This immune boosting smoothie recipe employs the natural power of black elderberries, which have nearly double the anthocyanins as other berries. This special type of flavanoid promotes immune support, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits.
Blended with antioxidant rich fruits to support a healthy immune system, this recipe is a winner.
For a few years, my family had no health insurance and I took a proactive approach to health care. We boosted our immune system to help us not get sick in the first place. From green smoothies to plant-based meals to natural remedies— we did anything we could to not get sick….and it worked.
Kids have started going back to school (mine included), restaurants are opening and new COVID cases are still making the headlines, it’s vital to build up your body’s natural defense: the immune system.
Table of Contents
One of the key immune supporting ingredients I added to our smoothies was elderberry syrup. I’ve partnered with Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup to create a tasty immune boosting smoothie recipe.
Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup
You can find Sambucol Elderberry Syrup at Target, Costco, Amazon, major drug stores and also on the Sambucol website. It’s been flying off the shelves since COVID-19 became a pandemic, which is exciting to see more and more people lean towards the natural remedies world.
Enjoy 15% OFF your Sambucol.com purchase with code SGS15.
Benefits
Black elderberries are a natural remedy to boost the immune system. I first learned about it from a friend, who’s mom and grandmother used it. It’s a natural remedy passed on generation to generation because it has been shown to work.
This plant-powered elderberry syrup is rich in a particular antioxidant: flavonoids. Flavonoids help prevent damage from free radicals at the cellular level. A particular flavonoid, anthocyanins, is found heavily in black elderberries.
In fact, the United State Department of Agriculture found that black elderberries contain nearly twice the amount of anthocyanins compared with other berries. Some studies suggest that consuming elderberries can help support and maintain a healthy immune system. Elderberries are also a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, which are also important for immune function.
Elderberry Syrup in a Smoothie
I’m sure you’ve noticed my favorite ingredient in this immune boosting smoothie is elderberry syrup. Along with the delicious berry flavor, elderberry syrup is packed with natural health benefits.
It’s important to note that black elderberry syrup is a dietary supplement. It isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Yet elderberry syrup is a natural remedy that my family has experienced the benefits of and I’m excited to share it with you today.
You can make your own DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe, yet it takes more time and money. It’s just so convenient to keep Sambucol Elderberry Syrup on hand. Whatever way you go, you can use either syrup interchangeably in this immune boosting smoothie recipe.
How to Make an Immune Boosting Smoothie
I came up with this unique recipe of fruits and other plants chosen specifically for their immune-supporting properties. I also wanted it to be something that my kids would happily drink. This smoothie does all that with a few fun ingredients.
If you’ve never had a smoothie with dragon fruit, it’s very similar to kiwi both in texture and flavor. A lot of grocery stores now carry frozen puree or cubed dragon fruit. You can use fresh or frozen in this immune boosting smoothie recipe.
Also, I included coconut water because I love that added nutrients. You can easily swap with water or almond milk in this smoothie, if preferred.
Depending on how many you’re making this smoothie for, increase the amount of elderberry syrup accordingly to make sure everyone gets some of it. Plus, the flavor of the elderberries really compliments this smoothie.
For more immune boosting recipes using Elderberry Syrup, check out my Elderberry Smoothie Popsicles and Immune Boosting Smoothie Cubes.
Don’t forget to rate + review this smoothie once you make it. I can’t wait to read your freedback!
Immune Boosting Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup dragon fruit frozen
- ½ cup blackberries frozen
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 tsp black elderberry syrup
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Other berries can be substituted for the blackberries. We recommend those high in antioxidants such as blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries.
- Make sure to use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cool smoothie.
- Missing the leafy greens? Feel free to add up to 1 cup!
I really think elderberry & zinc have helped me stay healthy this year, and I’m excited to hear about black elderberry syrup! And to be able to incorporate it into a smoothie sounds like a perfect way to keep my immune system healthy while enjoying a smoothie. And with the cold/flu season about to start up, any added boost of immunity is a VERY good thing.
Always good to be prepared for the upcoming cold/flu season, especially this year!!
Def want to try this out especially with my compromised immune system. So glad there’s no grapefruit or pomegranate as transplant patients can’t have those ingredients!!!
You should definitely try it, Chastiry, I think it could really help! And even if it had ingredients on your ‘can’t eat’ list, you could always swap them out for items that fit into your personal dietary guidelines. 🙂
I would love to try the black elderberry syrup! I have been working to boost my immune system and I think this would be a delicious way to give it a big boost.
It is, Beth!
This looks excellent and i would love this to boost my immune system especially since i have three auto-immune diseases and it is not safe for me to get sick
It is a great addition to a strong wellness regimen! 🙂
Elderberry syrup is such a tried and true, downhome, easy way to boost immunity. I’ve recently gone back to work as a teacher and until I saw your post, realized I forgot to make my own!
It really is such a great immunity booster, Rachael! Thank you for all you do as a teacher. Stay healthy!!
This sounds like the perfect smoothie for back to school and work time! Quick question- I’ve never used dragon fruit, is there any tricks for peeling and cutting? Thank you!
You can cut the peel off like you would an orange, there are some great videos online that show you (just search ‘how to peel a dragon fruit’). If you want a quicker way, many grocery stores carry frozen dragon fruit that’s already been peeled and cubed. Happy blending! 🙂
With everything going on with viruses and cancers and the cold/flu season around the corner, who can’t benefit from the extra boost of Sambucol Black Elderberry syrup!! Great healthy addition to any smoothie!! ❤️
Sooooo true!!
Wow this looks amazing, I’d love to get some elderberry syrup to boost not only my immune system but my families too, especially my dad, he turns 86 next week and he’s a rock in my life. Can’t wait to try it, especially with locally sourced dragon fruit which is plentiful here in Miami FL.
I love having access to so much fresh, local fruit when I visit Florida! And happy early birthday to your dad! 😀
I love to put immune boosting ingredients in my daily smoothies. Last year I even ordered some dried elderberries and made my own syrup. It was really easy peasy.
Love that you made your own syrup!
I’ve been looking into the all natural route for awhile now and I think there’s something to this elderberry. Excited to try the recipe and the brand you recommended. Hope it helps us all stay strong and safe during these times. Thanks so much.
I agree, Sarah! Elderberry is good stuff. After you try the smoothie, come back and let us know what you thought! 🙂
How often would you drink this smoothie to get the benefits – daily or is that too much?
Laura, I think you could drink it daily if you like.
How could you not try this smoothie with that color!! I can’t wait to use some of the homemade elderberry syrup we made from an SGS recipe.
Agreed! The color is like a neon purple, I love it! And a great way to use your homemade elderberry syrup. 😀
Can you add spinach or some kind of greens?
You definitely can, Lisa! I think spinach would work great and wouldn’t take away from the taste of the dragon fruit and blackberries. 🙂
Perfect smoothie for back to school immunity boosting!
Exactly, Kat! We all need all the immunity-boosting help we can get right now and this smoothie is perfect for that! 🙂
My mom made her own elderberry syrup and we’ve been using that. Is there added benefit to Sambucol’s
Hey Olivia! No, there is no added benefit (except for convenience). I think a lot of people prefer homemade to store bought and that’s great you have some of your own!