Food can be very powerful in both healing our bodies, and preventing harm. We’ve known this for quite a while now – Greek philosopher and Father of Western medicine Hippocrates was quoted as saying 1600 years ago
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
I am not about to tell you to shun conventional medicine or to not listen to your doctors and other health professionals but a lot can be said for listening to our bodies and knowing what we need (or don’t need). This is particularly the case for more minor ailments such as the common cold. Whenever I feel myself starting to get sick, the first thing I crave is a big warming bowl of vegetable soup. I usually find that if I’m in tune with my body and start to look after myself better as soon as cold symptoms start showing, I can usually prevent the cold from progressing by eating well and resting.
I shared my recipe for Ginger and Turmeric Flu Tonic a few weeks back, which I’d been drinking daily after nearly our whole office came down sick. Thankfully I managed to stay cold-free. Obviously, there is no way to say for sure if this flu shots helped or if my immune system is stronger for taking daily probiotics for the past few years, however I haven’t had a cold in nearly a year, which is very uncommon for me.
To mix things up a little, I’ve switched up the flu shots with these gorgeous golden smoothies, made from carrots, orange and turmeric. Turmeric has strong medicinal properties being highly anti-inflamatory and high in antioxidants. Some preliminary studies have shown that turmeric may assist in reducing the severity of bacterial and viral infections.
This smoothie is deliciously creamy and a wonderful golden orange colour. I have been drinking about a cup as a time as a snack, however if you wanted something a bit more substantial to have as a meal, mix in (either before or after blending) a tablespoon or two of chia seeds.
- 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- Flesh of one orange
- 1 inch of turmeric root (about 1 Tbsp), peeled
- ⅓ cup coconut cream or yoghurt
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
I do the same when I feel a cold coming on. I swear by drinking lots of ‘flu shots’ does actually lessen the symptoms. I also make a batch of chicken vegie soup.
I love the sound of your Golden Smoothie and IF I feel a cold coming on, I will be sure to try this one.
I am exactly the same when it comes to colds. As soon as I get the signs I up my veggies, knock back lots of smoothies and get some rest. Usually does the trick.
This smoothies sounds perfect to keep the immune system tip top! Almost everyone I know has a cold at the moment!
Mmm, this looks wonderful. The golden color alone can lift spirits, and I like the use of cloves in this. Awesome you’ve been cold-free for so long! Stay well and warm down there!
Wow Dearna! This sounds really good! Love the addition of coconut cream, sounds delicious. Gonna try it this week when I get some more turmeric! X
Thanks Liberty! It’s really delish – hope you like it as much as I do :)
I am feeling terrible today, caught the flu overnight and this has made me feel soo much better! I think I have to up my veggie in take? Ahh hate being sick. Thanks Dearna x
Ohh, you poor thing – the one going around at the moment sounds horrible! Glad this has made you feel a little better – and yes, lots of veggies :) Feel better soon x
I am feeling fine but decided to make this to use up some turmeric I had in the fridge. It’s delicious! I particularly like the cloves – with the orange it somehow makes me feel festive. Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks so much Natalie – so glad you liked it :)
how much yogurt is needed, sorry my computer is glitching!!!! x
Hi Anya, you need around 1/3 cup of yoghurt or coconut cream.