Grab yourself a mini pumpkin from your local store or market and give this Seasonal Smoothie a go.
Ingredients
– 1 Cup of Pureed Pumpkin
– 1 Banana (frozen)
– 1/2 tsp Turmeric
– 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
– 1 1/2 tsp Ginger
– 1 tbsp Ground Flax Seed
– 3/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
– 2 Orange (peeled and sectioned)
Method
- Pop everything in a blender and blend until creamy!
A Closer Look At The Magic
- Pumpkin contains beta-carotene which your body turns into Vitamin A which boosts the activity of immune cells. Vitamin A is crucial for strengthening the gut lining which acts as a barrier against pathogens. Pumpkins also contain water-soluble vitamins C and E which are also important to strengthen the immune system.
- Bananas are a good source of zinc which is important for enhancing the activity of immune cells. As a prebiotic, they also support gut health, which supports the immune system as 70% of the immune system actually resides in the gut.
- We love Turmeric because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. If you can add it to a meal every day somehow I would recommend it! Research also suggests that at low doses it can enhance antibody responses providing beneficial effects in arthritis, allergy, asthma, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Cinnamon is an antioxidant powerhouse. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent damage to cells and tissues and reduce inflammation. Some research showed that cinnamon could significantly increase antioxidant levels in the blood.
- Ginger also packs a punch with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Its functional ingredients like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols are valuable ingredients which have been shown to prevent various cancers.
- Adding seeds to meals is an easy way to boost the healthfulness of your day! Flax seed in this smoothie will (1) add the protein needed to keep you fuller for longer, (2) add fibre to help stabilise blood sugar and support digestion and (3) add immune-supporting omega-3 fatty acids.
- Would it be an immune-boosting smoothie without vitamin C? With oranges, we get that vital source of vitamin C which improves the function of immune cells and can decrease the duration of infection – a must during cold and flu season.
- Lastly, let’s have a little look at what the almond adds. Almonds are a high source of vitamin E which can protect your cells from oxidative damage. They are also loaded with antioxidants and good fats!
Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162863/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33066854/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2277319/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17211725/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257651/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10796569/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2072864/