Skin-Boosting Power Snacks [Fast & Easy, Kid Approved, WFPB]
One of the perks you hear a lot from people who switch to a whole foods, plant-based diet is that their skin glows. Often dairy, sugar or other foods that are eliminated or reduced can contribute to acne or other skin issues.
When I switched, however, I noticed that my already dry skin (Colorado isn’t exactly humid) got even drier. I even developed some annoying dry and scaly patches on my face at times. I found myself wondering if the minimal oil or animal products were necessary to help my skin. What I found out was fascinating.
In reviewing Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen, I realized that I was not getting the 2 Tablespoons of flax he recommended. I would put a few tablespoons in the smoothie I made for our whole family several times a week, but I was only getting maybe 2 tablespoons of flax per week. This sparked an idea that perhaps flax would improve my dry skin, and so I did some research. Sure enough, in a study that compared the effects of flax oil to safflower oil on skin, researchers found that flax oil contributed to skin that was “significantly better hydrated, had significantly better barrier function, was less rough, less scaly, and was smoother” compared to the safflower group.
Dr. Greger recommends eating the whole seed over just the oil, so I began adding approximately 2 TBSP of flax to my daily oatmeal. Within a few days I noticed a significant improvement in my skin. When the flax ran out or I didn’t get any for several days due to travel, etc. the dry skin is back! So while the animal products and oils may have played a part in hydrating my skin, flax is doing it better than anything I’ve experienced before. Research has also shown flax provides amazing protection against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
While I am okay with adding ground flax to my oatmeal every day, it makes it a bit gloppy and my family is not jumping on the gloppy oatmeal train just yet. So I began looking for ways to work it into other foods we are eating.
These flax power balls are very similar to a variety of others I’ve tried, but with a significant amount of ground flax. Another perk of the flax is that they tend to hold their shape better at room temperature. We all love these and I couldn’t wait to make some the day I got home from the hospital! A few days of hospital food and I was eager to get back to flax. They hit the spot for a little treat.
Tips on flax:
Whole vs Ground: Flax needs to be ground to maximized nutrient absorption, however, I always buy my flax whole in the bulk bins at Sprouts. It’s usually around $1.50/lb, even less when it’s on sale. The nutrients in flax begin to break down after it’s ground so I like to invest a minute or two and grind it fresh in my blender. Ground flax usually runs around $5-6/lb. The majority of packaged ground flax I see is organic, while the flax I get in the bulk bins is not. Something to keep in mind, but with the significant cost savings, I am sticking with the non-organic, whole flax seeds.
Sidenote: did you know that in testing the breastmilk of vegetarians, it was found that the vegetarians with the highest levels of chemicals in their milk still had lower levels than the nonvegetarians who had the lowest levels of chemicals? It makes sense that animals have a lifetime to build up pesticides from their food and surroundings, which then becomes concentrated in their flesh. So keeping meat to a minimum is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to avoid unnecessary pesticides! 1
Storage: I keep my flax in the freezer, however, Dr. Greger says you can keep it at room temperature for a month before it oxidizes or loses nutrients.
Baking: Unlike flaxseed oil, you can bake flaxseeds without destroying the omega 3s.
Time Saver: A kitchen scale makes measuring the sticky peanut butter and honey a cinch!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Passive Time | 0 minutes |
| Servings |
1 inch balls
|
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder AND/OR 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut or almond butter 8.8 oz
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup 3 oz, or more to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients
|
|
- Mix oats, flaxseed and cocoa powder. Add nut butter, honey and vanilla to center of bowl. Stir in the center of the bowl to combine wet ingredients as much as possible before combining with dry ingredients. Finish combining with clean hands if necessary.
- Roll mixture into one inch balls. Store in fridge.
Whole vs Ground: Flax needs to be ground to maximized nutrient absorption, however, I always buy my flax whole in the bulk bins at Sprouts. It’s usually around $1.50/lb, even less when it’s on sale. The nutrients in flax begin to break down after it's ground so I like to invest a minute or two and grind it fresh in my blender. Ground flax usually runs around $5-6/lb. The majority of packaged ground flax I see is organic, while the flax I get in the bulk bins is not. Something to keep in mind, but with the significant cost savings, I am sticking with the non-organic, whole flax seeds.
Storage: I keep my flax in the freezer, however, Dr. Greger says you can keep it at room temperature for a month before it oxidizes or loses nutrients.
Baking: Unlike flaxseed oil, you can bake flaxseeds without destroying the omega 3s.
Time Saver: A kitchen scale makes measuring the sticky peanut butter and honey a cinch!
Recipe Adapted from https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239969/no-bake-energy-bites/
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Yum! That looks so good! Pinning, for sure. I love throwing flax in oatmeal or smoothies. I had no idea it had skin benefits. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at #heartandsoullinkup