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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 need to try this. I work in a school. Many germs.
Def give it a try!
Doing everything possible to stay healthy these days, so I can be there to take care of my family, my elderly mom and the special needs families I work with. Have used the elderberry lozenges but an elderberry smoothy sounds great!
It’s really tasty, you should definitely try it!
Elderberry is a great immune booster- I had no idea it came in a liquid form, I have always purchased it in a powder form, or in capsules.
Yes, it also comes in liquid form! 🙂
I would love to try this recipe with the Sambucol black elderberry syrup.
It’s such a delicious smoothie!
We love elderberry syrup during winter, especially to guard ourselves from colds!
It’s a great preventative during cold and flu season!
Looks great!! I would love to give this a try to set an example for my mother, extended family & friends on eating healthy and caring about our immune systems. I have many family and friends that are fighting various diseases (diabetes, cancer and heart problems, obesity)
Def important to set a good example, Stephanie!
This looks like an awesome recipe. I have been drinking elderberry tea and will sometimes take an elderberry supplement for an immune boost. I am a cancer survivor, so boosting my immune system nutritionally has been a top priority!
Sounds like you are already well aware of all the awesome benefits of elderberry, Cynthia!
Thanks for always sharing great recipes. I want to give my immune system a boost because I’ve started teaching and I teach Pre-K students a total of 15 little ones face-to-face. With COVID-19 going on, my immune system definitely needs a BIG boost especially with being in a classroom teaching three and four year old’s.
Stay healthy, Serena!
I adore all your recipes and the colorful photos. I work as a speech language pathologist, also in a somewhat high risk range for the virus not only because of my age but also because of underlying health issues. I live by myself with no family near by. To be able to continue to support myself, protect my colleagues and students, continue to be able to work and serve the kids is of prime importance Hence my immune system needs to be in a healthy state.
This smoothie is a great way to help keep your immune system strong!
I am always interested in boosting my families and my immune system in a healthy, natural way. Since everyone loves smoothies at the house I am really looking forward to trying out this recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Come back and let us know what everyone thought after you give this smoothie a try!
Our daughter Stephanie Malmstrom has used elderberry concoction in the winter time for years. Her family swears by it. With Covid 19 swarming all around us, perhaps it’s time her mom gets with it. Thank you!
Sounds like Steph is way ahead of the game!
Hi! I absolutely love black elderberry syrup I remember when I was younger my mom would have us take it regularly especially when we were sick! It’s something I like to splurge on every once in a while! I’m a CNA as well as a nursing student who is constantly around high risk people. I want to keep my immune system up to protect others and so I can continue caring for patients! Thank you for all you do! Love your recipes!
The syrup and this smoothie are great ways to keep your immune system strong! So glad you are loving our recipes! 🙂
So needed at my house – 4 sports playing kids – need more be said?
Sounds like my house growing up. Never a dull moment!!
As a nurse, I’m doing EVERYTHING I can to stay well and this could certainly be just what the doctor ordered!!! Pardon the pun 🙂
Keep up the great work, Rebecca, and stay healthy!!
I LOVE all the green smoothie recipes she sends out, but when I was reading about this one I immediately knew it would smart to try this one out! I have heard all of the immune benefits of elderberry and have been wanting to try it out for a while now, but did not know of ways to do so through food.
This recipe will help give my immune system a boost and I want to do everything I can right now to stay healthy and ready for anything that comes my way. Having that extra immune support will help create a safety barrier to stop invaders from entering the body or be better equipped for fighting them off. So if I can do that through a SMOOTHIE, how can my day get any better??
Well said, Stacey! 🙂
My little kiddo is now in daycare and that comes with so many runny noses and coughs. I have to trick him in eating fruits and vegetables. This smoothie is a hit because I know he is getting the protection he needs + a serving of fruits 🙂 . Thanks for the recipe, love it!
So glad you both love it!