Boosting the Immune System

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A couple of weeks ago I wrote about ‘Man Flu’ because Scott was suffering from a cold.

He generously shared it with me, despite my efforts to keep it at bay. However, even though we both became sick, we were feeling unwell for a very short time.

We did not take any of the usual cold and flu medications, as these suppress the symptoms and the body takes longer to heal itself. We did however have some ‘immune shots’ that Scott created, that we drank 3 times a day.

These ‘shots’ consisted of – Echiberry 10ml, Natural Mineral drink by Modere 10ml, Green Qi super green powder by Modere 1 tsp, ground Cinnamon ½ tsp & ground Ginger ½ tsp mixed with approximately 20ml water.

They did taste a bit unpleasant, but most ‘medicine’ does. Scott stated that these shots helped our immune system fight the virus. So, after only spending 2 days sick, I think they really did work. I decided to share with you why these ingredients help us when we are sick.

First the Echiberrywhich I purchased from our local health food store.

This liquid combines Echinacea purpurea root extract, Elderberry, Olive leaf extract, NZ Blackcurrant and Manuka Honey.

*Clinical trials have shown Echinacea to be useful in both preventing as well as treating bacterial and viral infections including colds and flu.

*Elderberry is highly regarded by herbalists for the treatment of winter ailments, particularly where there is fever, aches and pains.

*Olive leaf extract has been shown to inhibit a number of bacteria and viruses. It is widely used as a tonic for the immune system.

*NZ Blackcurrants are one of the most potent antioxidant-containing berries in the world. Research has shown the anthocyanins (antioxidant compounds found in blackcurrants) can help reduce the effects of asthmatic lung inflammation.

*Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and has a powerful additional antiseptic property not found in other types of honey.

Next is the Natural Mineral drink by Modere

This drink contains Alpine moor mineral extract, which is abundant in plant derived phytonutrients and minerals. Among the benefits of phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytonutrients may also enhance immunity and intercellular communication.

Then the Green Qi super green powder by Modere

A green powder supplement contains all the vitamins and minerals of a multi vitamin. There is also added nutrients such as probiotics, prebiotics, detoxification nutrients and disease-protective antioxidants.

Followed by Cinnamon

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the risk of disease. Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce infections.

Finally the Ginger

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

So, in conclusion, all of the ingredients in these ‘immune shots’ assist the immune system. By taking the mixture 3 times a day, we were ensuring that our immune systems were continually fuelled with what they needed to fight the infection.

The result being that we able to get well sooner.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

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A Breakfast Slice

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I have previously written about smoothies for breakfast and shared my favourite smoothie recipe. However, there are some days when time is short and a takeaway breakfast is ideal. As we are trying not to eat processed foods, I decided to search for an easy, tasty and nutritious option. We are also trying to minimise our wheat intake, so a ‘wheat free’ recipe was preferable.

I found one on Paleo Grubs.com that looked appealing. Then I made a few changes to it to suit our tastes.

It turned out to be quite nice, like banana bread and goes really well with a cuppa.

So I thought I would share the recipe after my changes, (without any health information this time).

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Ingredients

1/2 cup raw macadamias

1/2 cup raw cashews

¼ cup chopped raw macadamias

¼ chopped raw pistachios

1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

2 ripe bananas

1 egg

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

¼ cup no added sugar Orange Marmalade

½ tsp ground ginger

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 190 C. Line a 20cm slice pan with baking paper. Place ½ cup macadamias, ½ cup cashews and 1 cup coconut into a food processor. Pulse to break down. Add the bananas, vanilla, egg, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely combined. Transfer the mixture to a slice pan and use a spatula to smooth out. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Until the top is golden.

Meanwhile, place the remaining shredded coconut in a fry pan over medium heat. Toast until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Mix in the remaining chopped macadamias and pistachios.

Mix the ginger in with the marmalade. I warmed the marmalade to make it easier to mix.

Remove the slice pan from the oven and spread a thin layer of jam over the banana base. Sprinkle the toasted coconut and nut mixture over the top and press it into the marmalade with your hands. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I hope that you enjoy this slice as much as we do. It really is an easy option for a take away breakfast.

 

Until next post,

Live Clean n Prosper

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