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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!
So yummy!! Nice to know that it’s good for me too!!
Delicious, immunity-boosting, and such a pretty color! What a trifecta. 😀
Thank you for this recipe. During this age where we need to be intentional about boosting our immune system, it is nice to have additional recipes in our arsenal!
You’re welcome, Delores! This is def a great recipe to have in your stockpile of immunity-boosting items!
I live in Oakland, Ca and we’ve had ash falling from the sky for two days due to smoke from all the raging fires. That, paired with increased stress due to these crazy times, necessitates extra measures to boost our immune systems.
Hey Beth, I’m sorry to hear you are in the range of the fires, smoke, and ash. Your comment couldn’t be more true; we all need strong immune systems now more than ever. Stay safe!
Hello, I love your challenges and I love and have your Simple Green Smoothies and Simple Green meals book. And I just recently purchased the Simple Green protein powder. Being able to incorporate the elderberry in the smoothies would be an added bonus to help keep my immune system up, especially now that I have a new granddaughter around. I have to deal with an autoimmune disorder, so I could use the added immune boost.
Thank you for all the SGS love, Shelia! Elderberry syrup + this awesome smoothie are both great ways to strengthen and support your immune system, especially since you want to stay healthy for your new grandbaby! 🙂
With all this nonsense going on now with COVID, we can use all the elderberry help we can get!
Sooo true, Arlene!
I truly can use all the support I can get. With a puny immune system ( the doctor said I don’t have enough soldiers and those I have are doing a lousy job) coupled with arthritis and chronic lymphatic leukemia, my immune system is challenged every day. Throw in COVID and the state of our nation to the mix, I would appreciate any help. Thank you and stay safe.
This smoothie will help support those soldiers so they can work harder and do a better job! Take care of yourself and stay healthy, Donna!
I’ve heard such amazing things about it. And your post helps me understand better the benefits. I’ve never tried it but sure would love to. I’m almost 68 and really trying to get more healthy. Thank you for sharing all you do! It’s wonderful to have access to this information.
So glad we could help you learn more about the amazing benefits of elderberries!
Love your recipes Jen! I am a young/old lady on Medicare… Trying to do all I can to stay healthy. My daughter is a PA and works in our hospital ER… We are both trying to boost our immunity now more than ever. Your delicious easy recipes make this fun and easier to accomplish!! Keep this deliciousness coming!! Stay well honey !
So glad our recipes are helping you and your daughter keep your immune systems strong, Christine! Stay healthy! 🙂
I’m caring for grandchildren who are in the public school system and would love an extra immune boost for all of us. Thanks for how you love and support this group!
Elderberry syrup + this smoothie would def provide a great extra boost for all the kids going back to in-person school!
I’m a teacher working with lots of students in vulnerable communities. Keeping my immune system up makes a huge difference in my ability to serve my community!
Sure does, Adele. Stay healthy! 🙂
I’ve heard great things about Elderberry syrup, but have never tried it. This needs to go on my stay healthy list.
It sure does, Cheryl! 🙂
I want to boost my immune system because I am pregnant with twins! I am also breastfeeding my other child right now. With Covid19 going on, I have to be really careful to not get sick and to keep taking care of myself to stay healthy. I love smoothies every morning and having this elderberry immune booster would be amazing!
This smoothie is a great way to keep your immune system strong!
OMG!!! Tastes great. I started using the syrup at the start of Covid-19 and I didn’t get it. Nice to have an immune boosting smoothie that tastes great. Thanks
It’s so delicious, isn’t it?! 😀
I’m glad Chris did. She goes rapidly into pneumonia. This time didn’t. From a thankful husband. Gus
That’s great, Gus. I’m really glad the elderberry syrup made such a difference for Chris! 🙂
I am an elderberry convert. Each year I have bronchitis and if I don’t get an antibiotic it goes quickly to pneumonia. Last year as I felt the tingling in my throat and then the soreness starting I chose to try an elderberry drink before going for an antibotic. For me, my throat was soothed and the bronchitis didn’t progress. I’m so thrilled with this that I’m planting an elderberry bush in my garden!
Love to hear this, Chris!!
I became a black elderberry believer this past winter. After trying all kinds of over the counter medicines to relieve cough and overall sickness to no avail, my daughter-in-law brought me a bottle of black elderberry syrup. 1 day later, cough was gone and by day 3 I considered myself A-OK.
That’s awesome, Sandy!