Vegan cacao & almond truffles
I’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to give up chocolate since Christmas, so I thought I’d make myself a healthy alternative to satisfy my very sweet tooth. These truffles are full of nutrients unlike Maltesers, so at least there’s a health benefit to eating them! If you scroll down I’ve listed the main vitamins and minerals within the recipe ingredients and a brief overview of why our bodies need them.
Ingredients
Makes approx 25
20 dates (5 p/100g
3 tbsp almond butter
6 tbsp raw cacoa
3 tbsp maple
¼ tsp almond essence
4 tbsp ground almonds
Method
Put half the dates and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor and blitz. When the mixture is broken up, start adding one date at a time through the top shoot. By adding gradually there is less chance of the blades getting stuck.
Put in the fridge to cool for 30 minutes to firm up. it will still be quite sticky though, which is why you need to follow this next step.
Mix approx ½ tbsp of cacao and ground almonds on a plate or tray and use a spoon to divide up the mix. Roll each ball in the cacao mix so it is easier to handle and shape into small balls about the width of a 10p.
Nutrition facts
Dates:
Phosphorus - bone health.
Calcium - bone, tooth, muscle & nerve health.
Iron /B6 - energy release / blood health / metabolism.
Potassium - controlling fluid balance, regulating heartbeat and blood pressure, reducing lower body inflammation and stress on cells.
High fibre - digestion / gut health.
Polyphenols - dates contain more of this inflammation fighting antioxidant most other fruits and vegetables.
Almonds:
Fibre - higher content than most other nuts.
Calcium - as above
Vitamin E - supports immune function, reduces inflammation, promotes eye health
Riboflavin B2 - growth, development, and function of the cells in your body / converting food into energy.
Niacin B3 - every part of your body needs it to function properly / helps convert food into energy / acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in cell signalling and DNA repair.
Protein - muscle growth and repair.
Magnesium - is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, 60% is found in your bones and the rest in muscles, soft tissues and fluids. It helps convert food into energy and the contraction and relaxation of muscles. Regulates neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. Can reduce migraine frequency.
Potassium - as above
Fat - two-thirds is heart-friendly monounsaturated.
Raw cacao:
Polyphenols - antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Flavanol- increases the level of nitric oxide in your blood, which relaxes and dilates your arteries and blood vessels improving blood flow and heart health.
Magnesium - as above
Iron - the highest plant-based source.
Calcium
Potassium