ORANGE FLAVOURED ENERGY BALLS

ORANGE FLAVOURED ENERGY BALLS

Makes 22 balls

 

When evenings turn into nights and into early sleepy mornings, energy balls become indispensable on my desk. Since they not only taste divine, but are also healthy, their extraordinary rapid disappearance in our family can be explained without much difficulty …

 

Almonds represent a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, and also vitamin E, which, as the antioxidant, protects our cells against the oxidative stress.

 

Freshly squeezed orange juice contains plenty of vitamin C. It is essential for the synthesis of collagen (the most widely represented protein in the body) and carnitine, which carries fatty acids into the mitochondria, thus contributing to the production of the main source of cellular energy, the ATP molecule. Moreover, vitamin C is directly involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that allow communication between neurons. It plays an important role in the immune system and stimulates the formation of osteoblasts, cells that include calcium in the bone tissue.

 

Coconut is an excellent source of medium-chain fatty acids and fiber. Dried apricots, dates and honey provide fiber and enough glucose that our cells need to produce energy. An adequate level of blood glucose is the most important for the normal functioning of the neurons, as they can only use glucose as the only source for energy recovery.

 

Although I mentioned only some of the most important positive effects of the ingredients used, the above list became slightly longer than I initially expected. Contrary to the long introduction, the preparation of these balls is extremely fast and simple. They are, therefore, a wonderful snack that can find its permanent place in every school bag, car or in a slightly more hidden desk drawer.

 

For the energy balls:

  • 60g dried apricots
  • 100g dates*
  • 60g almond butter
  • 150g shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1-2 tbsp maca (optional)
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice

METHOD:

  1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or a blender. Blitz until the mixture starts to clump together.
  2. Shape into 22 bite-size balls.

 

* You may want to soak the dates for about two hours prior to making this recipe. This will help them blend easily.

 

Storage:

Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for a couple of days or place them in the freezer where they will last for about a month.

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