“According to the Doctrine of Signatures in the 16th and 17th centuries in medieval Europe and England, various plants were employed in herbal medicine as specific cures due to a fancied resemblance of the shape of a root, leaf or fruit to a particular part of the human body. Thus the walnnut was the perfect signature of the human head, while the kernel bore an uncanny likeness to the brain.” – The Book of Edible Nuts by Frederic Rosengarten, Jr. (1984)
When you are on the go or just craving something sweet, it’s a major challenge to find healthy options. I’ve devised this energizing recipe, which is simple, fast and portable. Enjoy!
Coconut Brain Boost Bars
- 1.5 cups walnut halves
- 1/3 shredded unsweetened, unsulphured coconut
- 10 Medjool dates (or 1 cup of honey or other dates)
Mix all ingredients together in Vita-Mix or other high-powered blender for 45 seconds, using the tamper to push ingredients down into the blades for thorough blending. Press blended mixture into 4×6 glass storage dish, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Cut in half length-wise and into 6 width-wise. Yields 12 bars. These keep for about 7 days in the fridge and can be individually wrapped for a snack on the go (You can also freeze them!). Here is a link to the nutritional value – note how rich it is in healthy fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals!
Health Benefit Tally
Walnuts – rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, decreased LDL cholesterol, decreased total cholesterol, decreases clotting risk, reduces inflammation.
Coconut meat – fiber to promote digestion and increases satiety, preventing overeating, manganese to support immune and nervous system health, potassium and copper that promotes heart health.
Dates – iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, copper and magnesium; combats constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain and heart problems.
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