Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls

Tasty energy balls made with a mix of oatmeal, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, honey, dates and matcha green tea powder. Perfect energy-pick-me-up or pre-workout snack.

Having recently researched the benefits of matcha, in addition to having the pure tea, I was curious to also try a few different recipes that incorporate this health boosting ingredient.

After preparing the energy balls I was extremely pleased with the outcome. Not only do they taste delicious , but they are also highly nutritious and very filling.

A few background facts about some of the main ingredients:

Cashews nutrition facts

Good source of protein and monounsaturated fatty acids
Naturally cholesterol free and can help reduce blood pressure
Antioxidant properties which aid in the prevention of LDL (bad) cholesterol oxidation, and thus may help in reducing the risk of heart disease
Contain vitamins such as vitamin E, K, B6 , folic acid and minerals such as copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium

Almonds nutrition facts

Low-glycemic index food, high in fibre and protein
Source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
High in vitamin E which protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Higher vitamin E intake has also been linked to lower rates of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease
Other vitamins include vitamin A, B2 (riboflavin), thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6
Antioxidant properties
Excellent source of the mineral magnesium . Adequate magnesium intake has also been linked to improved bone health as well as reduced blood pressure levels for those suffering from hypertension. According to research magnesium may also help in the prevention of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
Other minerals include manganese, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper

Pumpkin seeds nutrition facts

Source of protein
Contain mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids as well as omega 3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA))
Good source of the amino acids tryptophan (converted to serotonin – nature’s sleeping pill) and glutamate (involved in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) synthesis which aids in stress and anxiety reduction)
Excellent source of the minerals magnesium (also involved in the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of the body and the synthesis of RNA and DNA) and zinc (which aids carbohydrate metabolism in the body, hormone production, improves immune health as well as eye and skin health)
Other minerals found in pumpkin seeds include calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese
A source of the vitamins niacin, folate and vitamin A

Shredded coconut (unsweetened) nutrition facts

Good source of dietary fibre
Contains the minerals iron and sodium
Contains saturated fats which provide an excellent source of energy

Oatmeal nutrition facts

Good source of complex carbohydrates, including soluble fibre (beta-glucan), which has been linked to good heart health and improved control blood sugar levels
High in iron (a component of haemoglobin in red blood cells, as well as potassium which helps control heart rate and blood pressure)
Other minerals include potassium , calcium and magnesium (all of which have been linked to improved blood pressure levels, as well as reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke)
Rich in the vitamins niacin (component of several enzymes; helps to increase energy and metabolism) and thiamin (necessary for nerve and muscle function, carbohydrate metabolism and as a component of various enzymes), riboflavin, vitamin A and B6

DATES nutrition facts

Contain dietary fibre which helps to move waste through the colon and prevent the absorption of LDL (bad) cholesterol
Contain flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as tannins which have shown to have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic (prevent easy bleeding tendencies) properties
Source of iron
Other minerals found in dates include calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc
Contains B- complex vitamins (which help the body metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates) as well as vitamin K and A.

Matcha green tea powder nutrition facts

Source of vitamins A, B-complex,C , E and K
Rich in polyphenols which act as powerful antioxidants

To find out more about matcha’s nutritional profile and health benefits click here.

The recipe (adapted from Feeding Your Beauty) is as follows:

Ingredients:

1/3 cup of raw cashews
1/3 cup of almonds (or ground almonds)
1/3 cup of pumpkin seeds
1 /2 cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened)
2 dates
1 cup of oatmeal
2 tbsp of honey (or maple syrup)
2 tbsp of matcha green tea powder

Instructions:

Place the cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dates in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until fully mixed and sticky. If the texture is too dry, add a splash of water and mix again.

Roll into balls and place in a freezer until firm. Store in the freezer or fridge.

References and Further Reading:

1. http://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-oatmeal-why-you-should-add-power-food-your-high-fiber-diet-328788

2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303864.php

3. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pumpkin-seeds.html

4.http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-shredded-coconut-4027.html

5..https://authoritynutrition.com/9-proven-benefits-of-almonds/

6.http://www.paleoplan.com/ingredients/unsweetened-shredded-coconut/

7. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/dates.html

8.http://www.livestrong.com/article/288255-list-of-vitamins-in-oatmeal/

9.http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3085/2

10.http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3141/2