Will you transform into a superhero if you eat superfoods? That’s not for us to say, but eating foods with a high concentration of nutrients will benefit your overall health. Take these superfood energy balls, for instance. Although their color is due to spirulina, the spirulina isn’t the only nutrient-dense ingredient in this recipe. These energy balls contain almonds, pumpkin seeds, dates, desiccated coconut, and almond butter, all of which offer a combination of healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in fresh or salt water, but we don’t expect you to scavenge the coral reef for it. It is readily available in tablet or powder form and provides many antioxidant compounds that may help protect from various diseases. One review found that spirulina was able to significantly improve markers of total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome. Another review of five studies found that taking between one to eight grams of spirulina per day helped reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Don’t worry about these energy balls tasting like a freshly caught fish, though. The sweetness from the dates and nuttiness from the almond and pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin seeds also contribute to the signature greenish-blue color of these energy balls. They provide lots of zinc, fiber, unsaturated fats, and protein. You’ll be fueled up with just one or two of these balls of energy!
- Prep Time:15m
- Total Time:15m
- Serves: 18 servings
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Appetizers & Snacks, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 c dates, pitted
- 1/2 c raw almonds
- 1/2 c raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 c desiccated coconut
- 1 tbsp. spirulina powder
- 1 tbsp. raw almond butter
Instructions
- Add the almonds and pumpkin seeds to a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground. You don\'t want to blend them into a butter.
- Add the dates, desiccated coconut, spirulina powder, and almond butter to the processor and blend until you achieve a sticky, dough-like consistency. You may need to stop blending, scrape down the sides, and continue blending to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop from the mixture and use your hands to form them into bite-size balls. You should get about 18 of them.
- Transfer the balls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer for about an hour to firm up.
- Remove from the freezer and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to two months.
