RECIPE: Vitamin C bliss balls

When you think of cold and flu season, what’s the first nutrient that usually springs to mind?

Vitamin C!

Demand for vitamin C is higher when you’re run down, stressed out and feeling slightly under the weather so making sure you are getting to plenty in through your diet is important for staying well.

These tasty bliss balls are just the vitamin C kick you need.

Lemons are one of the top sources of vitamin C with one lemon giving you almost 90% of your daily vitamin C needs. Using both the juice and the zest means these balls get all the added nutrients including vitamin A for mucus membrane support, antioxidants to protect you against free radical harm and powerful phytochemicals that may assist in reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system.

The goji berry is one of the richest sources of vitamin C on the planet with 100 grams giving you 86% of your daily C needs. Just like lemons, these little berries are also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals to help keep inflammation at bay and may help to prevent germs from making you sick.

With the addition of local, raw honey full of enzymes and antioxidants as well as coconut oil, these balls are your once-a-day immune booster.

MAKE THIS TONIGHT: Winter soba noodle salad

Vitamin C bliss balls

{vegan option, gluten free} Makes around 12 balls

Ingredients

• 1½ cups cashews, soaked
• 1½ cups desiccated coconut
• 2 lemons, juice and zest
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, soft but not melted
• ½ cup goji berries
• 2 tbsp local honey or brown rice syrup
• A pinch of rock salt
• Desiccated coconut to coat

How to make

• Place all the ingredients excluding the goji berries into food processor and blitz until it comes together. It is important you do not over mix as it will turn into butter!
• Once it is at your desired consistency, add the goji berries and pulse a couple of times until they are incorporated into the dough. You can do this by hand if you prefer
• Roll the dough into individual balls and coat in desiccated coconut and place in the fridge to set (1-2 hours or preferably overnight)

Roberta’s tips

• Store these balls in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• If you over combine the mix, you can add more desiccated coconut to soak up some of the moisture so they are able to be handled

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Roberta of Naturo Medico is a Naturopathic Practitioner who specialises in preventative care and women’s health. From her Melbourne-based clinic, Roberta sees women of all ages wanting to meet their own health goals and assists them on their path with personalised treatments specific to their needs.

Alongside practice, Roberta shares healthful and nutrient-rich recipes with her readers who inspire her to continue educating on what health and wellbeing means and how it can be achieved.

Follow @naturomedico on Instagram for more healthy eating inspiration!