Superfood Protein Balls
/From the kitchen of Danielle Betts
This is a wholesome chocolate high-protein snack filled with healthy minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and essential amino acids. GLUTEN FREE. VEGAN.
Ingredients:
2 T. hemp seed hearts
4 T. ground flax seed
2 t. chia seeds
2/3 c. ground almonds or almond flour
5 T. cocoa
3 T. maple syrup or honey
1 t. vanilla
Ground coconut (or extra almond flour) for rolling
Directions:
Add all ingredients into mixing bowl and mix together thoroughly using the back of a tablespoon and pressing against the bowl in a downward motion. Keep pressing and mixing until everything is moist and combined (takes several minutes). Divide into 6-8 balls, roll in coconut (or almond flour). Eat immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Notes from the chef:
I like to substitute the vanilla with dark rum or amaretto. : )
More health information, with credit to: https://www.kindearth.net:
Hemp protein powder: hemp is one of the most complete proteins in the plant food kingdom, containing ALL 21 known amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids required for health.
Flax seeds: an incredible source of omega 3 essential fats, flax seeds also contain up to 800 times more high-antioxidant lignans than other plant foods.
Chia seeds: one of the richest plant-based sources of essential fats; a high-quality protein food and loaded with antioxidants.
Almonds: with an impressive line of up minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, almonds also come as a desirable addition to this medley of super-foods.
Raw Cacao: chock-full of antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, polyphenols, minerals and vitamins, cocoa brings yet another incredible line up of super-food nutrition to these protein balls.
The theobromine in cacao helps to stimulate the central nervous system, relax smooth muscles and dilate the blood vessels. Chemicals naturally present also encourage serotonin and other neurotransmitters that help inspire a good-mood and relieve depression.
Cacao (which is the raw form of cocoa) contains various components like alkaloids, proteins, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic, lipase, lysine, and theobromine, that all work together to improve physical and mental health.
Maple syrup: a natural, unrefined sweetener, much healthier than its distant, refined sugar cousins; used here to bring all the ingredients together with a gentle infusion of sweetness.
Recipe modified from Kind Earth’s Raw Power Protein Balls with cacoa, hemp, chia, and flax seeds.