Carrot Ginger Energy Bites

I would like to share a recipe for Energy Bites, which I came across while looking for a finger food idea. I think it is a great healthy treat or snack for people, who are avoiding gluten, dairy and refined sugar.

These Energy Bites are made with only 7 ingredients. The recipe is super quick, healthy and appropriate for getting children involved in the kitchen. When your kids like to play with Play-Doh, they will definitely have a fun time to roll some yummy Power Balls.

Rolled oats are high in fiber and thus slow-digesting and low-glycemic. It will not spike blood glucose such as Quick-Oats, which contains less fiber. Rolled oats are an excellent source of manganese and molybdenum.

Manganese is a trace mineral and an essential part of biochemical reactions that affect bone, cartilage, brain function and energy supply, explains Jeanne Freehand-Graves, R.D., Ph.D., professor of nutrition at the University of Texas Austin. Manganese helps build and maintain strong bones and cartilage. Manganese is also necessary for proper brain function. Low levels have been associated with seizure disorders such as epilepsy. And last but not least, manganese helps your body to break down carbohydrates and fat for energy.

Molybdenum is another important trace mineral and part of sulphite oxidase, an enzyme that helps detoxify sulphite, compounds found in protein foods and used as chemical preservatives in some foods and drugs. Some people are super sensitive to the sulphite used in additives, developing asthma and other health issues.

Oats are also a very good source of phosphorus as well as a good source of copper, biotin, vitamin B1, magnesium, chromium, zinc and protein.

Carrots are rich in vitamin A which is very important to build and maintain eye health and an effective immune system.

Walnuts are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Walnuts are also rich in antioxidants. Our bodies can take ALA and use it to produce energy for our cell. ALA is also the primary building block for EPA and DHA, important for our immune, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and nervous system.

I could go on and on explaining the important health benefits of nutrients.

One last note to the benefits of using ginger. It has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects. Another interesting ability is that ginger is very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, especially seasickness. In fact, in one study, ginger was shown to be far superior to Dramamine, a commonly used over-the-counter and prescription drug for motion sickness. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.

The original recipe is from Natalie.  I appreciate that her recipe inspired me in getting more creative with Energy Bites. They are also a genius way to fill school lunch boxes with nutrient dense “treats”.

Carrot Ginger Energy Bites

Serves: 24

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 dried Medjool dates
• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• ½ cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup fresh carrot finely grated
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup shredded coconut for dusting

Instructions

1

Remove the pits from dates and soak them in hot water for several minutes. When the dates are softened, drain them and place in food processor. Save the water.

2

Add the other ingredients to a food processor and blend until mixture turns into a dough-like consistency. Add 1 tablespoon of water in which you have soaked the dates if the mixture is too dry.

3

With the small spoon scoop the mixture and roll into balls. Doing this with wet hands will prevent sticking. Roll and shake the balls on a tray in shredded coconut. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.

4

Keep the energy balls frozen up to 3 months in the freezer.

Notes

Oats are often labeled gluten free, but wheat cross-contamination and proteins in oats can still cause a inflammatory response in people very sensitive to gluten or with Celiac disease. I would recommend to skip grains completely. I will provide a grain free version in another recipe.