Move over nuts! Seeds are the holy grail of plant foods. They’re tiny, shy and little – easily overlooked and ignored – or at best, used as a salad garnish. Today I am going to share how you can create seed energy balls with these little gems.

Most people prefer nuts (I guess because of their more seductive taste and bite-sizedness). But, let me shout from the hilltops, my friends…

 “Seeds are some of nature’s best superfoods”.

In the true use of the term superfood, they are nutrient-packed powerhouses, concentrated, with some of nature’s finest sustenance.

Super Seed Energy Balls with hemp, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds by Anastasia, Kind Earth - gluten-free, vegan

Seeds are actually big plants, all tucked up in a shell. Say what!?!!

Yes, it’s true – that little seed you are looking at is actually a massive plant in disguise.

Think about it – one tiny sunflower seed grows into a giant sunflower. One tiny pumpkin seed can create a whole lot of big pumpkins. You see, as you probably already know – a seed is designed (with a bit of water, sunlight and soil) to grow from a tiny unassuming, little treasure, into a huge plant that produces leaves, flowers and infinitely more seeds than the one, tiny humble seed that started to the whole process.

The power of seeds is a force to be reckoned with.

Super Seed Energy Balls with hemp, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds by Anastasia, Kind Earth - gluten-free, vegan

A bit about the goodness in seed energy balls…

Essential Fats

All seeds are high in essential fats. In this recipe, the flax and hemp seed come up top for omega-3 – an essential fat that is excellent for heart and brain function, often in short supply in most diets. Hemp seed also has the ideal balance of omega 6 -to- omega 3, which is considered to be optimal by health experts.

Protein and essential amino acids

The seeds in this recipe ensure that you receive a good dose of all the essential amino acids. Using a balance of different seeds in your diet, like this, will also ensure a great supply of protein.

Nutrient-dense

As well as protein, these energy balls are jam-packed with other nutrients. We’re talking phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, B vitamins, vitamin K and anti-oxidant rich vitamin E (and more). All essential for supporting health on multiple levels.

Excellent source of fibre (yep, that’s how we spell fibre here)

Like most plant-based foods, seeds are naturally full of fibre. Fibre is good for blood sugar control, helping to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and absorption of sugar. It is also great for promoting healthy bowel movement, heart health and weight-loss management. Fibre is not really an issue on the sort of food we recommend here at Kind Earth Kitchen, but thought I’d add it to the list of benefits anyway.

Lower cholesterol and blood pressure

Seeds (to varying degrees) possess important cholesterol-fighting fibres known as lignans. Flax seeds contain exceptionally beneficial levels – more than most other foods. Studies also show that this beneficial action from seeds can in turn lower blood pressure.

Antioxidant-Rich Seeds

All seeds have a beneficial level of antioxidants, whilst some seeds are absolute powerhouses full of the stuff. Flax, is one of the highest-rated antioxidants amongst plant foods, coming up top for polyphenols, which are superstars in the antioxidant world.

Read more about the benefits of seeds here: Importance of Seeds for A Healthy Diet

Super Seed Energy Balls with hemp, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds by Anastasia, Kind Earth - gluten-free, vegan

Super Seed Energy Balls with hemp, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds

Yield: 15 small balls
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

A superfood seed energy ball recipe benefiting from hemp, flax, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Jam packed with healthy goodness.

Ingredients

  • 75g sunflower seeds (1/2 cup)
  • 3 tablespoons hemp seeds (25g)
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (30g)
  • 100g dates (pitted) - (2/3 cup approximately)
  • 3 heaped tablespoons raisins
  • 3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Grind sunflower seed, hemp seed and pumpkin seed in a food processor until coarse. If you have a powerful food processor, this will only take a few seconds. You don't need it 'finely ground' - but you do want it broken down into tiny pieces (sort of rustic looking).
  2. Add the dates and raisins and then process until everything starts combining together and the dates/raisins are well broken down.
  3. Add the coconut, flaxseed, cacao and vanilla extract.
  4. Process until everything is evenly combined.
  5. It should stick together nicely if you compress between your fingers.
  6. Take small chunks with a teaspoon and roll together into balls.
  7. Pop into the fridge to chill and firm up (should keep for a few days) or enjoy them right away.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Pin on pinterest for later…

Super Seed Energy Balls with hemp, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds by Anastasia, Kind Earth - gluten-free, vegan