Immune Boosting Lemonade
Through trial and error, I came up with a recipe for a tasty concoction that I believe supports your immune system and helps prevent or battle a cold, sinus infection, etc. I start drinking this 1-2x per day when I feel a cold coming on and it usually stops it in tracks.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (choose brand with “the mother” brew)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 lemon juiced
- Stevia to sweeten to your liking
- Water
PREPARATION:
- Add enough lukewarm water to glass or cup to cover honey and stevia. (You don’t want the water too hot because it can destroy beneficial enzymes in your honey.)
- Stir until dissolved.
- Once dissolved, add some ice and water until the glass is 3/4 full.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
*You can modify the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste.
WHY THIS WORKS:
Apple cider vinegar: It is believed that ACV is effective because of its anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. It also helps the body maintain a balanced pH level which keeps it in an alkaline state. Some research suggests that it is more difficult for a virus to develop or grow in a body that is alkaline vs. acidic. I use Bragg – Apple Cider Vinegar.
Cinnamon: Essential oils qualify it as an anti-microbial food and it has been studied for its ability to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Honey: Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. There are a variety of raw honeys available. Try to find one local to your area.
Lemon: Vitamin C. Vitamin C. Vitamin C. Need I say more? My favorite variety is Meyers lemons because they are sweeter and less acidic tasting than others
Stevia: Sugar = bad! There is evidence that sugar suppresses your immune system. I use a sugar alternative called stevia. Stevia is an herb that is much sweeter than sugar. Evidence is showing that stevia does not have the same insulin-boosting effects of sugar. My favorite stevia to use comes in liquid form – SweetLeaf Pure Stevia Liquid Extract.
Immune Boosting Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar choose brand with “the mother” brew
- 1/2 tsp Cinnomen
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 Lemon juiced
- Stevia to your liking
- Water
Instructions
- Add enough lukewarm water to glass or cup to cover honey and stevia.(You don’t want the water too hot because it can destroy beneficial enzymes in your honey.)
- Stir until dissolved.
- Once dissolved, add some ice and water until the glass is 3/4 full.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
- *You can modify the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste.