5 Juice Recipes That Can Help Boost Your Immune System

Health is wealth! During these challenging times, your immune system is currently active. This means that you have to get a daily dose of vitamins and minerals to keep its performance into a maximum.

The following juice recipes are packed with essential nutrients to help you fight off common colds and flu.

#1: THE IMMUNITY-BOOSTING JUICE

Round up two peeled grapefruits, two cups of mango, an inch of ginger, four carrots, 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and a pinch of ground cayenne. Put all these in a food processor or a blender to create your juice. Then, drink up!

Let me discuss the benefits of these ingredients. Firstly, grapefruits are loaded with Vitamin C that aids in proper immune system functioning. Mangoes are loaded with Vitamin C and A as well as Bromelain. Bromelain helps reduce swelling and pain in the nose.

Thirdly, ginger helps to clear your sinuses and promotes healthy sweating as it contains plenty of antioxidants. Both turmeric and cayenne has anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that supports the body’s mucus membrane.

Image and Recipe Credits: thewanderlustkitchen.com/immune-boost-juice

#2: THE INFECTION-LOWERING JUICE

One of surefire ways to know what goes inside your body is to make it yourself. A frugal infection-lowering juice that you can make is a Tomato juice. The best part is that you do not have to own a juicer or a blender to make one.

Simply crush the tomato to make a puree and strain its seeds. If you want to add spice, you can add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of ground cayenne. Tomatoes are rich in Folate, which helps lower your risk of infection. It also has Vitamin C and A.

#3: THE CITRUS EXPLOSION

Imbibe the summer spirit by creating the citrus explosion. For this recipe, you will need two oranges, one grapefruit, and half a lemon. Peel the citrus fruits and cut these into quarters. Juice all the fruits in a blender and mix it well. It is best served chilled.

Image and Recipe Credits: theblackpeppercorn.com/citrus-explosion-juice

Oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C has antioxidant and other properties that help protect your cells from substances that causes damage. If you have Vitamin C deficiency, you may experience delayed wound healing or inability to properly fight infections. Thus, it is important to monitor your intake of Vitamin C.

4: THE STRAWBERRY AND MANGO MOCKTAIL

Let us add a twist to juicing by creating a fruity mocktail. As mentioned above, mangoes are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. Let us add strawberries in the mix! Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, and Folate. Creating this mocktail enables you to improve your immune system and to help prevent cancer.

You will need to gather these ingredients for this recipe:

1 Mango
½ cup Orange juice
2 tablespoons Honey
10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons Lime juice
Ice cubes
Sparkling water
Mint (optional)

Then, follow the procedure found in soberjulie.com.

#5: THE SORE-RELIVING JUICE

Muscle soreness is a common symptom of flu and is also among the symptoms stated by COVID-19 patients. Watermelon is a fruit that can help relieve muscle soreness and boost your immune system. The notable nutrients found in watermelon include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Zinc. The heavy water content found in watermelon makes it easier to juice.

Purchase a small watermelon and a small lime. Blend the watermelon until it is totally pulverized. As an optional step, you may squeeze a small lime into the mixture. Lastly, blend it for a few seconds.

Image and Recipe Credits: cookieandkate.com/watermelon-juice

Enjoy your healthy, affordable, and delicious juices!

Read More...

Budget-Friendly Places To Purchase Cleaning Supplies Against nCoV

Are you trying your luck in expanding your cleaning supplies? These days, “OUT OF STOCK” is plastered all over the physical and online stores when cleaning supplies are concerned. The zero traces of stocks correlate to the nCoV panic brewed in the shoppers all over Singapore.

The novel CoronaVirus (nCov) is a severe acute respiratory disease that can affect both animals and humans. It was first discovered in China last December 2019. With hundreds of deaths worldwide, The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Singaporeans must strengthen their immune system and ensure that their homes are clean to combat nCoV. On that note, here are some cleaning supplies that you may purchase as well as the places where you can find them.

#1: VACUUM CLEANER

A good vacuum cleaner can effortlessly keep the floors and carpets debris-free. Prevent dusts, food crumbs, human hair strands, and pet furs from accumulating by using the vacuum cleaner once a week. Increase the frequency if you have young children or several pets inside the house. Courts Singapore carry multiple brands and types of vacuum cleaners including the cordless handheld vacuum by Karcher, which retails for only S$398.00.

#2: BATHROOM CLEANER

Toilet and faucet handles are premium breeding grounds for virus and bacteria. I, for one, can attest that it is hard to keep the bathroom clean. However, keeping it clean can help you reduce the spread of germs. FairPrice has several toilet cleaners in stock including their own brand for S$3.70 and the Mr. Muscle value pack for S$6.15.

#3: DUSTING GLOVES

Keeping your nest as dust-free as possible will help you control dirt and other allergens. Moreover, it will freshen up the appearance of your living space. Control dust in a fun way by using microfiber gloves such as the eight-dollar Leifheit dusting gloves from Lazada Singapore.

Run your microfiber dusting gloves all over your house! The microfiber gathers up the mess without scratching the surface or scattering dust into the air. Once you are done, you can simply toss your gloves into the washing machine and use it again in your next cleaning session.

#4: ANTI-BACTERIAL MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER

Anti-bacterial multi-purpose cleaners are believed to leave your premises free from germs and to prevent the spread of viruses. It can be used on different surfaces such as ceramic, enamel, and stainless steel. You can purchase this at Horme Hardware for as low as S$6.

