Immune Defense Tea

How does it work?

What do vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and potassium have to do with immune health? All of these can be found jam packed in rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant. These essential vitamins and minerals are also the most common deficiencies found in the US and developed nations, with 92% of Americans experiencing a deficiency in one or more of these vitamins and minerals. If your body is deficient in something, it’s more likely that you can catch a cold or become ill because your body isn’t functioning as best as it could! Let’s focus on vitamin C as most people already know that this is an essential micronutrient and often relate its consumption with immune support. It is incredibly antioxidant, helps to stabilize the tertiary structure of collagen, and aids in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for metabolic energy. Studies show that vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells and as a result of enhancing the function of these cells, also enhances microbial killing. Vitamin C is also great because it helps the body to get rid of used phagocytes so they aren’t lingering around in your body with captured pathogen material inside. Lastly, supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to prevent and treat respiratory infections. Don’t hesitate to add this power packed tea to your tool box next cold and flu season!