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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!
Since I have a low immune system, I do what I can to naturally boost it. The elderberry syrup would be a great complement to my diet.
I have always been on the forefront of utilizing foods as medicine. I suffer from mastocytosis and what I eat plays a huge role in how the disease presents itself. Furthermore, I am a teacher who is going into school 5 days a week with students present. I want to protect myself, my family, my friends and my students by keeping my immunity strong! Elderberry syrup sounds like an awesome and tasty way to do so! Thanks for sharing. ✊
We thank all the teachers, Stacey, and we appreciate you!! This is definitely an important time of year to keep our immune systems as strong as possible.
Elderberry syrup is a great addition to your diet to help keep your immune system strong, Phyllis! 🙂
I’ve never used Elderberry syrup before. Interested in how it can boost our immune system. Would love to try it! Thanks, Jen and team for everything you guys do to keep us healthy!
Hey Kelli, you’re so welcome! Our blog entry on making your own elderberry syrup has some great info on its benefits (https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup).
Need this! We’ve been sick in March already with Covid-19 (entire family including our 2 young kids). Unfortunately we are still all dealing with the after-effects, despite it being more than 6 months now since we first got sick). I keep on adding things to our diet that helps boost our immune system and elderberry has been on my to-do list for a few months now.
Honestly, I wanted to make a syrup myself, to keep it as clean as possible. But then I saw this from Sambucol and realised it could be so much easier! I’m all about keeping it easy these days 🙂
Oh, Larissa, I am so sorry to hear your whole family got Covid-19 and are still dealing with the aftereffects! Keep up the good work in adding immune-boosting foods to your family’s diet (and yes, keeping it easy sounds like a good plan for you!). Sending lots of get well vibes your way!
Thank you for the easy and delicious healthy smoothie recipe! Always looking for simple, clean ways to enhance our immune systems and feel good doing it.
You’re welcome, Beth! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
My kids have elderberry immune boosting gummies, but I haven’t boosted myself or my husband. With the pandemic, we have been super careful because we have family with health issues that could be badly affected if they caught covid. If it could be as simple as some syrup in an extra yummy smoothie to keep everyone healthier, count me in! 🙂
That’s great your kids have gummies to help their immune systems! You and your husband def need to get in on the elderberry/immune boosting love! And yes, it is as simple and as delicious as a smoothie, so no excuses!! 🙂
In this day and age, with Covid-19 here, I am trying to stay as healthy as possible. This syrup sounds like it would be a healthy boost to my day to remain in good health through this pandemic and help stay healthy for the rest of my life!
So true, Kelly!
We use elderberry syrup when someone in the house is starting to feel like they are getting sick. Never thought to use it in a smoothie!
You’re already ahead of the game, Valerie! 🙂 Def give it a try in a smoothie and see what you and your family think!
I’ve used black elderberry for myself and my kids whenever there is a need to give their immune systems a boost. With school opening in a week they will go back every other week (the school chose a hybrid model for return), and I just want to arm their bodies the best way I can to stay healthy. I really appreciate SGS and applaud all their efforts to help give me the knowledge and recipes I’ve been looking for to make that happen. You help give me a bit more peace of mind in a world I can’t control. Thank you!
Patty, this was so well said and I believe it echoes the thoughts and feelings of so many parents and guardians out there! I’m sure your kiddos appreciate all you do to help keep them healthy! (even if they forget to say so 😉 )
I want to keep my immune system strong one because of covid-19, two I deal with Endometriosis and I have a very weak immune system.
Stacey, I’m sorry to hear about your endometriosis but you are right. It’s very important (especially this year) to do all you can to help your immune system be as strong as it can.
It would be an immune booster for the family – whenever I make smoothies usually everyone ends wanting to have some.
Way to share the smoothie love with your whole family, Ramona! We love it when smoothies become a family affair. 😀
I want to keep my immune system strong because my husband is going through cancer treatment. Keeping myself healthy and strong helps keep him healthy.
I love your outlook, Amber! Sending you both good vibes as you go through this tough time.
While there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for illness, supporters of elderberry say the fruit is one of nature’s most versatile solutions for what ails you. I need this immunity booster to alleviate my stress levels and tame inflammation from eczema and other skin conditions. Also, I am working towards having a healthy diet that includes foods with vitamin B, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
Way to take ownership of your health, Jenny!
Before there was a pandemic I’ve looked for different ways to keep my immune system on point. Especially during these times since I live with my parents, I have to also try to keep them in top top shape. I haven’t tried this recipe, but I have pinned it, as it looks like a winner!
After you try it, come back to rate it + let us know what you think! 🙂
I am 70 years old and have been on a mission to get healthier every day. I began following Jen almost since the beginning and have made her smoothies a part of my life with the intent of putting the right stuff into my body for greater immunity. Now more than ever I need to do the right thing. This looks terrific and I want to try it.
Thanks for being part of our awesome Rawkstar Community for so long, Cathy!! I love that we have been able to help you on your journey to being healthier every day. (That’s a wonderful mission, by the way!) 😀
I would love a natural way to boost my immune system. I work in a children’s hospital. With the pandemic, the upcoming flu season, and with some of the kids going back to school and daycares as well as the kids participating in contact sports my risks has significantly increased. I want to stay healthy for myself and to serve the community.
Elderberry syrup is definitely an awesome natural way to boost your immune system. Stay healthy, Diane!
I love elderberry and this smoothie looks fantastic! I have never added syrups to my rawskstar smoothies, but would love to try!
Give it a try and come back to let us know what you think!