ep·i·dem·ic
/ˌepəˈdemik/
noun
-
a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
pan·dem·ic
/panˈdemik/
adjective
-
(of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world.
It’s sometimes difficult to believe the events that have occurred so far in 2020; but it’s not the first time large populations have experienced wide-spread disease outbreaks. Let’s take a look at recent history:
In 2002 we experienced the SARS outbreak.
The 2002–2004 SARS outbreak was an epidemic involving severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002–2004_SARS_outbreak
In 2009 Swine Flu reached pandemic proportions.
The 2009 swine flu pandemic was an influenza pandemic that lasted for about 19 months, from January 2009 to August 2010,
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_swine_flu_pandemic
2012 it was MERS.
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is related to coronavirus.
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_respiratory_syndrome-related_coronavirus
Plagues and epidemics have ravaged humanity throughout its existence, often changing the course of history.
SOURCE: https://www.livescience.com/worst-epidemics-and-pandemics-in-history.html
We also face antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow.
SOURCE: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html
When farm animals are fed antibiotics, they can develop antibiotic bacteria in their guts. The gut bacteria can become manure on meat that can spread to humans.
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3IF8Tsjjqo
Being vegan or vegetarian doesn’t necessarily help because drug resistant bacteria in animal feces can also spread to crops.
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3IF8Tsjjqo
So, what can we do to stay healthy?
Let’s arm ourselves from the inside before disease can take hold by building up our immune system, feeding our cells with the nutrients they need.
Our bodies are battlegrounds against infection and diseases. Normal body functions, such as breathing or physical activity, and other lifestyle habits (such as smoking) produce substances called free radicals that attack healthy cells. When these healthy cells are weakened, they are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Antioxidants — such as vitamins C and E and carotenoids, which include beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein — help protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Don’t forget your fruits and veggies!

Left: Power Greens: Lettuces and/or greens, farro, cucumber, red cabbage, pumpkin seeds & cranberries tossed with Tahini maple dressing. Right: Fiesta Salad: Lettuces and/or greens, black beans, quinoa, corn, tomato, avocado & red onion tossed with cilantro lime vinaigrette.
Leafy greens, fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables provide nutrients—like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E—that can boost immune function. Because many vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods are also rich in antioxidants, they help reduce oxidative stress.6
SOURCE: https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/foods-boost-immune-system
Check out our menu here for a variety of salads, bowls and smoothies that are packed with the essentials to help keep your immune system healthy.

Acai Smoothie Bowl: Banana, acai & berries blended and topped with banana, berries, granola, walnuts & coconut.
If you have been including these disease-fighting foods in your diet, bravo! Keep it up! If you haven’t, it’s time to jump in and begin! The key is prevention. If we can help our body create a nutrient shield, we can be ready and strong. And if a disease does penetrate, we can fight and WIN!
Keep on juicing!
When our customers or staff feel a cold coming on the first thing they reach for is our fresh cold-pressed juice called the Immunity Booster, an elixir of ginger, orange, lemon & lime.
But what can you do on the daily to be ready to battle diseases from the common cold to COVID-19, cancer and a myriad of auto-immune threats?
Proper juicing is a great way to supply your body with nutrients it needs and help protect your immune system. We offer a variety of freshly squeezed cold-press juices, but the Holy Grail of juice is wheatgrass, with ginger and turmeric following close behind.
Wheatgrass helps increase the count of red blood cells, strengthening the body’s immune response, and preventing the occurrence of illness/disease. (NOTE: Anyone with kidney disease should not consume wheatgrass, and for other chronic conditions, please consult with your doctor.)
SOURCE: https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/20-wheatgrass-benefits-weight-loss-health-skin-hair/
Ginger and Turmeric also support immune system function. Many people take turmeric and ginger at the first sign of sickness, hoping to enhance immune function and sidestep cold or flu symptoms. We offer a healthy dose of ginger and turmeric in our Root Juice, a powerful blend of juices from carrot, golden beet, red beet, cucumber, turmeric, ginger and lemon.
Some research shows that ginger, in particular, may possess powerful immune-boosting properties. One test-tube study indicated that fresh ginger was effective against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), which can cause respiratory tract infections in infants, children, and adults (19Trusted Source).
SOURCE: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-and-ginger#pain-and-sickness-relief
We invite you to stop by for a healthy meal and a dose of immunity-boosting goodness with one of our delicious cold-pressed juices. We are juiced and ready to help keep you healthy!
We’re here for you!
Fruits & Roots is open regular hours for takeout and curbside pickup, plus home delivery by Delivery Dudes. To view our menu, go to: https://www.fruitsandrootsvegancafe.com/menu/.
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Fruits and Roots Juice Bar and Vegan Cafe, Stuart, Florida
Shoppes on Colorado
710 S Colorado Ave., Stuart, FL 34994 | 772-678-6627
Open Monday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.