Immune Boosting citrus elixir

With the flu making its rounds and it seems to have hit or been hitting several people I know, I have been making sure to “up my game”. Along with taking higher doses of Vitamin D, getting sun on morning walks when it decides to come out. Trying to get a solid 8 hours of sleep and avoid anything that not only lowers immunity but speeds aging. As I do believe that prevention is the key to keeping the body and immune system strong with healthy habits and nourishing the only body that we are given.

I pour 16-18 oz of spring water in a blender, Vitamix is my favorite, and add all ingredients to blend well and will drink 4-6oz on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

Starting spring water, whole organic lemon, organic lime, Braggs apple cider vinegar, organic cayenne pepper, Organic Ceylon cinnamon, ginger and camu camu—a powerful mixture that offers a variety of health benefits, thanks to the nutrient-dense properties of each ingredient. Below I break down the health benefits and nutrient content of the individual ingredients, followed by a combined view of the whole blend.

1 whole organic lemon

1 whole organic lime

*if your not using organic than peel them, yet the peel has a lot of added health properties

1” piece of ginger peeled

Dash of cinnamon (1/2 tsp)

Dash of cayenne pepper less than 1/2 tsp

2 TBSP Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

If you really want to up your game

Camu camu powder

1 Organic Lemon, with skin

•Nutrient Content:

•Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps boost immunity, protect skin, and combat oxidative stress.

•Flavonoids: Antioxidants that fight inflammation and free radicals.

•Fiber (Pectin): Supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.

•Health Benefits:

•Immune Support: High in vitamin C, helping strengthen the immune system.

•Digestive Health: Stimulates bile production, supporting the digestion of fats and relieving constipation.

•Detoxification: Lemon helps flush toxins out of the body, supporting liver health.

•Skin Health: Vitamin C promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and appearance.

1 Organic Lime-with skin on

•Nutrient Content:

•Vitamin C: Similar to lemon, lime is a great source of this essential nutrient.

•Flavonoids: Offers potent antioxidants for inflammation reduction.

•Fiber: Contains soluble fiber that supports gut health.

•Health Benefits:

•Immune Boost: High vitamin C content, supporting the immune system.

•Digestive Aid: Lime helps promote digestion and balances stomach acid levels.

•Hydration: The combination of lime’s electrolytes and water helps maintain hydration levels.

•Skin Health: Antioxidants in lime help protect skin and may reduce signs of aging.

3 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar, I used Braggs

•Nutrient Content:

•Acetic Acid: The active compound in ACV, linked to many health benefits.

•Potassium: Supports fluid balance and nerve function.

•Probiotics: Raw, unfiltered ACV contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health.

•Health Benefits:

•Blood Sugar Regulation: May help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

•Digestive Health: Supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and can aid in digestion.

•Weight Management: Can reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, aiding in weight loss.

•Heart Health: May help lower cholesterol and blood pressure over time.

1/2 tsp of Cayenne Pepper

•Nutrient Content:

•Capsaicin: The active compound that gives cayenne its heat.

•Vitamins A, C, and E: Contains antioxidants that support eye, immune, and skin health.

•Minerals: Includes small amounts of potassium and magnesium.

•Health Benefits:

•Metabolism Boost: Capsaicin can help increase thermogenesis, promoting fat burning and boosting metabolism.

•Pain Relief: Has anti-inflammatory effects and can help relieve pain associated with conditions like arthritis.

•Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow, which may help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

•Digestive Aid: Stimulates digestion and may help alleviate indigestion.

1/2 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon

•Nutrient Content:

•Cinnamaldehyde: The active compound in cinnamon, with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

•Vitamins and Minerals: Contains manganese, calcium, and iron.

•Antioxidants: Polyphenols that protect the body from oxidative stress.

•Health Benefits:

•Blood Sugar Control: Helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.

•Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body, which can help with conditions like arthritis.

•Digestive Health: Cinnamon can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce bloating.

•Heart Health: Helps improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

1 TBSP Camu Camu Powder

•Nutrient Content:

•Vitamin C: Camu camu is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, containing 30 to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange.

•Antioxidants: Rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

•Amino Acids: Provides essential amino acids that support tissue repair and immune function.

•Health Benefits:

•Immune Boosting: High in vitamin C, camu camu strengthens the immune system.

•Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body and protects against chronic diseases.

•Skin Health: Vitamin C promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and appearance.

•Cognitive Function: Antioxidants in camu camu may improve brain health and support mood.

•1” piece of organic ginger root

• Ginger root is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, thanks to compounds like gingerol, which help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Ginger also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, helping the body fight off infections, including those that affect the respiratory

Combined Health Benefits of the Entire Blend (10 oz)

1.Immune System Support: The high vitamin C content from lemon, lime, and camu camu helps boost the immune system, potentially reducing the severity of colds and infections.

2.Digestive Health: Apple cider vinegar and the citrus fruits aid in digestion, reducing bloating, improving gut health, and promoting regular bowel movements. Cayenne pepper also stimulates digestive enzymes.

3.Detoxification & Hydration: This blend helps detoxify the body, especially through the liver-supportive effects of lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar, while also hydrating the body thanks to spring water.

4.Weight Management: Cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss by promoting fat burning, increasing metabolism, and reducing appetite.

5.Anti-Inflammatory: The combined anti-inflammatory properties of cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and camu camu may reduce systemic inflammation and help alleviate conditions like arthritis or general body pain.

6.Skin Health: Vitamin C-rich ingredients like lemon, lime, and camu camu support collagen production and healthy, youthful skin by reducing oxidative damage and promoting elasticity.

7.Heart Health: The combination of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar may help lower cholesterol, improve circulation, and reduce blood pressure, supporting overall cardiovascular health.

8.Blood Sugar Control: Apple cider vinegar and cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making this blend useful for managing type 2 diabetes or blood sugar spikes.

Conclusion

This nutrient-packed blend combines hydrating spring water with a powerful mix of immune-boosting, digestive-aiding, anti-inflammatory, and metabolism-boosting ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for promoting overall health, detoxification, weight management, and skin care. However, it’s essential to note that the acidity of lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar may irritate sensitive stomachs, so if you have conditions like acid reflux, be cautious or consult a healthcare professional before regular consumption.