The sun is out, fruits are in season and people are beginning to open their pools. It’s time to bust out that blender for some refreshing smoothies to fight the intense summer heat.

But instead of tossing in processed fruit juice, canned fruits and boatloads of sugar, use fresh, organic fruits instead. Smoothies can be a great addition to a balanced diet, and it’s perfect for coaxing kids to “eat” their fruits.

Plus, fruits boast incredible nutrition profiles rich in essential nutrients, minerals and potent plant compounds that can boost our immune functions. The result? Better defenses against illness and disease!

Immune-boosting smoothie recipes

Eating a balanced diet for optimal health is often easier said than done. For those struggling to get enough fruits in their diets, fresh, homemade smoothies offer a much-needed nutrient boost.

Here are eight immune-boosting smoothie recipes for the summer:

Mega-vitamin C smoothie

Vitamin C is perhaps the best micronutrient for strengthening immune functions against infection and disease.

For this recipe, just blend together an orange, an apple and a couple of carrot slices, and add ice as needed. These foods also contain plant compounds called carotenoids that also protect against pathogens.

Mango-turmeric smoothie

Mangoes are the definition of summertime fruit, from their bright, distinct color to their characteristic tang. Besides their rich vitamin C content, mangoes are also great sources of fiber and immune-boosting antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E.

For the ultimate mango smoothie, blend together a cup of almond milk, a ripe banana, an orange, half a peeled turmeric root and mango slices. Almond milk is a great source of immune-boosting vitamin D. Turmeric, on the other hand, protects against inflammation.

Workout recovery green smoothie

Post-workout smoothies are perfect for replenishing lost fluids and nutrients after a tough session. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that this smoothie is 100 percent nutrient-dense and filling.

To create a simple green smoothie, blend together pineapple chunks, spinach, ginger, chia seeds and a banana. These foods offer a host of essential nutrients that support immune health, such as protein, potassium, omega-3s and manganese.

Tropical antioxidant smoothie

Grab a couple of tropical fruits and load them into the blender for a fresh and nutritious tropical smoothie. Fruits like pineapple and orange are great sources of vitamin C, and berries are some of the richest sources of antioxidants that suppress inflammation.

You can also add spinach for fiber and flaxseeds for omega-3s. Don’t forget to toss in a couple of kiwifruit slices for a much-needed dose of vitamins C, D, B6 and B12.

Cold-buster smoothie

So named because of its cold-fighting nutrients, this cold-buster smoothie is perfect for bulking up our immune health before flu season sets in.

Just blend together a couple of fruits rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as oranges, berries, peaches and pineapple chunks. You can also toss in some probiotic-rich yogurt to further enhance immune health.

Paleo blueberry smoothie

Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries are considered one of the healthiest superfoods.

For a nutritional boost, blend together blueberries, nuts, almond milk, chia seeds and cinnamon. Like the cold-buster smoothie, this smoothie is also great for beefing up our immune health in preparation for flu season after the summer.

Carrot-ginger smoothie

These not-so-common ingredients in fruit smoothies are potent immune-boosting foods. Beta-carotene in carrots guards against inflammation and cellular damage, and the potent compounds in ginger help enhance immune responses.

That said, the combination of these ingredients might not be the most pleasant taste, so go ahead and toss in bananas, pineapples and fresh lemon juice.

Triple berry smoothie

This smoothie recipe highlights the immune-boosting benefits of the humble kiwifruit, a tropical fruit that contains more than 100 percent of our recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Toss in some antioxidant-rich blueberries and raspberries for a nutritional punch, and add fresh orange juice for good measure.

Smoothies are great for complementing a balanced diet. Rich in essential nutrients and potent plant compounds, fresh, homemade smoothies help boost immune functions and support different aspects of health.

Read more articles about immune-boosting foods at ImmuneSystem.news.

Sources:

Byrdie.com

Health.com