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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!
Between the stress of 2020 and a hectic schedule, I would like to get ahead of flu season.
Amen, Sharon!
I am constantly feeling run down because not only do I work full time away from the house – I am also a primary caregiver to my homebound mother – I can’t get sick – so I’m always looking for proven ways to boost my immune system. Your green smoothie recipes keep me going and I would love to try adding this syrup to my arsenal! Thanks!
So glad our green smoothie recipes help keep you going, Angela. Stay strong, sending you lots of health and wellness vibes!
I have been interesting in items that can provide added protection from all the viruses out there as well as to help with my sinusitis. I need the boost from that perspective but also because I work closely with someone who’s spouse is battling cancer and from someone who’s been down that road before, you do all you can to prevent from getting sick or being around someone sick. I’ll make sure to add this juice to my daily routine. Thank you!
Kudos to you, Vanessa, for understanding how your health can affect those around you!
I am a pediatric nurse working in a residential facility. These children are medically fragile. It is important for me to stay as healthy as possible in order to keep the children well also. I have been reading up on the benefits of Elderberry and would like to try it in my smoothies.
Thank you for your work, Bridgett! Stay healthy.
Ever since I got Covid-19 in March and was able to recover. I have been taking elderberry gummies and giving them to my family to boost our immune system. I would to try the syrup for my family.
So sorry you had Covid-19, Lerma, but I’m glad you were able to recover. The gummies and syrup are both great ways to help keep yourself and your family healthy. 🙂
What a yummy recipe! We can all use an immune system boost. But the healthy we keep ourselves the better for us and everyone around us. Thank you so much for doing the hard work of finding the good stuff we need to keep us healthy without medication!
You’re so welcome, Laura! 🙂
I could not find the Dragon fruit but found the Dragon Fruit Powder, will I get the same results?
Ethel, I think dragon fruit powder would be similar enough to actual dragon fruit. I would just make sure there are no added sugars, preservatives, etc.
We are definitely all about immune boosting at our house! We are considered an “at risk” family, and we are doing everything we can to stay healthy and strong! Green smoothies every morning, gut health support, and we love our elderberry syrup!
That’s great, Jennifer! Sounds like you’re kicking butt in the immune boosting department!
I am an essential worker in Hospice care, so it is important that I be in good health as I care for our patients. I am just now learning the multiple benefits of Elderberries and would like to add it to my healthcare plan. Thanks!
Elderberries are truly awesome! Thank you for being an essential worker and stay healthy, Deborah! 🙂
We use Sambucol Effervescent with Zinc and C (which is hard to get right now), would love to have syrup and make the smoothies tho. Love the stuff!
It is great stuff, isn’t it?!
Wow! This looks amazing! I have an autoimmune and had surgery last September that was supposed to help with not getting strep as much. (Tonsillectomy) within 2 days I had pneumonia, developed pneumonia 6 times in the past year. My immune system has been completely decimated. For awhile I wasn’t able to eat but I have been starting to add smoothies back in I am a single mama to a 5 year old so I’m determined to be around a long long time! I’m actually making a instacart (I don’t have the energy to grocery shop and I also have to limit leaving them house being so high risk now) for my smoothie making, my Jack loves them too! Thanks for all you guys do, I have the Fresh Start in front of me. The doctor said I am being poisoned by all the toxins and dead viral cells in my body. Awful. So, I’m doing everything in my power to get healthy once and for all. I spent years having people tell me I didn’t matter and it set in, guys hurting me, I just stopped taking care of myself. It’s been my whole life really. But, all of that led me to my beautiful little dude and he’s worth it, the fight and so am I.
It’s def important to take care of yourself for your little guy and smoothies are a great way to give your body the nourishment it needs. So glad we can help you on your journey to getting healthy and taking good care of yourself. Wishing you health and wellness!
I am a medical student and work daily in hospitals and clinics. Elderberry is the perfect boost to add to smoothies to help keep my immune system active and strong as I see sick patients, especially as we enter COVID-19 + Influenza season.
Keep up your great work and thank you for all you do, Jenny!
With elderberry, it’s super important to be consistent with it. This giant bottle would be great to help with the consistency of having a little bit every single day. It’s important to use things such as elderberry syrup to keep our immune system up at all times instead of consuming it when their systems are already down. This syrup would be great to have during cold and flu season (during a pandemic).
Very true, Jenn! But I also want to point out that studies have shown 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. Either way, it’s a great immune booster to have on hand, especially this time of year!
Elderberry syrup is so helpful when my kiddos get a cold, or allergies got them feeling run down.
It’s such a great thing to have on hand for just those situations, isn’t it?
I ordered some from Amazon last week and can’t wait to make this gorgeous pink immune boosting smoothie!
After you make the smoothie, come back and let us know how you liked it!
My gut needs to be healed and immune system needs to be boosted. I love breakfast smoothies especially with berries, bananas and greens. I can’t wait to try elderberry – it has such good health benefits in the long run. I was fascinated to learn this week about the berry family – mulberries, elderberries and I grew up eating gooseberries. So good and refreshing!!
This smoothie is a great way to help boost your immune system and if you want to add greens to it, I recommend baby spinach or baby kale. You want something mild tasting so it doesn’t take away from the deliciousness of the berries and dragon fruit!