Zinc is a key micronutrient and mineral that is essential for the body in numerous ways, it keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth.
There are a number of ways zinc supports the immune system but primarily it activates enzymes that break down proteins in viruses and bacteria, so they are less able to spread. Zinc is essential for the function of macrophages, the cells that kills foreign microbes by engulfing them. Zinc is also crucial for the development and function of neutrophils and natural killer cells, names of white blood cells and are key in an immune response. Green leafy vegetables are a great source of zinc as our bodies can’t produce zinc so we need to make sure we are consuming enough through diet or supplementation. Not only do these green vegetables contain zinc but they are highly dense in other essential such as calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, iron and folate just to name a few. Below is a recipe for a drink that is more likely to be consumed as a soup and depending on how much you like green vegetables you can enjoy it hot or cold!
Ingredients:
- 1 x whole Broccoli chopped
- 8-10 x Brussel Spouts
- 1 x cup of Spinach
- 1 x cup of Garden Peas
- 4 x Sprig of Mint, leaves and stem chopped finely
- 1/2 x tsp Kosher Salt
- 3 x Cup of Vegetable Stock
- 50g x Tempeh
- 1 x handful or Sesame Seeds to garnish