Summer is here, so you’ll want to be stocked up on some cool, tasty beverages. Instead of reaching for the typical soda, try switching up your go-to summer drinks. These healthier options not only taste just as good but could even boost your immunity.
Richard Smith-Bernal from The Juice Smith shares five beverages you must try this summer to stay energized while boosting your immunity.
Hemp & Cashew Milk
Hemp milk and cashew milk are both excellent sources of zinc, which plays a vital role in immune function because it aids in the development of cells that fight infection. “Both these milks are rich in plant proteins and healthy fatty acids, which will help your skin, heart, and brain health,” says Smith-Bernal.
Incorporate hemp milk or cashew milk into your daily routine by substituting either milk anytime you would normally use cow’s milk. Stir it into your immune-boosting green tea, pour it into your cereal, or simply enjoy a cool, refreshing glass on its own. Not only will this creamy, cold drink keep you hydrated and cool this summer, but you’ll be able to consume it knowing that you’re boosting your immunity.
Lemon-Ginger Tea
If you are someone who enjoys a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot summer day or a cozy cup of hot tea before bed, then you will be thrilled to learn how tea–specifically lemon ginger tea–is a natural immune booster. Not only does it contain antioxidants that fight inflammation, but lemon-ginger tea is an excellent source of vitamin C, which aids in bolstering your immune system. Ginger helps with immunity and is also great for boosting efficiency in your digestive system.
“Similarly, green tea contains one of the highest concentrations of immune-boosting antioxidants,” says Smith-Bernal. “Just make sure you skip the sugar to avoid counteracting the health benefits.” Whichever way you enjoy the above teas, you can sip happily, knowing you’re staying hydrated while boosting your white blood cell count.
Blended Fruit Juice
Almost nothing compares to the revitalizing feeling of freshly blended fruit juice on a warm summer morning. Citrus juices, for example, are packed with vitamin C, a vital participant in protecting cells from harmful pathogens. This is why it is common to take vitamin C tablets as a preventative measure when you start to feel a scratchy throat or have a mild cold.
Another fruit rich in vitamin C is watermelon. Vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and arginine are all nutrients naturally found in watermelon, which help maintain a healthy immune system. If you are curious about a tasty and hydrating summer treat, Smith-Bernal recommends that you try combining:
- a medium-sized watermelon
- a handful of mint leaves
- and half a lime
“From berries to citrus to green veggies, the possibilities of what you could concoct in your blender are endless,” says Smith-Bernal. “However, not everyone has the time to get creative in the kitchen, so reaching for a 100 percent fruit concentrate bottled juice is perfectly acceptable–so long as it does not contain any added sugars like high fructose corn syrup.”
Fermented Drinks
“Fermented drinks like kombucha and kefir are rich in probiotics ,which contribute to your overall gut health,” says Smith-Bernal. “Introducing new microbes into your gut through fermented food and drinks diversifies your gut microbiome.” According to a Stanford School of Medicine study, a diverse gut microbiome is important because it is better equipped to defend against various pathogens.
Kefir is a cool, creamy, probiotic beverage with a texture like yogurt. It contains a bacteria called Lactobacillus kefiri and vitamin D, which act as armor against infection and disease. You can sip your glass of kefir as an afternoon refresher, or you can even sprinkle some granola on top and enjoy it for a breakfast that will have both your gut and immune system in tip-top shape.
Water
Although it may seem obvious, water should be high on your list of go-to drinks this summer. “Water is essential for immune function because it aids in the absorption of vitamins, antioxidants, and many other nutrients humans need for a healthy, well–maintained immune system,” says Smith-Bernal. “It helps deliver these nutrients throughout the body and is also vital for flushing toxins.”
According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, men should drink about 3.7 liters of water per day; for women, that amount is about 2.7 liters. Twenty percent of that water intake will come from food. If you get bored of the taste of still water, try sugar-free sparkling water or infusing your water with citrus for an even more refreshing taste.
