You’ve probably seen these teeny multivitamin shots in your local grocery or health food store that are jam-packed with nutrients but usually ranging from $4 to $7 a pop. Well, we’ve got three simple recipes for you to make these healthy immune-boosting shots at home, and with ingredients that you most likely already have in your fridge or pantry. All of these are natural ingredients and been proven to have great health benefits to our minds and bodies.
Condensed in each shot are powers of immune-boosting, bloat reducing, metabolism kick-starting plant-based energy. While these shots are full of beneficial vitamins, they should not be replacements for full meals as you’ll still need to get your whole food’s nutrition.
Each recipe below is measured for one single shot but feel free to make a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to one week. Simply blend all ingredients listed in a food processor or blender and cheer to good health!
See Also: 7 Ways to Upgrade Your Morning Smoothie Game
Golden Apple
This golden concoction has just the right amount of sugar, spice and zing. Apple cider vinegar comes with a multitude of health properties as it is full of magnesium, iron, amino acids and more. These all aid in gut and digestive health, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol and improving the hair and skin. Turmeric is another nutritional immune-boosting powerhouse in this shot. This yellow powder’s active compound, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong anti-oxidant. This makes it great for aiding in joint pain. Black pepper contains compounds that increase the absorption levels of turmeric in the body so a pinch is always recommended alongside turmeric. The cinnamon in this shot not only adds to the aroma but contains similar benefits to turmeric. It also contains probiotic properties which will increase your gut health. Honey is a perfect natural sweetener for this otherwise bitter shot. It contains antioxidants that can help in heart health and is very soothing on a sore throat.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp water (important for diluting acidic vinegar)
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 pinch of black pepper
Green Refresh
This vibrant immune-boosting elixir is a perfect shot to have with your breakfast. The citrus juice from the orange or grapefruit contains the beloved vitamin C that we humans need to obtain from our diets. It also just tastes good! Parsley is abundant in vitamin K, an important nutrient for blood and bone health. Spirulina is a fantastic superfood that you may or may not have heard of before, but it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It contains quality protein, comparable to eggs, and also contains omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that have a multitude of benefits! This blue-green alga is also responsible for the beautiful colour of this shot. Aloe vera gel is best when cut directly from the plant, but if you do not have one then make sure the store-bought is safe to eat. This can be found at your local health food store. Aloe is great for oral health and, when paired with mint and parsley, will make your breath very fresh!
- 3 tbsp fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit Juice (your choice)
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped mint
- 1 tsp spirulina powder
- 1/2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel
Spicy Immunity
This feisty shot comes with a powerful kick that is sure to give you a boost of energy and is especially great to combat cold and flu symptoms. The vitamin C-rich lemon juice is sure to rev up your immune system and the citric acid can even help in preventing kidney stones. Ginger is excellent for combating nausea and has even been shown to help with weight loss, possibly as a result of helping to burn calories and reduce inflammation. Cayenne pepper also aids in weight loss as the heat helps you to burn calories and increase metabolism. Garlic is full of vitamin B6 which promotes brain health, as well as manganese another metabolism stimulator. Garlic is also very helpful in reducing the severity of common colds with its immune-boosting properties. The honey in this shot balances out some of the spice and will soothe your sore throat if you’re feeling under the weather.
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp chopped garlic (roughly one small clove)
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about the juice of half a lemon)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp water
All photos and recipes: Sydnee Condon
