
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:
- 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!
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 28th, 2013
- “Green Tea” University of Maryland Medical Center. Last Reviewed on 10/14/2011. Accessed November 29th
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