Poppy-Lemon-Apricot Energy Balls

Immune System Boosting | Nutrient Dense | Calming | Healthy Snack

Poppy-Lemon-Apricot Energy Balls

Poppy Seeds:

Even small amounts of poppy seeds provide vast amounts of nutrients:

MineralsIron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and Potassium all are found in poppy seeds. These minerals have positive effects on our heart rate and blood pressure. They promote healthy cell growth, boost the immune system, fight off respiratory infections, help against depression, infertility and type 2 diabetes, and they support strong bones and teeth as well as good muscle and nerve function.

FibreThe outer husk of poppy seeds is a good source of dietary fibre, which promotes a healthy digestion, and has a lowering effect on LDL (Bad) cholesterol.

Fatty AcidsPoppy seeds are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which help lower LDL (Bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (Good) cholesterol, and therefore lower the risk of coronary artery disease and strokes.

And yes, poppy seeds do contain elevated levels of morphine, and yes, they could possibly trigger a positive result for opiates (heroin) on a drug test, but in reality you would have to consume quite a large amount to achieve such a false positive test result. It is safe to say that they are entirely free from any harmful side effects but instead have been found to have rather positive effects like soothe nervous irritability, and act as painkillers.

Recipe

(makes 12-15)

• 100g Oats

• Optional: 1/2 TSPN Turmeric (gives a nice colour)

• 100g Dried Apricots

• 2 TBSP Coconut Oil (liquidized)

• 2 TBSP Poppy Seeds

• 1 TBSP Chia Seeds

• 1 ½ TSPN Vanilla Extract

• 2-3 TBSP of Sweetener like Agave or Date Syrup, or Honey

• Zest and Juice of 1 Lemons

For Coating you can use Lemon Zest, Poppy Seeds, and/or some Shredded Coconut

• Process the oats in a food processor until they are very fine, flour-like, then add the turmeric if using it.

• Add all other ingredients and process until well combined.

• Roll the sticky dough out into bite size balls and coat them with your lemon zest, poppy seeds and / or shredded coconut.

• Place them in an airtight container in the fridge to set. They keep up to 5 days in the fridge or can be frozen.