When I was diagnosed with cancer, I determined to do everything possible to fight this disease. In addition to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medication, I knew I needed to boost my immune system. Yet every book I read seemed to tell me one more thing I shouldn't eat. I soon developed the knack of fast forwarding past all articles on nutrition.

Eventually, I decided to visit a qualified dietician.

"Not enough vegetables or fruit!" she declared.

She sent me to the shops to buy a juice extractor and an assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables. She told me to start each day with a cocktail of beetroot, carrot, orange, apple, and red grapes. This would supply me with an excellent multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, including high levels of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, folate, flavonoids, phytochemicals and fibre.

Ongoing research demonstrates that these compounds boost immunity as well as help fight diseases including cancer and heart disease. The dietician warned me to start slowly and take a week to build up to a full glass. I could exchange one or more of the ingredients, but preferably with other brightly coloured fruit.

The combination sounded terrible. It looked worse. It resembled blood. The first morning it was all I could do to force myself to take a mouthful of the beetroot-coloured liquid. Surprise! The drink was delicious.

Ten years later, I still commence every morning with at least five vegetable and fruit servings before breakfast. The drink gives me energy for the day, and I know that I’m encouraging my immune system to keep guard over my body.

Are you doing all you can to build up your body's defences? Watch what you eat, and start drinking vegetables for breakfast.

©Shirley M. Corder