Homemade flu fighters
Winter has officially arrived. And as much as you’re loving the pleasant nip in the year, you need to brace yourself for the flu season. You don’t want your winter fun to be ruined by runny nose...
Winter has officially arrived. And as much as you’re loving the pleasant nip in the year, you need to brace yourself for the flu season. You don’t want your winter fun to be ruined by runny nose, sore throat and persisting headache. Instead of relying on trusted lemon-honey mix, or popping antibiotics that leave you dull and sullen, try out these easy-to-make concoctions that’ll keep you healthy and smiling this winter.
Orange and coconut flu-busting drink
Ingredients
1 cup fresh orange juice, 2 cups fresh coconut milk, 2 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp honey (optional), juice of one lemon
Method
In a jug, mix orange juice with coconut milk. Add ginger and lemon juice. If you want it sweet, add honey. Cool for 15 minutes and serve immediately.
Why it works
Vitamin C has tremendous immunity building benefits. Since this drink is loaded with orange juice which is a powerhouse of vitamin C, it strengthens your system. Coconuts are rich in lauric acid, known for its antibacterial properties.
Detoxifying green smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 cup green cucumber, 1/4 cup spinach leaves (washed and chopped), 5ml lemon juice, salt to taste
Method
In a blender, blitz cucumber, spinach and lemon juice into a fine puree. Add water to adjust consistency. Run mixture through a sieve and discard molasses. Season with salt and serve. Do not serve this juice too cold, simply add some ice cubes and remove them in 1-2 minutes.
Why it works
One of the best ways to keep illness away during this time of the year is to keep detoxifying your body. Green smoothies work best in order to clear toxin accumulations from the body. Spinach leaves are loaded with iron and fibre that keep energy levels at par, while cucumber will keep your body hydrated.
Quick flu stew
Ingredients
2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock, 1 onion (chopped), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), 2 potatoes (boiled and chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 1 cube of squash (boil and chopped), salt, pepper
Method
In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions until pink. Add garlic and other vegetables and continue stirring. Season with salt and pepper and add chicken or vegetable stock. Simmer soup for a few minutes. Add water or stock to adjust consistency.
Why it works
Sometimes, flu kills hunger. This soup warms the system, stirring appetite and keeping you full for longer. Adding pasta to this soup will turn it into a meal.
Cleansing chia seed and lemon water
Ingredients
1 tbsp chia seeds, few cups of water, jaggery syrup as per taste, juice of one lemon
Method
Soak chia seeds overnight and drain out the water next morning. Add fresh water, lemon juice, jaggery syrup and stir well. Sip through the day.
Why it works
Nothing cleanses your body
better than water. Add a few spoons of chia seeds that have been recognised for their protein content and high antioxidant nature. A few drops of jaggery syrup, which is a natural sweetener, and lemon juice can help add flavour to this drink.
Immunity-building cereal smoothie
Ingredients
1 large banana, 1/2 cup unflavoured cereal, 100 gm yogurt, 30 ml wild honey, 100 ml milk
Method
Chop bananas into big chunks and place them in a mixer. Add yogurt, wild honey and milk to this and blend well. Coarsely grind the cereal and add to the smoothie. Stir well and serve immediately.
Why it works
This smoothie is loaded with bananas which give you energy and provide ample calcium. The fruit is especially beneficial for those who skip breakfast, since it is wholesome. One glass will keep you going until lunch time.
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