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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 tried to use this stay-at-home spring/summer to improve myself with a substantially plant based whole food diet, yoga, now boot camp, becoming organized, spending more time on activities that nourish and fulfill. It hasn’t been a straight line of progress but I am committed to trying each day. I have made plenty of mistakes and it is hard to let go of old habits that do not serve my interests. I’ve enjoyed trying new things… elderberries and elderberry syrup have always been a mystery to me!
Glad we could introduce you to elderberries, Sarah!
I have come off chemo treatment and I am trying to build my immunity back up to fight off this years virus. I was not so lucky last year I was hospitalized on the first of January for pneumonia in both lungs. I really don’t want to go through that this year. I have been making the smoothies every day with the great recipes that are on this site. I have alway tried to eat right and get plenty of fruits and vegetables, but the smoothies bring it over the top. I like to put the greens in my smoothies and a banana, with the kombucha, and any other fruit in the fridge. It does make you more aware of what you are putting in your body. This leads me into putting Elderberry into my body too. I think it would be a great addition to my daily smoothie routine. Thank you for your website.
Good for you for making smoothies every day! They will be a great help to you as you build your immune system back up. Stay safe + healthy, Laura!
My family has taken on a renewed interest in all things healthy. As I am the primary “chief cook and bottle washer” I want to provide all the immune boosting options I can. This is just one more check box in the pursuit of family health!
It really is!
Staying healthy is sooo important. But right now, it’s even more important to me, as a business owner who is struggling to come back from several months of being closed, getting sick would require me to shut down again, and possibly cause my business to close forever. Having recipes like this to help me stay healthy are super important.
Stay healthy, Casey! We’re all hoping you don’t have to shut down again.
I want nothing more but to take care of myself in any way possible and elderberries are a gem to make that happen!
Elderberries really are an amazing little superfood! 🙂
I was introduced to the Elderberry gummies by my niece, Now I would LOVE to try out the Black Elderberry Syrup. Can’t wait to try this recipe, I’ve changed my eating habits and started exercising just to keep my immune system up and of course staying healthy during this pandemic. Also, another reason to keep my immune system healthy is because I’m the one who goes grocery shopping for my elderly parents and for my daughter who is pregnant. Again, thank you for sharing the recipe. 😀
You’re welcome, Celinda! Stay safe + healthy as you take care of your family and go out to do the shopping for everyone. Kudos to you for being a great daughter & mom!
Wow what an amazing thing. We leave in 10 days to go to Haiti so I’ve been looking for ways to boost our immune systems and was hoping to find something to help boost our kiddo we will be bringing home immune system as well. Thanks for the recipes. Been “doing” green smoothies on and off for (gulp) 7 years thanks for all you do.
That’s great, Nancy! Elderberry syrup + this smoothie will definitely help you boost your immune system before your trip.
I have never had a elderberry, in the last year I have been challenging myself to try new things. Some smoothies are nasty that I have tried to make. What am I doing wrong. It looks delicious, but how does it taste. I need to balance my immune system. And feel lighter, sometimes my stomach is quite hard and I am not sure why. Will adding the elderberry, how long will it be before I feel the results and how long have you been taking it and how often. I know curiosity killed the cat but common sense bought him back.
That’s great you’re challenging yourself to try new things, Eyetta! Here’s another article on elderberry and its benefits that I think can answer some of your questions: https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup. 🙂
I have had very low energy; with the COVID and other personal worries I have been so down. Would love to try the Elderberry Syrup. Looks delicious!
This smoothie really is delicious!
This is amazing, never thought about using black elderberry syrup in a smoothie! Thank you so much for the recipe!!
You’re welcome, Krista!
I want to–no NEED to–boost my immune system! As a 68-year-old helping to raise my rambunctious granddaughter–after having raised seven of my own–I need Energy, Energy, Energy! I am also seeking to do all I can to stay healthy and Covid free! I have read about the elderberry tree and am anxious to use this wonderful berry!
Elderberry and this smoothie are both awesome ways to help boost your immune system, have lots of energy, and stay healthy!
I’m a diabetic and I need to keep my immune system strong. So since this pandemic I have really been working on natural remedies to strengthen my system. This is a great smoothie.
Love that you’ve been working on natural remedies to strengthen your system, Yvette! Keep up the great work and stay healthy!
I get the capsules for my family at the first sign of a cold and we ‘bomb’ the germs away. I was really impressed to see you use the syrup in a smoothie! ✨
I do the same thing, Kym! This smoothie is really good, you should definitely try it! 🙂
I have been taking the pills for years and am excited to try the syrup! Your recipe sounds delicious. My husband and I really enjoy a good healthy smoothie! I am going to get it today! Looks delicious.
This smoothie is super delicious, Mary! After you get some syrup and try this smoothie, definitely come back and let us know how you liked it! 🙂
I am getting on in years and would like to be the healthiest version of myself ever!
Kale yeah, Tymme!
I’d love to try the Sambucol black elderberry syrup in a smoothie like this. Sounds delicious!!
This smoothie is so good!!