I have been reading about the importance of including oranges, citrus fruits and vitamin C in our diets. And since my favourite snack is chocolate protein balls I decided to mix them together with a few changes than the general ones I make.
So what are oranges and their peels good for? Here’s what I found in my nutrition studies and reputable online sources.
- 1 orange provides 130 percent of your vitamin C needs for the day.
- according to the American Heart Association (AHA), eating higher amounts of a compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women.
- fights against aging
- fights against cancer
- good vision
- neutralizes free radicals
- beta-cryptoxanthin (the pigment that gives them their brilliant hue). In studies, this compound has been shown to help ward off lung cancer, even in smokers. However smokers do require more vitamin C than non-smokers.
- the skin/ peel fights damage from the sun
- and more!
The best way to gain and absorb vitamins in via food! Speak to your GP if your taking supplements as a lot tend to not absorb as well like it does with “real” food.
The fruits in the recipe are natural, almond meal is used for protein and good fats for heart and brain health and oats for being one of the healthiest grains on earth (fibre, antioxidants plus more).
I have added natural chocolate protein powder to this snack to get me through to the next meal and help muscle recovery and building.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/2 saltanas
- 1/4 cup natural chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 and orange
- 1/3 cup almond meal
- 1/8-1/4 cup almond milk or skim milk (adjust so mixture isn’t dry, as this depends on size of fruit, etc used)
Method
Grate the peel of one orange. Keep half the flesh of the orange and add it to a food processor with the zest.
(Freeze the other half for later use or eat it, don’t throw it out, its too much goodness!)
Measure out all ingredients and add them to the food processor.
Food process all ingredients until it becomes a thick solid sticky texture.
With clean hands, roll mixture into balls, depending on size the mix will make 12-16.
Refrigerate for at least a few hours to set.
Jaffa protein balls will still be slightly sticky and moist but will stay together.
This is the perfect Easter treat for me! Tasting just like Jaffa chocolate lollies without the milk chocolate and refined sugars! Get your sticky fingers all over them! Shhh don’t let on how good they taste, there will be none left for you!