Horme Hardware is a virtual hardware that houses more than fifty thousand products in its inventory. No matter how specific your cleaning item is, you will find most of what you need in here. You may also head down to one of its trade centers at Ubi, Changi, and Jurong East.

#5: ANTI-BACTERIAL HANDSOAP

Never touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands as germs spread this way. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or the entire “Happy Birthday” song.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I found two places where you can stock up on your anti-bacterial handsoap. I am referring to Amazon Singapore and Lazada Singapore. The former has Dial Complete Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Wash for S$35.58 (i.e., pack of 4). While, the latter has Dettol Profresh Strawberry Anti-bacterial Handwash for S$25. Both are marketed to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria.

Stay safe and protected! 🙂

Read More...

Budget-Friendly Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System Against nCoV

As the shelves of the local groceries leave zero traces of stocks, you will notice how much panic the nCoV (novel CoronaVirus) has brewed in the shoppers all over Singapore. You cannot blame these shoppers as the total confirmed nCoV cases rose to 33 last Friday. It is alarming to see how prevalent the nCoV cases are in Singapore and across the globe. With hundreds of deaths worldwide, The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel CoronaVirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Nonetheless, it is best to stay calm in this situation.

There are no current vaccines or cures for the nCoV as of the moment. Your best defenses against its infection are boosting your immune system and practicing proper hygiene. On that note, here are some budget-friendly tips that you can follow.

#1: QUIT SMOKING

The novel CoronaVirus is a respiratory disease first identified in Wuhan, China. Its nature makes people with weak respiratory systems more susceptible to having it. Smokers are more likely to be infected with pneumonia and influenza and have longer-lasting display of illnesses. These observations may be due to the lower levels of protective antioxidants in a smoker’s blood.

#2: WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

Never touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands as germs spread this way. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or the entire “Happy Birthday” song. You may also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make it a practice to cleanse your gadgets as well, especially before using them.

#3: STAY AT HOME

If you display flu-like symptoms, it is best to stay at home or to consult a physician. You may rest for 5 to 7 days. Cover your mouth when your sneezing or coughing. Be courteous to other people when you are sick. Spread love and not the virus!

#4: EAT RIGHT

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen your immune system. I am referring to citrus fruits, broccoli, and yogurt. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which is key to fighting infections. Incorporate grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and tangerines to your diet now!

Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins A,C, and E as well as other antioxidants and fiber. It is one of the healthiest vegetables that you can put on your plate. Keep its nutrients in tack by cooking it as little as possible. Lastly, Greek yogurt or plain yogurt is a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and is believed to increase our body’s natural defenses against diseases.

#5: GET ADEQUATE SLEEP

Studies have shown that people who do not get enough sleep or who do not get quality sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus such as the common cold. It can also affect the speed of your recovery. Combat the effects of sleep deprivation by getting adequate sleep.

#6: EXERCISE REGULARLY

Dedicate a portion of your day to exercising, whether it be indoor or outdoor. Exercise has been shown to result in positive changes in the white blood cells and antibodies. Moreover, it releases happy hormones and helps lower an individual’s stress levels.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lowered stress levels can contribute to premium health.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Read More...

Singapore citizens enjoy health screening for $5 or less

Screen for Life (SFL) is a national screening programme that encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to go for regular health screenings and follow up.

Read More...

5 Medical Mistakes That You Must Avoid

Financial security starts by avoiding these five common medical pitfalls.

#1: BY SHOPPING IN ONE PLACE

It goes without saying that pharmaceutical prices vary from location to location. You may be overpaying for a particular medicine bought at the same place. So, carefully compare the prices from the different providers to get the best price. According to Ministry of Health guidelines, every patient must get an itemized medication bill. Use this bill as a guide while shopping.

Do not hesitant to ask your physician for an affordable and efficient alternative, especially if you are taking medications on a long-term basis.

#2: BY NOT SHOWING FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Some of the doctor’s clinics or hospitals charge patients for not showing up. Said fees can be at least S$20. Remember, you are paying for their valuable time. If you cannot make it for an appointment, contact the office as soon as possible. Rescheduling can prevent your account from being overcharged.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: BY SKIPPING THE GENERICS

New prescription drugs are expensive because they are Generic medicines are certainly cheaper and as efficacious as the patented medicines! Why is that so? New generic medicines are examined by the Health Sciences Authority to ensure that they have the same safety and quality standards as the patented ones. They must not only be chemically equivalent but also biologically equivalent in its effects within the patient’s body.

Interestingly, Singapore General Hospital once saved about S$900,000 after switching to the generic options of Gabapentin (for nerve pain), Alendronate (for osteoporosis), and Clindamycin (an antibiotic).

#4: BY TRASHING IMPORTANT TESTS RESULTS

There are many tests that the physician or lab technician can request. These tests include fMRI, CT scan, and Complete Blood Count test. It is important to keep a copy for yourself. If another doctor wants to run the same test, you can provide the recent copy of the test. Skipping another round of the expensive tests can save you a lot of money.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: BY PAYING YOUR BILLS LATE

Late fees and interest charges add up! Over time, your bill can inflate like a balloon due to penalties. It is crucial to stay on top of your payments.

There are to actions that you can partake in. First, you may compare notes with the secretary to ensure that your bills are on track. Lastly, you can ask for a payment plan that works best for you. It is better to be upfront about your situation than to ignore it.

Sources: 1&2

Read More...