Apple-Cranberry Energy Balls

Immune System Boosting | Nutrient Dense | Fibre Ball | Healthy Snack

Apple-Cranberry Energy Balls

A word on Apples:

Antioxidants:

Apples are extremely rich in antioxidants, one of them being quercetin. Eating apples elevates our quercetin levels, which in turn has been found to have a lowering impact on the risk of several heart diseases. The antioxidants in apples also help to protect our cells from free radical damage caused by factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays, and inflammation within the body.

Fibre:

Apples contain lots of dietary fibre (pectin), which has a cholesterol-lowering effect (also applies for dried apples), and keeps our digestive system healthy. Due to their fibre content, apples have a low glycaemic index, which, in combination with their high flavonoid content can help prevent diabetes, and support weight management.

Vitamins:

Apples are a great source of vitamins! Vitamins A and C support the immune system. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting. Vitamin B (biotin) helps to break down fat, and iodine supports healthy thyroid function.

Organic vs Non-Organic:

Research has shown that organic apples may be higher in antioxidants.

Best Kind of Apple:

All apples are part of a healthy and balanced diet but some studies suggest that Granny Smith Apples may offer the most benefits.

Drinking Apples:

150ml of unsweetened apple juice count towards your 5-a-Day but it’ll never be more than 1 Portion, no matter how much you drink!! Be aware that the sugar in the apples is absorbed into your blood stream much quicker when you drink apple juice, as most of the fibre will have been removed during the juicing process.

Recipe

(makes 15-20)

• 100 g Pitted Dates

• 100 g Dried Apples

• 150 g Oats

• 2 TBSP Almonds

• 2 TBSP Dried Cranberries

• 1-2 TBSP Chia Seeds

• 1½ TSPN Ground Cinnamon

• A Pinch of Nutmeg

• A Pinch of Sea Salt

• 2-3 TBSP Applesauce (if you buy, make sure there is no added sugar)

Mix the oats and almonds in a food processor until you have a fine flour-like consistency.

Add the dates, apples, cranberries, chia seeds and spices to the mix, and process until you have a sticky, crumbly paste.

Add the applesauce (see how wet / sweet you like your dough to be).

Roll out into bite size balls and coat them in some desiccated coconut or ground almond. Put them in an airtight container and let them set for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

They keep up to 5 days in the fridge or can be frozen.