Chocolate orange beauty bites

CHOC ORANGE BEAUTY BITES - Contributed by Sami Bloom

Makes approx. 14-16 balls

These Bites have bountiful benefits for all your beauty bits – hair, skin, nails – as well as boost brain function, cellular response and repair, calcium intake, sex drive and balance hormones. Enjoy 1-2 for morning or afternoon tea.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup raw walnuts (EFAs, B1, B6, Vitamin E, calcium)

½ cup raw brazil nuts (Selenium, zinc)

¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (Zinc)

½ cup desiccated unsweetened coconut (Iron, dietary fibre, improve absorption of calcium & magnesium)

3 tbsp cacao powder (Magnesium)

1 serving NuZest Vegan Vanilla protein powder (Protein makes and repairs body tissues including muscle, skin, bones, organs, nails, hair. It also coordinates hormone production, controls appetite and regulates metabolism.)

 1.5 oranges, rind only (Vitamin C, magnesium)

1 tbsp Maca (Hormonal balancer, alleviates body pain, anxiety, hot flushes, mood. Boosts libido of both sexes. Rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.)

2-3 tbsp stevia (Natural sweetener, 0 calories)

½ cup filtered water or use juice of orange

Pinch sea salt

Preferably iodised to assist thyroid function

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all ingredients except the rind and juice/water into a food processor and blend for 20 seconds, until a grainy powder forms.

Add the zest and pulse several times.

Pour in the juice/water and blend for a final 20 seconds. The mixture should resemble a cookie dough-like batter. If too dry, add more liquid, if too liquid add more desiccated coconut.

Using your hands, take a ping-pong sized amount of batter and roll into a ball. Roll into more orange zest, cacao powder (be careful as it will make it more “bitter”), desiccated coconut or keep plain. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

store in the fridge for the week.

Nutritional  information

Essentails Fatty Acids (EFAs) – essential because your body cannot produce them on its own so they must come from your diet. They are important for brain health, nervous system function, hormone production and support healthy skin and hair.

Zinc promotes healthy eyes, skin, hair and nail growth. White spots on fingernails are a common sign of zinc deficiency. It is needed to assist with lubrication in the vagina. It regulates immunity, speeds wound healing, controls insulin and assists protein digestion.

Selenium is a mineral that can help increase libido and regulate hormones. As an antioxidant it prevents deterioration at a cellular level. It also assists detoxification, helps vitamin E action, improves immune function and has a role in sex hormone production.

Magnesium helps to form hard enamel on teeth and is found in our bones. It assists with calcium absorption and is important in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Alkalising substance that acts as an antacid in the body and helps to regulate body temperature.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and produces and maintains collagen, essential for the formation and repair of connective tissue, muscles, bones, teeth and skin. It fights infections and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Note, vitamin C loses potency when exposed to heat, light and air therefore best consumed fresh and preferably raw.

 Vitamin E maintains tissue elasticity, assists the healing processes and reduces scar formation making. Known as the “sex” vitamin due to its beneficial effect on reproductive health and hormone production, it has been reported to help alleviate vaginal dryness. Vitamin E has also been associated with reduced “flushing” and headaches.

 Protein makes and repairs body tissues including muscle, skin, bones, organs, nails, hair. It also coordinates hormone production, controls appetite and regulates metabolism.

Maca is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. It is a hormonal balancer that alleviates pain, anxiety and hot flushes. It boosts the libido of both sexes and enhances mood.

By Sami Bloom