Winter can be rough. But cold and flu season can certainly make it rougher. Whether illness has struck your home or you are just looking for ways to keep your family healthy this season, these delicious immune boosting popsicle recipes have got you covered.
I don’t know about your kids, but I have a little one that loves popsicles. Traditional store bought pops are often full of things like sugar, artificial coloring and flavors. Thus, I made the decision from the start to give making my own a whirl. And what I quickly realized in the process of doing so was that not only could I eliminate the unnecessary junk housed in many freezer aisle pops, but I could add in ingredients that actually supported our bodies as well.
Enter immune boosting popsicles.
When anyone in our house is sick, I am always looking for ways to:
- stay hydrated
- stay comfortable
- get in nutrients
- boost the immune system
Thus, when the flu struck our house a few weeks back, I pulled out a few of our favorite household ingredients and whipped together a few new popsicles that were a not only hit taste in the taste department, but that checked all of the boxes on the list above too.
What makes them “Immune Boosting”:
So what gives these popsicles their immune boosting nature? Let’s take a look at the benefits of some of the ingredients used to create them:
- Oranges & Lemons: Are high in Vitamin C that supports the immune system
- Pineapple: Contains the enzyme bromelain which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help suppress cough and combat infection
- Wild Blueberries: Are both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich
- Coconut Water: Boosts hydration and contains natural electrolytes
- Coconut Oil: Is a healthy fat source with antimicrobial properties
- Honey: Soothes coughs and is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal (**only to be used in children over the age of one)
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which is both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich
- Ginger: Minimizes stomach upset and boosts the immune system
- Apple Cider Vinegar: May help fight germs and even sooth sore throats
***Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am sharing this information based on my own research and understanding. I encourage you to do your own as well.
Don’t want to wait for popsicles to freeze? Or don’t have a mold?
No problem. You can easily turn the recipes below into a delicious juice or smoothie option instead. For juice, simply pour mixture from blender into a cup and enjoy. For smoothies, freeze some of the fruit or add in more of the frozen fruit option to thicken.
Additionally, we have a Zoku Quick Pop Maker that we use and love in our home. It makes popsicles in under 10 minutes! If you are a family that makes your own popsicles regularly, this little gem is well worth the investment.
Recipes
Orange Pineapple Popsicle
Ingredients:
- 1 Orange
- 1/4-1/3 of a pineapple cut into chunks
- 1 tbs coconut oil
- 2 tbs raw or Manuka honey
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Small piece or two of ginger root (peeled)
- Tiny Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup coconut water
Optional ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
Directions:
Blend all of the ingredients together, and pour into your favorite popsicle molds to freeze.
Blueberry Lemon Popsicle
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen wild blueberries
- 1 cup coconut water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (add more to your preferred taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1-2 tbsp raw or Manuka honey
Optional Ingredients:
- Ginger
- Elderberry
Directions:
Blend all of the ingredients together, and pour into your favorite popsicle molds to freeze.
Like this post? Check out these related posts:
How to Keep Kids Entertained When Illness Strikes
Healthy Winter Drink Ideas for the Whole Family
All Natural Cold and Flu Remedies
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