Pineapple Immune Boosting Smoothie
There are lots of nutrients that help to support immune function and the pineapple immune boosting smoothie includes some well-known immune boosting ingredients. Immune function actually begins in the gut through the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a process that occurs through the fermentation of indigestible prebiotic dietary fibres (that’s foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, leeks, asparagus and oats).
Immune health begins in the gut!
Vitamin C is, of course, a key component to immune health. Whilst SCFAs help to support immune response and prevent the invasion of pathogens, vitamin C is a key component of white blood cells. White blood cells are crucial to detecting and fighting infections to support immune function, so the key message here is the more foods rich in vitamin C you can include in your diet, the better. Aside from immune health, vitamin C is also a key component in collagen production, a structural protein that provides structure and strength to skin and connective tissues.
Pineapple Immune Boosting Smoothie - Key Nutrients
Pineapple: Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C and also contains the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain increases the flow of digestive enzymes to help stimulate the breakdown proteins increasing absorption and digestion of nutrients.
Ginger: Gingerol and shogaol are compounds found in ginger that help to reduce pain, fever and inflammation.
Pineapple Immune Boosting Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ cup frozen pineapple
- 2 tbsp avocado
- 1 serve Vanilla protein powder
- 2 cm piece of raw ginger
- 5 fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender, starting with the coconut milk and blend until smooth.
- Note: If you don't want to use vanilla protein powder, add a ¼ tsp of vanilla essence instead.
- Why not make double and keep one in the fridge for tomorrow!
Notes
Essential Equipment
BlenderTips
I use a standard cup measure. If you don’t have one you can use a mug and substitute the amount for ¾ of a standard size mug.Find your Ingredients
Unsweetened coconut milk– fridge of long life milk aisle (I often use Vitasoy) Frozen pineapple - freezer section Raw ginger and fresh mint - fresh fruits and vegetable aisle Vanilla protein powder - I love the brand Nuzest.If you like this immune-boosting smoothie recipe, you might like to try these;
If you don't know much about the immune system and would like to know more, I recommend having a read of this immune health article.
Amy Savage is a qualified Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine and is available for consultations online and in Sydney CBD. Email amy@amysavagenutrition.com for further details.