Want the scoop on the ultimate immune support hack? Pair nutrient-rich blood orange, gut-healthy Greek yogurt, and science-backed Lifeforce Peak Defense in one supercharged smoothie recipe designed to provide comprehensive immune support and boost recovery from everyday stress.
With winter in full swing, you’re in good company if immune health is top of mind. And truth is, a well-functioning immune system is something you’d be smart to prioritize year-round.
That was the driving force behind Peak Defense™, Lifeforce’s answer to environmental, seasonal, and year-round immune support. The recipe for success is simple: Add one scoop to a tall glass of water daily to bolster both the innate and adaptive arms of your immune system, thanks to its 23 research-backed bioactive ingredients. (Learn more about Peak Defense™’s unique formulation here.)
Want to boost those benefits even further — or give yourself an excuse to shop the citrus section of your local farmer’s market? Dust off your blender and bookmark this Citrus-Berry Smoothie Recipe, brimming with protein, probiotics, and a host of immune-focused ingredients in each sip.
According to Dr. Hector Lopez MD, Lifeforce’s Scientific and Innovation Advisor and leading expert in dietary supplementation and safety, “Blood oranges are an underappreciated immune health optimizing powerhouse, with the presence of unique polyphenol anthocyanins, vitamin C, folate, and carotenoids.” These nutrients can also help neutralize excess free radicals in your body caused by environmental and immune stress.
Meanwhile, Greek yogurt helps support a healthy gut microbiome and provides protein to help rebuild and restore tissues, enzymes, immune cells, and antibodies. “The additional protein also provides essential amino acid building blocks to help rebuild, restore, and make new muscle and connective tissues, enzymes, immune cells, their cytokine signals, and even antibodies,” Dr. Lopez notes.
On its own, Peak Defense™ is a great choice for immune support and post-workout recovery. Add in a few of these bonus ingredients and you get a winning recipe “that addresses all major aspects, components, and arms of a well-tuned immune system,” says Dr. Lopez.
Citrus-Berry Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup cold water
Juice of 1/2 lime
3/4 cup Greek yogurt (fat content of your choice)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1 blood orange*, zested, peeled, and separated into segments or roughly cut
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
1 scoop Peak Defense™
*If blood oranges are unavailable in your area, swap in a naval orange or any citrus fruit of your choice.
Instructions
Add water, lime juice, yogurt, ginger, blood orange (reserve the zest for garnish), and strawberries to blender. Blend, starting on low speed and increasing speed as the ingredients break down. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
Add Peak Defense™ and blend until combined.
Pour the smoothie into a 16-ounce glass and garnish with blood orange zest.
Ready to stock up on Peak Defense™? Get yours HERE.
This article has been medically reviewed by:
Hector Lopez, MD, CSCS, FISSN, Fellow of the International Society for Sports Nutrition
Vinita Tandon, MD, ABIM Board Certified in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Consult a physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Do not use if inner seal is broken or missing. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
