If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack that’s easy to make, then you have come to the right place. These cookie dough balls are packed with nutrients and are perfect for anyone looking for a sweet and healthy treat. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of soaking seeds and provide you with a recipe to make your own cookie dough balls.

Why Soak Seeds?

Seeds are a great source of nutrients, but they also contain certain substances that can make them difficult to digest. Phytic acid, polyphenols, tannins, nitrogens, and other nutritional enzyme inhibitors can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. Untreated phytic acid can also lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss. That’s why it’s important to soak seeds before consuming them.

Soaking seeds can help remove or reduce these substances and make the nutrients more accessible to your body. Soaking also helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, encourages the production of beneficial enzymes, and increases the amount of vitamins, especially B vitamins. Additionally, soaking seeds can break down gluten and make digestion easier, prevent mineral deficiencies and bone loss, and help neutralize toxins in the colon to keep it clean and prevent many health diseases and conditions.

Recipe for Cookie Dough Balls

Now that you know the benefits of soaking seeds, let’s move on to the recipe for these delicious and healthy cookie dough balls.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 5-6 dates
• 1/2 cup of soaked and sprouted sunflower seeds
• A few drops of stevia
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of peanut, almond, or any of your favorite seed/nut butter
• 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt

Instructions:

1. Soak sunflower seeds in water for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Drain and rinse the seeds, then let them sprout for another day or two.

2. In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they are a coarse flour.

3. Add the dates, sunflower seeds, stevia, coconut oil, seed/nut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Process until the mixture comes together and forms a dough.

4. Add the mini chocolate chips and pulse a few times until they are evenly distributed.

5. Roll the dough into balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the balls are firm.

7. Once the balls are firm, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer until ready to eat.

These cookie dough balls are a great example of healthy snacking. They are easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Soaking the seeds before using them in the recipe not only makes them more digestible but also increases their nutritional value. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty and healthy snack that will keep you energized and satisfied. Plus, by using locally-sourced ingredients, like sunflower seeds from Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, you can support your community and reduce your carbon footprint.