maintain healthy muscles (average 215mg per fruit).

Low Glycemic

Kiwifruit has an average GI of 47 which won’t cause a sugar rush and is safe for diabetics.

 

flu shot Kale

Vitamin Champion

Kale contains more absorbed calcium than a container of milk and more Vitamin A than any other leafy green and more vitamin C than an orange.

New Antiox Alert

Researchers have found 45 newly discovered antioxidants in Kale including quercetin, a flavonoid that acts as an antihistamine to reduce symptoms of allergies and other disorders.

Hack Your Kale

An acid in citrus helps make kale’s iron more absorbable while making it less tough. Add it to juice or massage it into salad.

Winter Flavor

Cold weather improves the texture and flavor of growing kale.

K is for Kale

The massive amount of Vitamin K contained in Kale makes it a winner for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin K is also known as blood clotter so avoid large amounts if you are taking any blood- thinning medications. (average 550mg per cup, over 600% of the US RDV)

 

flu shot Pineapple

Better than Cough Syrup 

Pineapple contains high levels of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxer and digestive aiding enzyme. Researchers found that the raw extracts from pineapple had the ability to suppress coughs and decrease mucus five times faster than standard cough syrup. Bromelain can be found mostly in the core of the pineapple, where a good amount can be extracted through juicing. 

Big C

One cup of pineapple contains almost 80mg of Vitamin C, 88% of US RDV.

Mood Booster

Helps to produce serotonin, which is a sleep aid and mood lifter. NOTE: Certain food dyes such as Yellow #5 prevents B-6 from properly being absorbed. Unfortunately it’s found in everything from candy to salad. Learn more about Yellow #5 and its dangers here.

Copper

In addition to helping the immune system, this mineral contains good anti-aging properties. Lou Gherig’s disease is thought to be the result of a copper-related enzyme not functioning correctly.

Iron

This mineral works together with copper to prevent anemia and fatigue.

 

flu shot Sweet Potato

Skin Saver

Clocking in at 102% of the US RDV, Vitamin A is a major player in skin tissue maintenance as well as a wrinkle and acne reducer.

Iron Lion

Iron is essential for healthy immune function.

Good Fat

Eating sweet potatoes with a little fat helps beta carotene and the other fat-soluble nutrients to be absorbed effectively by the body. Add 1 or more tablespoons of coconut, olive or avocado oil to smoothies, salads or juices for a flavorful boost. 

De-Stress

Sweet potatoes are a source of magnesium, which aids in relaxation.

Big B6

Vitamin B6 helps reduce the chemical homocysteine in our bodies. Homocysteine has been linked with degenerative diseases, including the prevention of heart attacks.

 

flu shot Garlic

Booze News

A recent Chinese study found that a compound in garlic (diallyl disulfide) may help to protect against alcohol induced liver injury.

High C

Garlic has been shown to be an anti-inflammatory and have anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities due to its vitamin C content.

Broad-Spectrum Bully

According to studies, the body does not seem to show a resistance to the antibiotic benefits of garlic, making it stronger than pharmacy antibiotics.

Daily Dose

The daily use of garlic may reduce the frequency and number of colds and its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations.

Respiratory Rescue

Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is an excellent expectorant (phlegm loosener/eliminator.)

 

flu shot Quince

The Underdog

Quince is often overlooked for various reasons, mainly due to its sharp taste but it is in season. It has good amounts of Vitamin C, iron, copper and antioxidants.

Flu Fighter

New studies show that Quince has great anti-viral capabilities helping to protect against colds, flus and other viruses.

 

A few of these flu shots are great on their own, others not so much (ahem, quince), but all are better when mixed with other juices. These and all juices are great year round for general maintenance and are imperative to any juice detox regimen.

 Note: All figures are based on the whole raw food, juicing on average doubles these figures