Maca Energy Balls

These nutrient dense raw balls have so many good ingredients they are perfect for pre or post workout as well as a perfect snack to keep ya goin! As a new Momma on the go, these REALLY help sustain my energy & hunger.

Below are some information on the health benefits of the awesome ingredients:

Maca is a root vegetable related to the turnip and grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil of the Peruvian highlands, maca is another superfood. Maca curtails the effects of stress by helping the adrenal glands regenerate as well as to restore the negative effect that stress has on hormonal health.

Maca possesses the precursors for serotonin. The body will often try to self-medicate when it’s feeling overwhelmed by stress-induced chemical reactions in the brain. This is when the sugar cravings kick in, they are the brain’s attempt to raise serotonin levels. A diet that includes a daily dose of maca will supply the body with what it needs to ward off stress and construct serotonin, thereby reducing or altogether eliminating sugar cravings.

Sterols are steroid-like compound found in both plants and animals that promote quick regeneration of fatigued muscle tissue. Maca is a rich source of sterols. Strength is important for any athlete, even an endurance athlete, as it improves the efficiency of muscle contractions.

When choosing maca, get the gelatinized form. The process of gelatinization removes the hard-to-digest starchy component of the maca root, leaving an easily digestible, quickly assimilated, and more concentrated form of maca.

Oats are a very good source of manganese and selenium. In addition, oats are a good source of, dietary fiber, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.

Flax seeds are a plant source of omega-3.  These essential fatty acids ("essential" meaning they must be consumed because our bodies don’t make them) play an important role in the anti-inflammatory system of our body. Flax is also a great source of fiber as well contains lignans which reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Pumpkin seeds are high in iron, a nutrient some people have trouble getting enough of, especially if you don’t eat red meat. Anemia, a shortage of red blood cells in the body, is commonly caused by low dietary iron or strenuous exercise.  Iron is lost as a result of crushed red blood cells due to intense muscle contractions.  The more active the person, the more dietary iron is needed.  

Goji berries are packed with essential amino acids, rich in vitamin A and C. Goji berries also possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, B2, vitamin E as well as carotenoids, including beta-carotene.

Cinnamon is known for it's anti-clotting, anti-microbial and blood sugar control.

Raw cacao is very high in antioxidant flavanoids, sulfur and magnesium.

The health benefits of almonds are extensive, and they are frequently used as a healthy solution for relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, coughs, heart disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in maintenance of healthy hair, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups quick oats

1/4 cup ground flax seeds & unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup goji berries

2 tsp. cinnamon

3 Tbsp. Maca

2 Tbsp. raw cacao

1 cup almond butter

1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

1 tsp. vanilla

unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling (optional)

Directions:

Combine dry ingredients in food processor, mix until finely ground. Add wet ingredients, process together. Moisten hands & roll into balls. They will set further once refrigerated.