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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!
This was refreshing and smooth, helped me get thru a cold spell everyone around me had.
Ha! It was easier finding dragon fruit than it was trying to find blackberries!
That’s crazy!! Yet, after a recent trip to our store, totally see that making sense. Be sure to check the frozen food section for anything hard to find fresh.
I made my own elderberry syrup and made the smoothie.
Excellent taste
Judith – you put the rawk in rawkstar!! So glad you loved the smoothie! 🙂
Sounds really good. I’d like to try it. I am going to double the recipe for my wife as well for myself.
Awesome, David! I think you’ll both love it!
I took a week off from work and in that week I heard that another coworker’s family member was sick with COVID. I work in a hospital. So going back I felt like I needed to give myself an immune boost. I remembered an email that had this recipe and was So excited to try it. I really really like it! Got all my littles to try it and it’s kid approved too! I’m going to add this to my Breakfast smoothie rotation a 2-3 times a week. Thanks Jen for making this former picky eater try new things!
I love hearing that you’re a former picky eater, Christine! So glad you and your family loved this recipe. Stay healthy!! 🙂
Today i used blueberries&yesterday i used cranberries.i also used low fat coconut milk.i have covid so immune boosting foods are a great help.i feel so much better using immune support supplements.i avoided the hospital .im also taking zinc,vitamin c &,extra vit.d.
Get well soon, Mary!
Immune boosting smoothies are imperative during this COVID19 era. Especially those of us with risk factors. THANKS for the recipe!
You’re very welcome, Betsy! 🙂
Sounds yummy although dragon fruit is hard to get hold of in the UK. What could I substitute it with? I don’t think I’ve actually ever tried it so have no idea what it tastes like and what would be a good replacement to achieve similar flavour.
Hi Beata! Good question! Kiwi is very similar in both taste + texture to dragon fruit. Hopefully you have an easier time finding kiwifruit at your local market. 🙂
Love this smoothie! With my kids going back to school and with the pandemic, I thought it would be good to boost my immunity. I was pleasantly surprised that it tastes really good.
Awesome, Tricia! 🙂
This looks awesome! Gotta get some dragonfruit. I buy elderberry syrup from a local shop.
I get mine from a local shop, also. 🙂 This is a great smoothie, after you make it come back and let us know what you think!
Delicious and good for you at the same time. What better way to improve your overall health and reinforce your immune system at the same time. I can tell the difference when I take the Elderberry because I don’t feel rundown.
That’s great, Judith! 🙂
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing. My sister has raved about elderberry syrup for YEARS now and I’ve been looking for a fun way to incorporate it into my diet.
You definitely need to try this recipe, then! It’s a delicious and colorful way to incorporate elderberry syrup into your diet! 🙂
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune 6 years ago and it’s a struggle to keep my immune system up. I’m always working on boosting my immune system so that the systems of my condition don’t return.
I’m sorry to hear this, Tiffany. This recipe is a great one to have in your arsenal to help you support your immune system and keep it strong. 🙂