The Underdog Juice A.K.A Pure Clementine Juice

 

Winter is here, and that means colds, flus and all forms of unwelcomed symptoms are here as well.  When I started getting ill 3 years ago, it came with a slew of symptoms.  Among them was what I call the 6-month cold - a cold that lasts from October to the beginning of April.  I literally could not shake the constant coughing that comes with sinus infections.  It would last 2-3 weeks, then I would get a few days rest and then on again. 

 

This year is the first year that I have not had one bout of these symptoms.  I have maybe coughed a few times  here and there, but that is it.  I attribute this to my diet.  When you eat a plant-based diet, you eat fresh food that is loaded with nutrients and that boosts your immune system.     When your immune system is strong, infections have a tendency to stay away.  Now whether you eat a plant-based diet or not, make sure you get enough vitamin C in your diet.  Although our daily recommended intake lies between 75-90 mg, studies have shown that the benefits really start kicking in at around 500 mg daily (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c).  Along with its immune functions that fight against bacteria, viruses, and infection, vitamin C also serves as an effective antihistamine that will lessen the unpleasant effects of the common cold, including inflammation, stuffy nose and aches.  So load up on your vitamin C, and don't just stick to oranges.  Make sure you vary your sources, this way you will also vary the nutrients you get - which is why I chose to share with you this Clementine Juice.  I also call it the Underdog Juice because oranges usually get the gold medal when it comes to Vitamin C that we tend to forget about other sources such as cantaloupe, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage- just to name a few.  If you are curious as to what nutrients and minerals you are eating each day, I highly recommend you download the CRON-O-Meter app on your smartphone, tablet or computer.  This is the way I make sure I am on track with my calorie intake (on a plant-based diet, you really need to eat a lot to make sure you meet your daily calorie intake, so it really helps me plan my meals accordingly). 

 

 

 

The Underdog Juice

 

Ingredients

 

10 clementines

1/2 cup filtered water

 

Method

 

Peel clementines and place whole in your blender,  Add water and blend until you get a smooth texture.  Serve and enjoy!

 



This recipe yields approximately 3 - 3 1/2 cups which is one serving.  It will give you 361.1 mg of vitamin C (481% of daily intake), 50% of your daily fiber, 6.3 g of protein and 347 calories! 

 

Thanks for reading and have a great day,

Amelie

 

PS This is not a sponsored post