Magic Immune Balls Recipe: Food for a Healthy and Happy Immune System
“Let food be thy medicine” were the famous words spoken by ancient Greek physician Hippocrates and although spoken thousands of years ago, that timeless tidbit still holds true today. In essence, the food we choose to consume can either nurture or degrade our health. As both a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and an applied clinical nutritionist, I have a deep respect for the healing power of food and created the magic immune balls recipe to serve as a simple yet tasty way to help support the immune system during this time of pandemic.
As COVID-19 weaves its way throughout the world, staying well is of utmost importance. We all want to better maintain our health right now and Magic immune balls are an effective way of using food to strengthen the immune system. Each ingredient contained in the recipe serves its own specific immune enhancing function; no ingredient is arbitrary. Vegan, gluten free, easy to make and delicious, magic immune balls are the perfect immune boosting treat to help keep you and your loved ones in good health throughout this time of crisis.
Let’s take a look at how each ingredient in this recipe can help boost your immune system.
Elderberry Syrup: Elderberry has a reputation that spans continents and centuries. It is most revered for its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Used medicinally for thousands of years, elderberry was regarded by classical physician Galen as one of “nature’s greatest healing plants.” Elderberry is rich in Vitamin C and highly effective in warding off colds and flus due to its ability to inhibit viral and bacterial pathogens.
Dates are naturally sweet and rich in iron and B-vitamins. They are also very high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant which helps protect the body from oxidative stress and illness.
Oats are rich in a soluble fiber called beta glucan which enhances the function of immune cells, especially the ones that gobble up bacteria and other pathogens.
Chia Seeds are considered a complete protein containing all 9 essential fatty acids and are one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Like Oats, chia seeds are made up of mostly soluble fiber, which studies reveal can have a profound effect on reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
Bananas: High in potassium, magnesium, B-6 and Vitamin C, bananas are a powerhouse of nutritional splendor. In addition to the wide array of nutrients they provide, bananas contain prebiotics, which help probiotics (our good gut bacteria) to flourish within the gut. This is valuable because probiotics play an essential role in immune health by helping the body fight off bad bacteria. The more probiotics that occupy the GI tract, the happier and healthier we feel.
Blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins, which are the natural pigments that give blueberries their luscious blue color. Anthocyanins have a broad spectrum of antioxidant benefits that function to support the body’s immune response by decreasing inflammation and fighting DNA damage.
Cinnamon: In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is the chief herb in many cold formulas due to its antimicrobial properties. It is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria such as E. Coli.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamin E and zinc, both of which help to support the immune system by protecting the body from illness causing pathogens.
Cacao Nibs contain a diverse array of flavonoids, a type of phyto-nutrient that supports immune health by decreasing inflammation.
Honey: Due to its vast antibacterial properties, honey has been used for thousands of years to help support wound healing and ward off infection. Honey also acts as a wonderful immune modulating agent and powerful anti-inflammatory, thus making it a must have for the immune medicine cabinet.
Ingredients
4 pitted medjool dates
1 cup gluten free oats
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tbsp elderberry syrup
1 banana
½ cup dried wild blueberries (I used Trader Joe’s brand)
1 Tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp cacao nibs
1 cup of pumpkin seed butter
1 tbsp honey
How To Make
Add all ingredients to to a blender or food processor and blend until a semi-smooth texture is formed.
Once blended, scoop the mixture out with hands or cookie dough scoop and shape into little round balls.
Refrigerate for 20 minutes
Optional: Roll balls in cinnamon or sprinkle additional cinnamon on top. You can also drizzle a little elderberry syrup on top of the balls for extra drama and flavor.
May these little balls of immune magic help add to your good health and safety. I hope you enjoy!