Green Tea Protein Balls
What is one way to add power to your day? Green tea! These green tea protein balls are not only a tasty treat but also a nutritious way to incorporate green tea’s benefits into your diet. Not only does it taste refreshing and is a great pick me up, but research shows that green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to type 2 Diabetes. The polyphenols are thought to provide its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) the most studied polyphenol and has been shown to be the most effective at eliminating free radicals. (1)(2) Wondering about the caffeine content? In general, green tea contains only 20-45 mg per 8 oz. cup as compared to black tea with 50 mg and coffee with 95 mg per 8 oz. cup. In addition green tea contains L-theanine which helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation!
Green Tea Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup each: oatmeal gluten free & quinoa flakes
- 2 Tbsp. *matcha green tea powder
- ¼ cup each: hemp seeds & dried goji berries
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp. chia seeds sprouted
- ¼ cup coconut nectar raw (or maple syrup, pure (grade B)
- ½ cup pumpkin seed butter raw
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract pure
- ¼ cup toppings of choice i.e. *matcha green tea hemp hearts; chia seeds, sprouted; coconut, raw; goji berries
Directions
- Add oatmeal, quinoa flakes, matcha green tea, hemp seeds, goji berries, cinnamon, chia seeds, coconut nectar, pumpkin seed butter and vanilla extract to a food processor, process until well mixed and a dough forms. Using a teaspoon, scoop dough out and shape into balls. Roll balls to into the toppings of your choice.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 2 months. Serve with a bowl of strawberries for an extra boost of vit.C!
