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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.
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
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.
Equipment
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 have not tried the immune boosting smoothie yet because I currently do not have all the ingredients on hand, but I was so excited to see your recipe and am looking forward to making it especially during this time of COVID and the upcoming flu season. Our families’ immune systems can only benefit from a boost so I rated your recipe with 5 stars because I like all the ingredients especially the elderberry which I would otherwise not have considered adding to a smoothie. The first elderberry I tried was the Sambucol brand many years ago and I liked it a lot, but there are so many on the market now that I lost track of the Sambucol brand but I am back on track with it so thank you for that as well as the immune boosting smoothie.
You’re welcome, Betty! I think you and your family are really going to like this smoothie. 🙂
Can dragon fruit be swapped for another fruit in case I don’t find it?
Yes! You can use kiwifruit if you are having trouble finding dragon fruit.
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease when I was 19 and it was treated with radiation. It recurred when I was 21 and I had to go through chemo. When I was 35 I developed a thyroid condition and two years ago had to have it removed. When I was 42 I developed Breast Cancer and had a double mastectomy. After all I have gone through I do not want to die of COVID.
You are one tough cookie, Carole! Keep supporting your health and immune system and stay strong! Sending lots of good health and wellness vibes your way. 🙂
I am doing everything I can to stay healthy as long as I can. PLUS, my daughter has a HUGE elderberry tree in her back yard and we are really interested in learning how to process this bounty! Keep up the good work!
We have a great article on how to make your own elderberry syrup! You can find it right here: https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup.
Def make sure you look into the proper way to prepare elderberries before you make the syrup. They are poisonous if consumed raw.
This is an absolutely fabulous smoothie idea! I love the ingredients and I love to give my immune system a boost so that I can continue teaching and also continue being a blessing to my family (and help them to boost *their* immune systems!) I am the morning smoothie maker for our family, and this one will definitely be on our menu!! Thank you, Jen, for the great idea!! : – )
That’s great you make sure smoothies are a family affair! 🙂
As one of the demographic categories considered “at risk” in the age of Covid-19, any additional help in boosting my immune system is valued. If it’s as easy as putting black elderberry syrup in the green smoothies I make every morning anyhow, that’s a win-win.
It is definitely a win-win, Steven! 🙂
That smoothie looks so tasty! I can’t wait to try it! With 3 young kids, it’s important for us to boost our immune systems, especially as the weather gets colder!
Very true, Jenene!
I am 5 months post (6 months) of chemo for colon cancer….anything I can do to boost my immune system is very important to me!
I gave the recipe a 5, because I am 100% sure it is a winner…..you created it!! 🙂
It’s super delicious, Kathy!
I have Lyme disease so I try to boost my immune system in every way possible. This would be a great addition. Thanks for what you do!
Very important to keep a strong immune system when you have something like Lyme disease, Nan! So sorry to hear this but it sounds like you are doing all you can to stay healthy!
As if we aren’t compromised enough already, just breathing here in central California is dangerous! Ash rain and orange skies this morning. My son and I love smoothies and the syrup would be a great way to add a boost to his diet in a way he will enjoy.
So sorry to hear you are near the devastating fires in California, Cindy. Count your blessings that you still have your house! This smoothie is definitely kid approved, I bet your son will love it!
Smoothies are such a quick, fulfilling meal that can pack a lot of punch! Currently taking elderberry gummies to boost my immune and I would love to add the elderberry syrup to my bag of tricks for my hot green tea. Now that school has started back, I must keep my system up and running as an educator!
Both the gummies and the syrup are great ways to support our immune systems, especially these days!
I absolutely love all of your recipes and look forward to trying a new one each day. I would love to get some elderberry syrup to try some of the immune boosting recipes especially with the state of the world right now!! My mom and sister would benefit so much from them!
So glad you love all our recipes! I think you’ll love this one, too!
Can’t wait to try the recipe! Need to start elderberry syrup because we just don’t have time to be sick!
I hear ya, Hannah!
Ooooh I would love to try this recipe!! I absolutely love all of your other smoothies so I can just imagine how delicious this one would taste! I did some research on Elderberry syrup and it has an extremely high level of antioxidants and greatly supports your immunity!! It also states that it can help to tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart! I am all for that!! This is perfect with COVID and with the Winter season ahead of us!
Currently, I am on your Fresh Start Autumn 21 days cleanse and I am loving all of your recipes! This would be another recipe that I could add to my weekly routines! 🙂
Isn’t elderberry awesome?! So many wonderful benefits!
The cold season is coming up and I want to be prepared and boost my immune system to stay healthy and not catch a cold.
We love being prepared instead of having to react *after* getting sick. Preventative care is awesome!
I’m trying to keep our family healthy and trying desperately to avoid taking the kiddos to the doctors. Doctor appointments are so costly so I’m now looking at ways to keep our family’s immune system strong and healthy to avoid any additional expenses.
Thank you for all that you do and for your wonderful recipes.
Keeping those immune systems strong is one great way to make sure you’ve got healthy kiddos and avoid extra doctor appointments!