Immune Boosting Recipes

Super Shots

Armor up against flus and runny noses with juicy protection. Eric Helms, founder of Juice Generation, shares some immune-boosting recipes.

BY Elena Schmidt PHOTOGRAPH by Claire Benoist; STYLING by Karen Evans

Eric Helms rolled out the awning of his first Juice Generation in 1999 in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen District. Appealing to a niche market, Helms—whose new book, The Juice Generation: Refresh, Restore, and Rejuvenate with Fresh Juices and Superfood Smoothies hits shelves in January 2014—commenced an uphill battle to prove the validity and virtues of a juice bar.
“People would say, ‘Really? All you sell is juice?’” he recalls. “It would blow their minds that a place could only sell beverages.” In the intervening years, Helms has overcome the stereotype that juice bars only appeal to the elite, and eventually his services became indispensible. “My days would be spent talking to customers and hearing the benefits of wheat grass and how it has changed their lives, or what kale has done for them,” he says.

Today, juicing is known to reap endless benefits for mind and body; celebrities and civilians alike celebrate the revolution. Salma Hayek, who contributed to Helms’ Juice Generation book, is a supporter of this wellness revolution. “Juicing is a way to share preventive healthcare practices that have worked so well for me over the years—ones that can help everyone look and feel their best,” she says.

 

Toxin Tough
1/2 large beet
1/4 lemon

Beets are unique for their high levels of anticarcinogens and very high carotenoid content. They also contain valuable natural betacyanin, which strengthens the body’s own defenses and helps maintain cell function for a fortified immune system.

 

Pretty in Green
1/2 cup chopped kale
1/4 cup chopped

green apple
Kale contains high levels of vitamin C for a strong defense against disease. This super-charged vegetable packs a powerful antioxidant punch, helps fight off infection, and regenerates othe
r antioxidants in the body, including vitamin E. Kale also contains the immune booster folate. Apples are used to cut the harsher
base flavors.

 

 Squeezy Clean
1 cup chopped
collard greens

1/4 lemon
1/4 lime
Like kale, collard greens are an immunity-booster with intimidating antioxidants to help ward off disease. Lemon and lime not only add to this antioxidant content but sweeten the flavor and add a citrus kick.

 

Spice of Life
1 1/4 inch ginger root
1/4 lemon
cayenne pepper, to taste
Ginger has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a great bet for immune boosting. Cayenne is known to increase circulation, promote digestion, and boost cardiovascular health.

 

 

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