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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!
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for the past 10 years and I’m a pre-Diabetic, and I’m doing everything I could from eating healthy, exercising, and boosting my immune system. My husband has a weak immune system, and I heard about elderberry syrup and would love to try it out especially since I received the immune boosting smoothie recipe last week.
Elderberry is a great way to help strengthen your immune system, Beatrice!
I love this recipe! And I’m always a fan of boosting my immune system. I have five kids, four boys. With them all going back to school we all need an extra boost right now. Thanks for this, Jen!
It’s a great recipe, Rachelle!
Elderberry is delicious! Having a great immune system these days is very helpful. Finding a way to boost it while still tasting great can be a real challenge!
Well you’re in luck because this smoothie helps boost your immune system *and* it’s delicious!!
Boosting my immune system is so important since I not only have a 1 1/2 year old, but I’m also pregnant with baby number two! It’s so important to stay healthy so I can get things done at home!
Super important, Sarah!
This is great! I am a special education teacher in a small mtn town in Colorado. We have been in person learning for 3 weeks and sure do want to see the trend going in such a positive manner here!
This smoothie is a great way to help keep your immune system in top form, especially as you teach in-person classes!
Hi there, I’m trying to boost my immunity because of my 6 year old son. My son was diagnosed with CKD (chronic kidney disease) at age 2. My son received his kidney transplant a year ago. I have to keep my immune system, my younger son and my spouse up. Because our 6 year son’s immune system is immune compromised, because of all the immune medication. Thank you.
Definitely important to make sure the whole family has strong immune systems so you can all support your immune-compromised son. Stay healthy!
We are doing everything we can to exercise, eat well, and keep our immune systems going strong. With 2 teens, it is so important to keep their bodies healthy with natural ingredients to support their bodies. We set that example for them in so many ways. Thanks for all you do to educate people and set a great example!
Way to be a great example for your kids, Theresa! No better way to teach something than to teach by doing!
I was recently diagnosed with MS at the age of 46. I have done a ton of research and changed my entire diet. Anti-inflammatory, and trying to boost my immune system. The drug therapy I am taking is messing with my white blood cell count, so I am trying to be careful and keep my immune system healthy. I had never heard of elderberry syrup! Thanks for posting!
So glad we could introduce you to such a great immune-booster as elderberry! Def try this smoothie and consider including elderberry in your regimen. It could really help you as you work to keep your immune system as strong as it can be!
I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 34 years, which has caused a lot of auto-immune issues, adult-onset asthma, and nose polyps. I take care of myself as best as possible, but food is my #1 priority, and green smoothies have been a life saver. Now I’m having to go back to working in the office and would love to try something I’ve never tried before but have heard a lot about.
Love that green smoothies are helping you manage your health issues, Angela. This smoothie would be a great one to have in your arsenal! Stay healthy. 🙂
I would love to try this recipe! Being pregnant, my immune system can use all the boosting it gets!!
This sounds so tasty!
You’re right about that, Tosha! Take care of yourself and stay healthy!!
Haven’t heard about it. Taking a lot of vitamins D/E and with flu season coming up, I’d like to add an extra layer of strength for my immune system. Thanks for sharing.
Glad we could introduce you to elderberry, James!
I recently had sinus surgery and it was supposed to help rid me of chronic sinus infections. It sadly has not and now my doctors are looking at ways to boost my immune system so that I no longer get a sinus infection every month, therefore lowering the frequency of my antibiotic use as well. I hope the Elderberry helps with this.
I hope it does also, Amy!
I love the taste of Elderberry. I even added it to my Fire Cider last year. In these already uncertain times and with flu season coming soon, even the strongest immune system can use all the help it can get.
I wouldn’t think to add elderberry to Fire Cider, how did it taste?
I am interested in trying elderberry to boost my immune system and for overall health. Love the info you provide!
Thanks, Alicia!
The recipe sounds amazing; I am currently looking at different brands of Elderberry Syrup but a bit confused with the quantity of elderberry in different ones. Are there guidelines for daily Elderberry use for general immune protection in terms of mg’s per serving?
Also loving that coconut water is in the smoothie — not a fan of drinking coconut water straight but I want the benefits!
Thanks SGS for all you offer and do 🙂
Hey Janet! It’s a great smoothie, beautiful color and so tasty! I imagine you can find the guidelines for daily elderberry use online pretty easily. 🙂
With a 14 month old and 13 acres to prepare for the upcoming winter season, my husband and I need all the immune boost we can get. Adding Elderberry syrup to the routine could be great!
Sounds like you are keeping very busy, Tabitha! Stay healthy!