Superfood mood-boosting vegan cookies

As you know, yesterday USA celebrated the  National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (probably one of the best national food holidays, maybe except of National Whipped Cream Day and Ice Cream For Breakfast Day). Due to this how so important event, we connect with our American fellows by preparing those little black beauties - maybe not EXACTLY choco chip cookies, yet I believe a really nice (and healthy) variation of them. Vegan, gluten-, sugar- and guilty-free. Moreover, they contain the whole range of superfoods, which benefits are summarised below: 

COCOA

One of its most appreciated values is the antidepressant effect, which is due to the presence of phenethylamine - a mood-boosting neurotransmitter. Cocoa is also the source of magnesium, essential for proper functioning of muscles and nerves). It is also rich in dietary fiber, improving digestion and, hence, beneficial in terms of weight loss.

GOJI BERRIES

They contain all of the essential amino acids, contain 15 times more iron than spinach and are loaded with vitamin C and dietary fiber. Moreover, goji berries have the highest protein concentration of all fruits - and these are only a few of their numerous health benefits! They really are superfoods, aren't they?

BANANAS

They contain tryptophan - amino acid which is turned into serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for good mood and happiness. They are also a source of vitamins and minerals: vit. B6, vit. C, magnesium, potassium and dietary fiber. Due to the presence of natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) they are perfect energy-boosters.

WALNUTS

Apparently, even though containing pretty large amount of kcal / 100g, walnuts aid in weight loss, as their consumption results in satiety. This is due to large amounts of fats, proteins and fiber they contain. They are also a great source of antioxidants, which prevent heart diseases, as well as of omega-3 fatty acids, which help in stress reduction and brain functioning. Eating walnuts also aids proper sleep, as they increase the amount of melatonin in your organism .

COCONUT OIL

The benefits of coconut oil surely need a separate post to fit in, but these are some of the most important (and interesting) ones: it helps fat burn (YES, we couldn't believe that either at first), prevents infections, reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the level of HDL (good) cholesterol at the same. 

If you are looking for more recipes which can positively affect your health and naturally elevate your spirits, check out our smoothie of happiness as well.

Ingredients

cookies

1 glass rice flakes

1.5 glass hot water

2 mashed bananas

0.5 glass date syrup / mashed dates

0.5 glass crashed walnuts

0.5 glass goji berries

0.5 glass coconut shreds

4 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

icing

3 tbsp cocoa powder

3 tbsp xylitol

2 tbsp coconut oil

Preparation

1. Overflow rice flakes with hot water, leave for 20-30 min to absorb the water. 
2. Add bananas and dates, blend to achieve an even mixture.
3. Add walnuts, goji berries, coconut shreds, cocoa powder, oil and vanilla. Mix everything together.
4. Form round cookies with a spoon (dough may be glutinous) and place them on a baking sheet covered with oiled baking paper. Bake for ca. 25 min in 180 degrees.
5. Heat and mix oil with cocoa and xylitol until achieving and even mass. Use as icing.