Green Tea Protein Balls

What is one way to add power to your day? Green tea! 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!

Power Food: Green Tea

Total Time: 15 min. | Serves: 9 | Serving Size : 2 balls

Free From: Gluten, Dairy, Soy

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:

1. 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.
2. 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!

Note: to make a chocolate version simply add ¼ cup raw cacao powder (this one both kids and adults love!)

*Health Buzz: You can find match green tea powder (whole leaf green tea ground) at your health food stores!

Nutritional Facts: Calories 246   |  Total Fat  11.6 g |   Saturated Fat 5.2 g  |  Monounsaturated Fat  4.1 g |   Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g |  Trans Fat  0 g  |  Cholesterol 0 mg |  Sodium  64.9 mg | Potassium 78.5 mg | Total Carbohydrate  22..5 g |  Natural Sugar 14.5 g  |  Dietary Fiber  6.8 g | Protein  10.5 g |   *Manganese 12.8 % |  *Copper 8.4 %  |  *Magnesium 5.2 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs

 

References:

• Webb, Denise, PhD, RD. “ Hot & Cold- Despite Tea’s Popularity Worldwide, Research on its Health Benefits Remains Inconsistent” Today’s Dietician, Vol. 13 No.1 P. 32, January 2011. Accessed November 28^th, 2013

 

1. “Green Tea” University of Maryland Medical Center. Last Reviewed on 10/14/2011. Accessed November 29th

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