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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!
Oooooo this looks so good. I dont have elderberry syrup on hand but I’m going try this recipe without it. My poor immune system always needs help cause I have Hashimoto’s.
So sorry to hear that, Caralee. For sure you can make this without the elderberry syrup if you don’t have any. It still has many great health benefits!
Sounds like a great recipe.
This is a great smoothie that will help you both strengthen and support your immune systems!
I am diabetic and I need all the extra help I can get to remain healthy! Thank you!
Stay healthy, Belinda!
Great to boost immune system during pandemic!
So true, Jane!
Smoothie looks delicious! I would love to try elderberry syrup both for the taste and the health benefits!
It’s awesome stuff!!
What a beautiful-hued smoothie! Can’t wait to try it and serve it knowing my family’s immune systems are boosted in the most delicious way!
Immune boosting, delicious, and pretty! This smoothie is the best. 😀
Looking forward to trying this one!!
It’s super delicious!
My allergies beat me down so trying to get my immune system in check is something I need to work on a bit better. This might help it (elderberry). Thanks!
Sorry to hear about your allergies! I think elderberry syrup can definitely help you combat those allergy symptoms.
I support 7 schools (elem to high) and now that we’re returning to in-person learning it is all the more important to have a healthy immune system. I have my Rawkstar Tonic in the cupboard and would love to add elderberry to my routine.
Elderberry syrup would be a great compliment to your Rawkstar Tonic! 🙂
I would like to boost the immune system of my 2 children who are away at college this semester. I worry about about them taking care of themselves and we always use elderberry syrup to help with that.
It’s definitely a great way to help college kids keep their immune systems strong, especially as they head back to campus this fall.
I am always looking for more options to boost my families immune system. This was a welcome addition to our arsenal. I think it will be a keeper!
Love it!
I take a Tablespoon of elderberry syrup each morning. Last winter I didn’t have a cold or sore throat, cough, runny nose or any flu like symptom. Elderberry is God’s medicine to keep our immune system healthy.
That’s awesome!
I’ll like a boost of my immune system because I’m particularly prone to colds/flu and in this current climate of covid19 one needs to be in the best shape (or at least close).
Very important to keep our immune systems strong, especially now!
The season fast-approaches for building up our immune systems! Besides eating a plant-based diet, I want to ensure that I’m incorporating as many of my ancestors’ natural remedies as possible; elderberry syrup is one of those. Thank you for sharing this new smoothie! ; )
You’re welcome! 🙂
Like many Mama’s, I need my immune system strong to take care of my ever growing son. Love all you do at Simple Green Smoothies!
Gotta stay healthy for the little ones!!
I’ve been wanting to try Black Elderberry syrup for my family for quite some time now after hearing about its benefits from friends and family. I can always trust Jen to bring delicious, clean recipes for my family to enjoy!
Jen’s the best, isn’t she?! She’s got our backs! 🙂