Ingredients
| 500ml water | |
| 6 slices ginger | |
| ¼ cup maple syrup, agave syrup or monk fruit powder | |
| 3 tablespoons hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea leaves (or use 3 teabags) | |
| ice | |
| soda water, kefir or kombucha, to serve | |
| lime or lemon slices, to garnish | |
| mint leaves, to garnish |
Your immune system and gut are strongly linked. Your gut microbiome (a collection of bacteria that reside in the gut) plays a key role in the immune system. These little dudes help activate certain immune cells that can target infectious bacteria and viruses. Improving your diet by including probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and probiotics may restore the composition and reintroduce strong microbes, allowing for a more efficient gut microbiome and immunity. Try this probiotic drink to keep the little guys happy. Also, hibiscus is extremely high in vitamin C and has good antibacterial properties. These elements combine to provide a strong foundation to support your immune system.
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Instructions
| 1. | Put the water and ginger in a saucepan, bring up to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. |
| 2. | Remove from the heat, add the maple syrup and hibiscus flowers or tea leaves and leave to steep until cool. |
| 3. | Put in the fridge and leave overnight. |
| 4. | (If using monk fruit powder, add to the water and ginger and bring up to the boil to dissolve the powder before proceeding with recipe.) |
| 5. | When ready to use, strain the syrup through a sieve and keep refrigerated. |
| 6. | To use, put ice into a tall glass with 2 tablespoons syrup and top with soda water, kefir or kombucha. |
| 7. | Garnish with lime or lemon slices and mint. |
Recipes & food styling Ginny Grant / Photography Tony Nyberg / Styling Fiona Lascelles