4 Affordable & Simple DIY Wellness Shots to Start Your Day
Over the years, we've seen various health and fitness trends emerge — from counting every calorie and following the Keto Diet, to Nature's Cereal (a mix of chopped fruits topped with coconut water) and the popular infused water trend for "detoxing." Although the effectiveness of these trends is debated, they often spark interest in new ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Currently, wellness shots are gaining popularity. While research on their potential health benefits is mixed, they can serve as a nutrient-dense addition to your diet. If you're interested in trying wellness shots, we've got the lowdown on what they are and some easy recipes to make at home.
What are Wellness Shots?
Wellness shots are small juice concentrates, typically made from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They're sometimes also called immunity shots because they're intended to help boost your immune system.
Think agbo jedi (I know this suggestion is dodgy, stay with me)… but often sweet and comes in a cute little bottle.
Are they good for YOU?
Although the jury is still out on the overall health benefits of wellness shots, they're believed to be a good source of Vitamin C and may help with inflammation, bloating, and digestion.
Some popular ingredients in wellness shots include:
Image: Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels
Ginger: This may help with indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, and gas.
Lemon: A source of Vitamin C, lemons are thought to support immunity and have anti-aging properties.
Turmeric: May help reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
To begin your wellness shot journey, try these simple combinations. All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a juicer or blender and strain the juice from the pulp with a sieve if needed.
1. Ginger + Lemon + Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups filtered water
Juice of 1 lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons ginger juice
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
A pinch of ground cayenne pepper
2. Pineapple + Ginger + Turmeric
Ingredients:
4 cups pineapple chunks
1/2-1 cup ginger, peeled and sliced
1/2-1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1-2 tablespoons raw honey
1/2 cup of cold water (if necessary)
3. Carrot + Apple + Turmeric
Ingredients:
150ml carrot juice (or mixed carrot and orange juice)
150ml apple juice
Juice of 1 lime
10g turmeric root, peeled
4. Beetroot + Ginger + Lemon
Ingredients:
2 large raw beets, peeled
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1 organic lemon, juiced
A large fistful of organic parsley (optional)
Here's to better health and a refreshing start to your day!
Omotola Abudu is a lawyer with an interest in technology and regulatory compliance. When she’s not lawyering, she enjoys travelling and foodie-ing, as long as it doesn’t involve washing up.