Paleo Pumpkin Nut and Seed Bars
PALEO PUMPKIN NUT AND SEED BARS
FOOD AS MEDICINE:
Pumpkin can be used as a treatment for heart health, inflammation, cancer and eye health. The seeds contain a compound called phytosterols, which have been shown to help lower the bad cholesterol levels in your blood. The flesh is high in vitamin A, which is known to promote eye health and protect your vision. Antioxidants in pumpkin, such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene and Vitamin E help bind to damaging free radicals in the body and protect against further damage and inflammation.
Makes 12 bars
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup walnuts
½ cup pecans
½ cup almonds
8 pitted dates
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup almond butter
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
pinch sea salt
1 scoop Naturally Nourished Grassfed Whey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Place the pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans and almonds in the food processor. Pulse a few times. Add the dates and pulse until just combined and chopped into small pieces, about 10 seconds. Place mixture in a medium bowl and set aside. Place the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and sea salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat, stirring frequently, until just bubbling. Turn off the heat and add the whey protein and vanilla extract and stir. Add the liquid mixture to the nut mixture and stir until well combined. Press the mixture into a pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer for at least two hours before cutting into bars. These store best in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition facts: 272 Calories, 17g Fat, 28g Carbohydrates, 7g Protein
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