So many people drive into work on January 2nd with their head stuffed up and their throat scratchy, feeling worn down and ragged. Why? All the sugar in the form of cakes, cookies, pies, and adult beverages over the holidays wreaks havoc on their immune system!

At Longevity Warehouse, we love the idea of being able to celebrate the holidays with our family and friends, without compromising our health by drinking and eating all sorts of things we normally wouldn’t. We don’t typically guzzle down sugar-filled alcoholic beverages with dinner, and then stuff ourselves with all kinds of corn syrup-filled desserts – so why should we throw our dietary standards out the window in the name of “celebration”?

Welcome in the new year with us by choosing to uplift your body, rather than tearing it down! End 2017 on a high note and welcome in 2018 feeling strong and healthy by saying no to foods and drinks filled with chemicals, processed sugar, food dyes, and other ingredients that crash your immune system.

Here’s a fizzy, delicious, gorgeous-looking drink recipe guaranteed to keep your immune system rockin’ and your spirits naturally high. Bust this out at your New Year’s gathering this year and we guarantee you won’t miss the alcohol one bit!

Pomegranate Orange “Cocktail”

Recipe by: Colleen Cackowski
Serves: 2
This drink is gut healthy and rich in antioxidants!

Ingredients:

6 oz. Pomegranate Juice
10 oz. Ginger Kombucha
Juice of ½ Orange
Juice of 1 Lime
5 medium Ice Cubes

Immune System Upgrades: Add in a squirt of two of Immunity Drops, or an extra scoop of Probiotics.
Bone, Tissue & Muscle Upgrades: Add in a squirt or two of Silica.

Directions:

Pulse all ingredients briefly in a blender to froth, and serve garnished with a few pomegranate arils and a slice of orange.

What makes this Pomegranate Orange Cocktail so good for you?

1 – The Almighty Pomegranate

Pomegranates are AMAZING. Quite possibly one of the most potent immune system supporting fruits, these gorgeous red orbs are absolutely packed with antioxidants called tannins, including polyphenols. Their antioxidant capacity is three times higher than red wine and green tea when you blend up the entire pomegranate (not just the seeds). (10)

Pomegranates have been scientifically proven to:

1. Support healthy blood pressure (1)
2. Inhibit the spread of cancer cells and cause cancer cell death, specifically in the breast and prostate (2)(3)(4)(5)
3. Support healthy arteries and overall heart health (6)
4. Support osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation in joints (7)
5. Improve memory (8) and positively affect Alzheimer’s disease (9)
6. Improve inflammation and ulcers in the gut (11) (12)

2 – Gut Healthy Kombucha

Containing a hefty quantity of healthy bacteria called probiotics, kombucha is an easy way to support your immune system. Did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? It is! Your digestive system is 80% of your immune system AND connects directly to your neurological system which is why the gut is often called your “second brain”. (13)

Kombucha can contribute to a reduction of ulcers (14) and has been found to have antibacterial effects against staph, E. Coli, Shigella sonnei, two types of salmonella, and Campylobacter jejuni which is arguably the most common cause of food poisoning in the U.S. (15) (16) This may come in pretty handy when you’re out and about, bopping from one friend’s house to another, tasting a little of this and a little of that.

3 – Immune-Boosting Oranges

Since we were little, we’ve been told to drink our orange juice when we weren’t feeling well. The immune system benefits of oranges are widely known, so here’s just a small recap: Their high levels of vitamin C enhance the immune system and fight free radicals, while polyphenols fight off viruses. Oranges contain fiber to aid in digestion and keep your cholesterol levels healthy. They also contain cancer-protective citrus limonoids (17) and carotenoids (18).

If you feel a cold coming on, freshly squeezed orange juice is one of the easiest things you can do to immediately give your immune system some extra support.

4 – Immunoprotective Limes

Limes are lesser known than oranges for their immune system boosting benefits, but they are actually potent vitamin C bombs. Similar to oranges, they contain limonoids, which protect against cancer. Limes have been used to treat malaria (19), purify drinking water (20), and protect against atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque on the walls of your arteries (21). Don’t underestimate the health-supporting properties of this small little fruit!

It’s no coincidence that the flu strikes so heavily around this time of the year, but luckily, there are tasty steps you can take to avoid it. The Pomegranate Orange “Cocktail” is not only a delicious way to avoid body-busting holiday beverages, but a superior way to support your immune system when everyone around you is getting sick.

To really fortify your immune system, we highly recommend adding Food for the Immortals Immunity Drops to this delicious concoction. Adding the power of medicinal mushrooms gives you even more fighting power against any germ trying to knock you off your new year’s game. Reishi mushroom supports every single function of your body, and turkey tail is one of the top recommended mushrooms to build the resiliency of the immune system.

We’ve been adding Immunity Drops to pretty much everything we’re drinking these days as an easy way to get extra immune support against all the sniffles around us. Trying adding a squirt to every drink you down, or right in your mouth anytime you think of it!

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27888156
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19815594
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23359482
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16818701
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320197
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15158307
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26804926
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23970941
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17010630/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11052704
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23573120
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23573120
13. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248425525_Tea_Kombucha_and_health_A_review
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21776478
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18979556
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10888589
17. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050325185404.htm
18. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-09/acs-heo082806.php
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21413089
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440092/
21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24575139