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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.
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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
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!
With the current state of the environment, our health is impacted. Every little positive move helps!
Very true, Cindy!
Love elderberry! Hoping to boost my families immune system!!!
This smoothie is a great way to do that!
Love this fun way to incorporate elderberry syrup into your diet. Especially with cold/flu season around the corner.
This looks delicious! Need all the immune boosting I can get right now as I’m having surgery soon and live with a teacher back in the classroom.
Stay healthy, Martha!
It’s such a tasty recipe and it boosts your immune system!
I not only want to get better and feel better, but I want to be better. Elderberry will help me with these goals.
Thanks
Great goals, Truscenia!
Looks delish! Love the tartness of elderberry. Something that’s yummy AND boosts immunity? SOLD!
Don’t you love that it’s the best of both?!
I have a compromised immune system so I loved learning about the elderberry syrup, your email about the smoothie was the first I had heard about this delightful little superfood. I researched it right away and I can’t wait to add this to my regimen and hopefully stay healthy this COVID/FLU season.
So glad we were able to introduce you to elderberry, Vanessa!
looks tasty!
It is! 🙂
I’m hoping to boost my immune system as we head into the cold and flu season! And then there is COVID. Every little bit helps.
Every little bit does help, Mary!
I have never tried elderberry but started hearing about it last year. I workout daily and eat mostly a healthy plant based diet so I feel great most of the time. However when I get a simple cold it really takes me down. I get a sore throat, body aches, headaches, and really fatigued. I get these colds often in the winter months. I am really hoping that elderberry will give my immune system the boost it needs.
I think it could really help!
I have been looking for a way to keep my family healthy naturally and this power purple/pink elderberry smoothie is an awesome way to achieve my goal. My oldest daughter had made had asthma and with going back to school we want to keep her healthy as well as her younger brother. We tried this smoothie as a family and everyone was on board with this smoothie!! Still working on green smoothies for my hysb and daughter. Thanks for caring enough to share so we all can become more healthy naturally!!
So glad this smoothie was a hit!
My whole family needs the immune boost of this smoothie, more specifically, the elderberry syrup! I teach pre-k in person, my toddler attends the same daycare where I work, and my husband has a weak immune system. Our son catches all the daycare germs, my husband catches all of HIS germs, and I’m in my own petri dish of a classroom every day. Ugh!
Then this is a great smoothie for you + your whole family!
Love this Elderberry Syrup! My husband and I both use it to support our immune systems. We are both in need of all the help we can get, especially during this Covid 19 pandemic. This syrup has so many GREAT advantages, it’s worth its weight in gold!
It really is, Laurie!
This recipe is sooo good! My daughter just started school and usually whenever she heads back, she brings home colds and we all get sick. The family seems to just keep passing it around all fall. So I’m super excited for ways to keep my family healthy, especially with everything else going on. And my kids love it! They ask for this every morning.
That’s great to hear, Ellie! Awesome that the whole family loves it. 🙂
Hi, Jen! We have never tried elderberry syrup before, but it sounds like a yummy way to build up our natural defenses, especially with school starting back up. I have three young children and my husband is a pastor of a small church; we want to stay healthy so we can keep doing the work of loving and serving the people in our community, so thank you very much for the recipes and inspiration! 🙂
It’s a great way to support your immune system, Mandie!
I’m love elderberry first immune function! I’m hoping to boost my immune system ahead of this years flu season!
Me too, Mary!
We have used elderberry throughout cold and flu season – gummies and liquid. Would really come in handy right now to help boost my sons immune system while he navigates life at ASU…long study nights, maybe not eating like he should, and being a resident in an apartment complex with every growing Covid19 cases.
Maintaining a strong immune system is definitely important for all the college kids out there!