Immunity boosting blast

by Megan Callahan, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian
 

     January has us thinking about wellness and strengthening our immune system. Smoothies and smoothie bowls can be a great way to incorporate more antioxidants through vegetables and fruits, boosting your intake for the day.
     For a smoothie bowl, you can mix the smoothie and then choose your favorite topper for it. In the recipe below, there are three different smoothie topper examples included. Or you can get creative and make up your own mixture!
     A favorite option of mine to include as a smoothie topper is pomegranate arils. Pomegranates are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. They also provide antioxidants, which have been linked to disease prevention and heart health. 
     You can find whole pomegranates and “de-seed” them yourself, or you can purchase the arils (the edible, little seed parts) by themselves. If you have kids, it can be fun for them to see the inside of the pomegranate – it looks like a container of jewels!
     A few tips on selecting and de-seeding if you choose to do it on your own:
     Choose a pomegranate that feels heavy for its size and is plump and round.
     Pomegranates typically can last on the counter for 3 to 4 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer.
     For the easiest seed removal:
     Rinse the pomegranate and then immerse it under water in a bowl.
     Be sure you can see what you’re doing, and lightly and carefully score the skin in a few places with a sharp knife.
     Then, peel the skin and break segments apart under water. This will prevent the bright-colored pomegranate juice from spraying out and staining clothing!
     You’ll find that the pomegranate arils sink and the skin will float, so the underwater process can help make it easier. You can then strain the seeds and pat them dry to use.
     Whether you top your green smoothie bowl with pomegranate arils, the kiwi medley listed, the berry-melon medley listed, or the orange-mango medley listed, this smoothie recipe offers your immune system a boosting blast and your taste buds some refreshment.
 
     The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

      Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Megan is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles to our Hy-Vee community. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2).
 

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