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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!
Our Canadian friends introduced us to elderberry syrup and swear by it – yet I’ve not tried anything with it beyond just taking a spoonful. This smoothie looks like the perfect way to incorporate it into our routine – and who doesn’t love the color! Thanks for being so consistently inspirational!
Your friends up north are on to something! Def try this recipe, if you like elderberry syrup, you will love the smoothie!
Looks so good I will have to try this
It’s delicious! 🙂
It’s tasty and am looking forward to an improved immune system.
So glad you liked it! 🙂
I have been wanting to try elderberry syrup for over a year now, but I haven’t taken the plunge because of the cost. I know crazy how can we put a price on health, but sometimes you have to just make the choice of what is most important like regular food for the family and gas in the car. This smoothie looks yummy and really pretty.
It tastes as good as it looks!!
I’ve been feeling run down. Furloughed from work, now full time school tech support for my kids while they remote learn. In the past I’ve taken elderberry gummies to get me back on track. I imagine this would do me wonders.
I think it really could!
This syrup has gotten us through the COVID-19 ordeal. The whole family has been using it since last November and ( knock on wood ) so far so good!
That’s really great to hear, Adele!
I tried it for the smoothie for the first time today. Really want to boost my immune system to be healthier.
What did you think of the smoothie, Ethel?
This looks like an amazing recipe; I am always looking for ways to boost my immunity! Can’t wait to try it!
Come back to rate it after you give it a try! 🙂
I am 61…WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!!! Friends have been telling me the benefits of Elderberry syrup for a while now and I am going to try these recipes (I love smoothies) and see how it effects my body. Thanks for making healthy delicious too!
Haha, Teresa, age is just a number, isn’t it?! Elderberry syrup is a great way to help keep your immune system strong and if you already love smoothies, it’s a great boost to add to them!
I need elderberry syrup to keep me from being so sick with bronchitis–or at least help it be less miserable. When I get flu or colds, I have them for a month or more. Need to ramp up my immune system!
Def do all you can to keep that immune system strong, Nancy!!
I’ve never tried Elderberry, but have been told that it is the thing to use to boost the immune system and in this time of corona I need all the help I can get. Thanks. #rawkon!
So true, Patricia! Rawk on!! 🙂
Looks like a great smoothie to try! I love elderberry syrup for myself and my kids enjoy taking it! It is a great option for them and gives me peace of mind knowing they are boosting their immune systems.
Come back to let us know how you liked the smoothie after you give it a try!!
This recipe looks DELIGHTFUL! I have a friend that makes homemade elderberry syrup and I would love to see how these compare 🙂
Come back to let us know how they compared to each other, Natalie!
As a para educator working with special need kids, I am finding all the ways to boost my immunity especially in this pandemic season.
It’s great you are looking into all the ways to boost your immune system, there are many! And thank you for the work you do as a para educator, Pavithra!
I’m starting your 10 day challenge again and it would be great to include this immune boosting smoothie!
It would be a great boost to add to the challenge smoothies!
My immune system is in need of real help! I have allergies so severe it’s almost like a flu. I don’t know what triggered my allergies to be so bad but I know I am very susceptible to any cold or flu someone has. I really would love my immune system to have some help and begin a real change in my body. Thanks!
So sorry to hear about your allergies, Laura! I think elderberry syrup could def help strengthen your immune system and fight those allergies. I also want to recommend honey; many folks with allergies say eating a little bit of raw, local honey helps ease their allergy symptoms.