At this time of year, there are plenty of cold and flu bugs doing the rounds. There is the common misconception that wrapping up warm will do the trick to keep those germs at bay, and although keeping nice and cosy makes us feel better it’s actually a virus that attacks our immune system that mainly makes us feel ill and not the temperature of our bodies.
I’m on a winter wellness kick at the moment after taking part in the Pukka challenge, giving my immune system a natural boost has been my main focus to help keep my health in tip top condition. Many of us have lots of fresh foods and spices sitting in our fridges and store cupboards that can help fight off a nasty cold. This smoothie recipe is full of powerful immune-enhancing properties from some special key ingredients and contains some of the season’s best produce.
The persimmons add a lovely (yes I’m going to say it!) festive twist to the smoothie making it fitting for this time of year and are rich in vitamin C, well known for safeguarding the immune system against common diseases. Turmeric has many brilliant anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-viral properties, therefore it’s a fantastic natural ingredient to combat colds due to it’s theraputic nature.
- 1 banana
- 1 persimmon
- 2 handfuls of kale
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of your choice
- Thumb sized portion of ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts
- Unsweetened almond milk (roughly 2 cups)
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Prepare and roughly chop the ingredients.
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Place everything in a blender and blitz until completely smooth.
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Pour into a glass and sip up all that goodness!
Personally, when I have a cold I tend to eat a lot of spicy food. The chill heat and spicy ginger kick in this smoothie not only taste great, but they both act as great decongestants. Also, like turmeric, ginger is a great anti-viral and helps to fight against illnesses and stimulates perspiration to bring down a raised temperature.
If persimmons aren’t your cup of tea then you can easily swap this out for another wonderful seasonal fruit like apples or pears, have fun and experiment! I used kale because it’s in season and full of great minerals and vitamins, similarly if you’re not a kale fan then spinach works just as well.
What are your favourite natural remedies to help defend your body against cold and flu? How are you giving your immune system a boost this winter?
*sponsored by Nature Supplies, but all content and opinions are my own
I’ve never tried persimmon before! This looks like the perfect winter smoothie and I love the idea of ginger and cashew xx
Oh you really should give them a try!
I bought some turmeric the other day, simply based on the knowledge that it’s a brilliant all round spice and superfood. However, I’ve now got no idea wha to do with it. This however sounds totally delicious, so perhaps I’ll have to give it a try this way….! I love trying to use natural remedies to boost my immune system. I end up adding garlic to everything in the hope that I can ward the sniffles off!
She’s So Lucy
You can use it in all sorts of things. The easiest way is in a curry or my smoothie! 😉
I have never tried a persimmon before, but it is on my list to try. This looks like a nice smoothie to give you a boost in winter.
I can’t believe that you’ve never tried a persimmon, they’re so good!
What a FUN recipe! Our persimmon tree is on its way to give us well over 100 persimmons this year. So you know I am looking for creative ways to use them! 🙂
Wow! You have a tree…can I move in! Ha! 🙂
This is just what I needed as I sit here fighting a cold. Thanks! I will be trying this for sure!
I really hope you like it and get better soon!
Definitely lots of turmeric, ginger and manuka honey when I get poorly! This smoothie looks really awesome. I don’t think I have ever tried a persimmon before!!
Thanks Lauren! They are the best things when you have a cold!
I just had a persimmon today! I never made anything with them, I just eat them plain. Your smoothie sounds delicious, and so healthy!
That’s how I tend to eat them too Melanie, but thought they would be nice in a smoothie too. 🙂
Turmeric is SO good from he body – especially this time of year and a touch of black pepper will help you get all the good stuff from it. But this looks fab Jemma – very yummy and great version of a winter smoothie !
Never knew about the black pepper trick Kezia, thanks for sharing!
I knew turmeric has great properties but I never used it. I wasn’t sure what to do with it but your post have me some inspiration to try it in smoothies.
You can use it in curries and in pretty much anything, including my smoothie! Such an amazing spice to have in your cupboard.
Persimmon and tumeric sound like just what I need on this rather cold morning.
It’s a perfect pick me up on a cold morning, for sure!