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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 will be shopping to get the ingredients needed for this. Tried dragon fruit for the first time last week and it was super sweet and yummy; may have been a bit overripe; reminded me a bit of kiwi.
We suggest kiwi as a substitute if you don’t have dragon fruit, so when you say it reminded you a bit of kiwi, you were spot on! This is a delicious recipe (as well as being so good for you), come back and let us know what you thought after you give it a try!
I need immune boost to protect my mom, kids, husband, sibling, everyone surround me and I. I will spread the word of “the important how to take care our immune system in our body, especially in this time of pandemic.”
Fauzia, you’re right- it’s so important to take care of ourselves and our immune systems. Especially now!
I tried some homemade elderberry syrup last year – and sad that I ran out too quickly! It’s delicious and sooo good for you! Especially in these Covid times – it’s important to keep immunity up!! I need all the help I can get! Thank you!
Right now, it’s more important than ever!
What a vibrant and beautiful smoothie. I would love to try that. My family has used elderberry for many years now. My two children 10 and 3 have to go to school each day since I am an essential worker and I am always trying to boost their immune system to arm them with a bit of health before we go on our way each day. Thanks for the recipe.
Glad this recipe can help you make sure you and your kids have strong immune systems as you tackle each day!
I would like to give my immune system a boost so I can stay healthy for my family … I’m support person of the year!
Nice!
I would like to give my immune system a boost because I am nursing a newborn, being a teacher to a 16, 10 and 8 year old all while working from home support our troops and catering part time. Elderberry has been a key nutrient in assisting my family stay healthy all year! Let’s keep the good times rolling!
Sounds like you’re keeping busy, Stephanie!
I love your recipes and would love to try this immune boosting one as well!
So glad you love them!! 🙂
Thanks for the great recipes! I work with elderly dementia and Alzheimer’s residents in our memory care communities. We’ve had positive cases and I’m doing whatever I can to ensure I don’t have or spread infections to our wonderful residents.
Thank you for all you do, Ben! This is a great recipe to help strengthen and support your immune system. 🙂
The recipe sounds and looks delicious! I haven’t used this syrup but would like to try it as winter will be here soon and my family needs anything healthy that will strengthen their immune systems.
Give it a try and let us know what you think!
What a gorgeous smoothie! I have 5 kiddos, who I homeschool, so I absolutely positively cannot get sick (who can, though?).
Sounds like you are keeping very busy, Marina! Def important to stay healthy for the kiddos!
I believe I could really use an immune boost. I have a few health problems that cause me to catch about anything going around. Plus my future daughter in law has an immune deficiency so she could really use it also!
This time of year, we could all use an immune boost! 🙂
I would love to try Elderberry syrup, I have a brand new grandbaby and staying healthy to be able to be around her is my top goal! And I just bought some frozen dragon fruit to try in my morning smoothies as well. I love my daily greens!
That’s great, Shelli!
I would love to try the elderberry syrup. My husband works on the frontlines and I am always looking for ways to keep my family healthy!!
Elderberry syrup + this delicious smoothie are great ways to help your family maintain a strong immune system!
With everything going on I’d love to boost not only my families immunity, but also our extended family, neighbors, and friends who need the help. I am auto immune and my grandparents are in quarantine so they really need to boost their immunity. I am buying all the ingredients I need to make this.
That’s great, Desiree! Come back to rate it and let us know what you thought after you give it a try. 🙂
Working in healthcare on the front lines during the pandemic is making my own health and immunity a top priority especially coming into cold and flu season on top of everything else. Having something that I can add into my smoothie to help boost my immune system fits perfectly with my busy shift work life.
Shift work can def take a toll on the body! Smoothies are a great way to nourish your body and help take care of it, especially during a hectic work schedule.
I really love supporting my immune system with natural and tasty treats. I have a concoction that includes elderberry syrup, echinacea tincture and tincture of oregano. It tastes terrible, but really works when I feel a cold coming on. 🙂 This smoothie seems much more palatable! Thanks for the tip!
This smoothie is delicious! You def have to try it. 🙂