Nettle Seeds Energy Protein Balls

Learn how to make Nettle Seeds Energy Protein Balls. This nutrient-dense snack is easy to prepare, boosts natural energy, and supports your overall health with adaptogenic herbs and superfoods. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of day!

Protein Balls with Nettle Seeds: A Delicious and Nutritious Snack

If you’re looking for a healthy, energy-boosting snack, protein balls with nettle seeds are a fantastic choice. These little balls of goodness are delicious and packed with nutrients that support your nervous system, adrenal glands, and overall well-being. Let’s dive into the world of nettles and learn how to make these tasty energy balls!

The Magic of Nettle Seeds

Nettle is one of my favorite herbs, so I always add it to a recipe whenever I can because it is a nutritional powerhouse. Nettle is very popular in Europe and grows everywhere, so there is never a lack of it. My family used to harvest it fresh and eat it either cooked or dried. I wanted to make some healthy snacks, and nettle seeds came to mind, so I incorporated them into the recipe.

Nettle seeds come from the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica), known for its tiny hairs that can cause a stinging sensation. Despite this, nettle seeds are an excellent way to incorporate adaptogenic herbs into your diet. They are rich in fatty acids and are believed to support the endocrine system and lower blood pressure. In traditional herbal medicine, they have been used to help with urinary tract infections and the early stages of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Why Make Protein Balls with Nettle Seeds?

Nutrient-Dense Snack

Protein balls are packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Ingredients like nettle seeds, hemp seeds, and maca powder offer a powerhouse of nutrients that support health.

Natural Energy Boost

With natural sweeteners like dates and golden berries, these protein balls provide a quick and sustained energy boost, making them perfect for pre- or post-workout snacks or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Adaptogenic Benefits

Ingredients like nettle seeds and maca powder have adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress, balance hormones, and support the adrenal glands and endocrine system. Nettle and maca powder also helps balance hormones.

Easy to Make

These protein balls are simple to prepare with a food processor and a few basic ingredients. They are a quick recipe you can easily make at home.

Ingredients for Nettle Protein Balls

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They provide protein balls with a delicious, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. Hazelnuts are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and copper.

Dates

Dates are natural sweeteners that offer a rich caramel flavor and a sticky texture, which helps bind ingredients together. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to protein balls.

Hemp Seeds Protein

Hemp seeds are a complete source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They are also rich in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals. The protein powder made from hemp seeds provides a nutty flavor and a boost of nutrition.

Maca Powder

Maca powder is derived from the root of the maca plant and is known for its adaptogenic properties. It helps to balance hormones and increase energy levels. Its slightly sweet and malty flavor complements other ingredients in protein balls.

Golden Berries

Golden berries, or Incan berries, are small, orange fruits with a tart and slightly sweet flavor. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamins C and A. Golden berries add a chewy texture and flavor to protein balls.

Nettle Seeds

Nettle seeds come from the stinging nettle plant and are packed with nutrients, including fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. They have adaptogenic properties and can support the endocrine system. Nettle seeds add a subtle earthy flavor and a nutritional boost to protein balls.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of protein balls, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Cashew Butter

Cashew butter is made from ground cashews and has a creamy, mild flavor. It is rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, making it a perfect ingredient for adding creaminess and binding the ingredients together in protein balls.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preparation:
   • Puls goldenberries and dates in the food processor first.
   • Add nettle seeds and hemp seeds and pulse again until the mixture is finely ground.
2. Mixing:
   • Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add cashew and maca powder. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Forming the Balls:
   • Roll the mixture into little balls by hand and coat them with nettle seeds or extra desiccated coconut for added texture.
4. Chilling:
   • Place the energy balls in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up.

Benefits of Nettle Seeds

Nettle seeds are celebrated in herbal medicine for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress and support the nervous system. They are also thought to benefit the adrenal glands and have been used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Serving Suggestions

These nettle seed protein balls are a perfect snack for any time of day. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are a wonderful way to incorporate wild foods into your diet and enjoy the benefits of stinging nettles without the side effects.

Ingredient Substitutions for Nettle Protein Balls

If you need to substitute any of the ingredients in the protein balls. Have fun playing with it.

Hazelnuts

• Substitute: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• Reason: These nuts also provide a nutty flavor, crunch, and are rich in healthy fats and protein.

Dates

• Substitute: Figs, prunes, or raisins.
• Reason: These dried fruits also add natural sweetness and a sticky texture to bind the ingredients.

Hemp Seeds Protein

• Substitute: Pea protein powder, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
• Reason: These alternatives offer a good source of protein and essential fatty acids, with similar nutty flavors.

Maca Powder

• Substitute: Ashwagandha powder, ginseng powder, or lucuma powder.
• Reason: These adaptogenic herbs and roots can provide similar hormone-balancing and energy-boosting properties.

Golden Berries

• Substitute: Dried cranberries, goji berries, or dried apricots.
• Reason: These fruits add a similar chewy texture and burst of flavor, along with a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Nettle Seeds

• Substitute: Chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
• Reason: These seeds also provide essential fatty acids, fiber, and other nutrients, though they lack the specific adaptogenic properties of nettle seeds.

Salt

• Substitute: Sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or omit if on a low-sodium diet.
• Reason: Different salts can enhance the flavor in similar ways, though you can also omit it if necessary.

Cashew Butter

• Substitute: Almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter.
• Reason: These nut and seed butters provide a creamy texture and healthy fats, with slightly different flavors.

How to Store Nettle Protein Balls

To keep your protein balls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the protein balls for up to three months. When freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Making protein balls with nettle seeds is a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of this powerful plant. With ingredients like cacao powder, coconut oil, and raw honey, these energy balls are healthy and incredibly tasty. Try this recipe and discover one of the most delicious ways to incorporate wild foods into your diet. Happy snacking!

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