I heard about this drink a long time ago but thought it wouldn't taste good, so I didn't try it until recently...
With the flu making it's rounds right now, it's more important than ever to make sure we are keeping our immune systems STRONG, so I blended up this immune-boosting concoction and was so pleasantly surprised by the refreshing taste and creamy texture, that I couldn't wait to share it with you.
Here's how to make it...
Ingredients:
4 cups filtered water
1 whole lemon, washed and quartered
2 Tbsp organic, unfiltered, cold-pressed Olive Oil
handful of ice
1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract (optional)
1 inch piece of raw ginger (optional)
Add all of the ingredients to a high powered blender or Vitamix and blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute. I used a Vitamix and it worked beautifully. I didn't even have anything to strain afterwards....nothing. It just pulverized it completely which I loved. If you don't have a blender that is that high powered, just mix and then use a fine-mesh strainer to remove large chunks of pulp or seeds.
Drink 1 or 2 cups a day. I like to drink it first thing in the morning because I think it will have the best detox effects on an empty stomach. It also has an energizing effect so it starts your day off strong. Store the rest in a glass container, like a couple of mason jars and it will keep for a couple of days, but of course it's best fresh.
Here's why to drink it:
The lemon/olive oil drink helps to improve immunity by:
Detoxifying the liver
Detoxifying the lymphatic system
Decreasing viral load (lemon essential oil from the lemon rind is anti-viral)
Improving absorption of nutrients
Reported benefits of consuming the lemon/olive oil drink include: reduction or abolishment of swollen lymph nodes, increased energy, improved appetite, decreased or complete cessation of neuropathy, normalizing of body temperature and improved immunity. - from The Paleo Secret
Brenda from The Paleo Secret started drinking this daily after suffering from swollen lymph nodes ...and the swelling went away! I'm always looking for healthy ways to stimulate the healthy drainage of our lymphatic system like dry brushing, so I'm so intrigued by this. I really love the concept of using the entire lemon rather than just the juice like I usually do.
This drink can also help keep you regular and help with constipation.
When I made it, I added the Vanilla Extract and it was great, I like it with that. The next time I make it I'm going to try adding ginger too. Normally oil and water will separate, but with this drink, it emulsifies and gives it a wonderful creamy texture! I thought it tasted light, refreshing and creamy.
This is NOT a cleanse. Just ADD this to your normal routine!
Give this a try and tell me how you like it below! Here's to staying healthy + keeping your immune system strong. Other immune-boosters: Eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, reduce stress, and get restful sleep.
Here’s what people are saying….
“I have taken this regularly in the past and loved what it did for myself and my husband. The energy boost alone was fantastic which I believe is due to all the other benefits! We are 65 now and had dropped this routine as we tend to do for no reason we can recall. However we just started back and I must say it is one of the best gifts we've given to ourselves. We feel so much better again and I thank you for this wonderful boost!” - Debbie
- Original recipe from The Paleo Secret