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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.
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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 want to give my immune system a boost because during the pandemic I have slowed down significantly from my usual active and healthy lifestyle and I need a boost to jump start my pre-COVID lifestyle again.
I think there are many of us in that same boat, Dily!
I want to give my immune system a boost because I need an overall system reset. I am working on living a healthier lifestyle so I can prevent heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. I am working on living my best health life.
That’s great, Tricey! We are so glad we can help you on your journey towards your best health.
I am an older gentleman with the ailments that go with growing older. My immune needs all the help it can get.
I hear ya, John!
Thank you for all the outstanding recipes.
So glad you enjoy them, Monique!
I used to use it and never got back to it. I’ve been seriously considering it again.
Hop back on that elderberry wagon, Angela!
I want to give my immune system a boost because I’ve had to continue to work during the pandemic and I want to stay healthy for my family and friends, and make sure that I can continue to work and support myself. I love the smoothie life.
Kale yeah, Olivia! Love the smoothie life! 😀
Have loved all the great smoothie recipes and especially those for immune health and anti-inflammatory health. I started this quest in hopes of bringing better health to my husband and I who, like many, have arthritis. Would love to bring the benefits of elderberry into our daily routine as well. We tried the dragonfruit smoothie recipe and loved it so I think this one will be a hit as well! Thanks for all the recipes and the help to keep so many on the path to wellness and a happier life!!
So glad you and your husband are enjoying the recipes, Linda! The immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory smoothies are some of my faves!
Gotta love that preventative care!
We are all about preventative care, Christen!
I would love to give my immune system a boost because of FOMO! I don’t want to miss out on staying healthy forever! Thanks a bunch, and love your recipes!
Gotta stay healthy so you don’t miss out on all the fun stuff!
This sounds really yummy! I’ve been taking elderberry supplements since the pandemic to keep my immune system strong. So far, I’ve stayed healthy! Fingers crossed! Would love to try the elderberry syrup and this smoothie recipe!
It’s so delicious!
I love knowing that I’m putting healthy foods into my body! I also have a son with kidney problems and a husband who could very much use some more immune boost! This would be a great way to do that!!!
I would love to incorporate the Elderberry syrup into my daily routine to support my immune system. I’ve been run down and need the extra kick to my health. Thank you for the amazing recipes and products you and your company create Jen!
So glad you are loving our recipes, Susan!
It sure would, Cecily!
I work in our local school system & go out into our community, so I come into contact with A LOT of people. I need to keep my immune system in top shape, so I can do my job 100%
Definitely keep that immune system as strong as possible!
I’ve been on a health journey and this would definitely be a boost in it. Cancer runs on both sides of my family and with this pandemic I’ve been a lot more conscious of my health.
I think this pandemic has made so many of us more conscious of our wellbeing and aware of things we can do to help our bodies stay strong and healthy.
I want to do everything I can to help keep my husband and myself from getting sick – sounds like elderberry would be a great addition to our arsenal!
It for sure is a great addition!
I got diagnosed with Kidney failure and high blood pressure at the age of 27 years. You can just imagine being such a young women and having the world right at my feet to be hit with such a low blow and public hospital in SA are not making the process any easier. It’s important to me to have a strong immune system just to reach the age of 50 years. I’m 32 years now and do all I can to keep my immune in good shape.
Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear this, Cleopatra. Wishing you much health and wellness as you manage your condition. Keep fighting and stay strong!
Would love to try this recipe. Need all the help I can get boosting my immune system. It would also be a great help for my grandson who is immune compromised
It’s a great recipe, def give it a try!