The concept of a wellness (or health) shot—essentially a mixture of herbs, fruits, vegetables and spices designed for health benefits—has been around for centuries, but in the post-Covid world, it has started to gain even more traction. After spending almost two years worrying about catching the coronavirus, or recovering from the after-effects of Covid, everyone seems to have developed a taste for all things healthy. Even previous non-believers have turned into wellness aficionados over the course of the past few months.

It’s a popular saying that the best things come in tiny packages and nutritionists and health bloggers alike are recommending these fun-sized shots as a quick fix for supplying vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into one’s diet. But are they worth drinking regularly? “With the right balance of healthy ingredients, wellness shots are definitely worth adding to your everyday routine,” says Dr Lakshmi K, Ph.D Food Science & Nutrition, University of Georgia (USA), Head Nutritionist, URLife.
These days, wellness shots are readily available online, and in trendy juice bars but they often contain added sugar. This is why it’s best to prepare them at home with fresh ingredients. Here are five healthy and incredibly easy-to-make recipes that Dr. Lakshmi suggests:

 

1. Iron-rich immunity booster
This is probably the most old fashioned yet effective health shot recipe. Think of it like your green juice—but in a shot glass. “Spinach contains Vitamins A, C and K, calcium, iron and folic acid, and is excellent for building your immunity,” says Dr Lakshmi. “Green apple boosts your metabolism and lemon helps your body absorb nutrients like iron more efficiently,” she adds.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/2 green apple
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup spinach

Juice all ingredients and pour into a small glass.

 

 

2. Vitamin-C shot for Flu Season
When it comes to getting their daily dose of Vitamin-C, most Indians will happily pick amla or Indian gooseberry over any supplement. But did you know that it can also help you prevent a cold? “In Ayurvedic medicine, amla is used extensively to treat a wide range of health-related issues. It contains powerful antioxidants that can help prevent common cold, cough, flu and other seasonal infections,” says Dr Lakshmi. The sea salt is mineralising while cayenne pepper helps break down mucus.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup amla juice
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Juice all ingredients and top with the cayenne pepper.

 

3. Anti-inflammatory beetroot shot
Now this particular recipe may be considered an acquired taste, thanks to the earthy beetroot and burning flavours of ginger, but the numerous health benefits make up for it. “Beetroot is great for your heart health as it is a vasodilator and helps maintain proper blood flow,” says Dr Lakshmi. “Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat nausea. It has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress,” she adds.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/2 half fresh beetroot
• A small knob of ginger
• 1/2 lemon

Juice the beetroot and ginger together and top it off with a squeeze of lemon.

 

 

4. Turmeric shot for a healthy gut
Everyone in India has grown up hearing about the magical healing properties of turmeric and research suggests that it’s a compound named curcumin that gives turmeric its powers. “The turmeric in this recipe has anti-inflammatory properties, while the pineapple is full of active enzymes that help with digestion,” says Dr Lakshmi.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• A small knob of fresh turmeric (or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder)
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Add the pineapple cubes and turmeric to your juicer and garnish it with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

 

 

5. Antioxidant jamun shot
Jamuns or black plums are native to India and are incredibly low in calories when compared to other berries. They also contain Vitamin-C, iron, magnesium, potassium and phytochemicals. “Jamun contains antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids, which are very good for your overall health. Along with that, jamun’s high alkaloid content can help keep high blood pressure at bay,” she says.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup jamun (pitted)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch chilli powder

Juice the jamuns and enjoy with a spicy punch of chilli powder.