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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 just tried elderberry syrup for the first time last week while visiting my parents! I want to keep my immune system up so I can continue to spend time outside running and hiking.
Those are *great* reasons to keep up your immune system, Kathryn!!
I am a cancer patient and had almost all my innards removed. So I have no immune system and am a caregiver. I ordered a bottle of the elderberry and have been using it in the smoothie recipe. I’m hoping and believe it will keep me safe.
Def make sure to take care of yourself, Sam. Wishing you health and wellness!
I haven’t tried this recipe yet, just printed it yesterday. Always looking for ways to boost my immune system with healthy foods, especially this year since I’m a nurse and working in a hospital through the pandemic. Adding flu season to the mix could be challenging so excited to add this smoothie to my routine
Thank you for your work, Kate! This smoothie is a great way to help keep your immune system strong this fall and winter. Stay healthy!
As a middle school teacher, it is especially important for me to boost my immune system. In addition to the nature of our students not being super mindful of germs, Flu season is approaching, and of course, we are still living in a pandemic! As a vegetarian and naturalista, it is important for me to find healthy, natural ways to support my body and have it working as it’s maximum.
Well said, Marquita! We appreciate the teachers, now more than ever!!
I can’t rate the recipe because I haven’t tried it but based on the ingredients it looks delicious!! As a mom of 3 kiddos I need to keep immune systems up especially as we head into cold & flu season (and prayerfully not covid 2.0). Thank you for all your smoothie challenge recipes, the family and I love them!
Def come back to rate it after you give it a try, Ashley! So glad you love our challenges! 🙂
I use Elderberry tea but would love to try the syrup. With all the contaminants we are expose to ever day, our immune system deserve it. The color is so pretty too!
So true Ge-Ge, our immune systems deserve some extra love!
I’ve always wanted to boost my immune system with natural products especially since I work in a hospital and flu season is around the corner.
This really is the most important time of year to give our immune systems some extra help!
I’m 5 years Cancer-free (Yayyy!) and I’ve already been taking Sambucol to keep up my immunity, but this recipe is an awesome way to change up my morning since I already love dragonfruit also.
Hi Dee! First of all, CONGRATS on being 5 years cancer-free!!! That’s awesome. 😀
If you already like dragonfruit, I think you’re going to really love this smoothie!
I’ve never tried elderberry syrup, but love blackberries and dragon fruit! This will be a fun one to try!
Sarah, it’s pretty and delicious! Def give it a try and come back to leave your thoughts + rate it! 🙂
I’ve been making smoothies for 8 years and have never once considered putting elderberry syrup in a smoothie!
It really is a great boost to add to smoothies! And thank you for sharing the love with your own online community! 🙂
I will have to give this recipe a try. Looks and sounds delicious. A good way to stay healthy.
Def try it, Helena! And come back to let us know what you thought. 🙂
I haven’t tried this YET, but who doesn’t want to be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.
Couldn’t have said it better, David! 😀
Haven’t tried this recipe so I can’t rate it. So many of my friends use Elderberry Syrup and I would love to try it but just haven’t yet. Not sure why. I really need to since I tend to get whatever illness is going around.
Yes, Julie, you have to try this recipe! You can’t go wrong with something that helps boost your immune system, as well as tasting great and looking so pretty!
We all need an immunity booster at this time but especially going into flu season with a compromised immune system.
That is very true, Lynn! Especially for folks with compromised immune systems.
I love that research has found elderberry to be as effective as a flu shot against the normal flu. With regards to Covid, I was wondering if Elderberry will strengthen cytokine storms or bradykinin storms that may be responsible for many of its negative effects.
Hey Suzanne! To be clear, taking elderberry syrup (or any other form of elderberries) will not prevent the flu. According to the CDC, getting an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Elderberry syrup is not a flu shot substitution, but can be used as a dietary supplement. Studies indicate that “a good quality elderberry extract product might be quite effective in shortening the duration and the severity of symptoms associated with the flu if taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms,” states Russell Greenfield, MD, of Novant Health Integrative Medicine ).
Therefore, elderberry syrup can be a great compliment to other preventative measures, including getting a flu shot, but should not be the only thing you use to prevent the flu.
As far as COVID-19, Sambucol has a great article that addresses your question: .
Additionally, I want to include the information that although the flu shot does not prevent COVID-19, it could help your body fight off the virus (among other reasons, a healthy body has an easier time fighting off a COVID-19 infection). And unfortunately, it is possible to be infected with both the flu and the coronavirus at the same time so, getting a flu shot will help to greatly reduce the chance of that happening. 🙂
I would love to try this elderberry syrup. I have made my own but it is time consuming. I work at a local hospital (in a clerical support role) and I have several underlying conditions and am a caregiver, so it’s important to me especially going into flu season, to strengthen my immune system.
Respect to you, Florence! Keep up your awesome work and yes, sounds like it’s very important for you to strengthen your immune system and keep it strong!