If you really want to know what frustration is, then go to a person who is suffering from a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome aka PCOS. Popping pills, waiting for your periods to come and going through that unbearable abdominal pain can cause way too much discomfort. Not just this but PCOS can have some long term effects such as infertility, difficulty in losing weight, diabetes and excessive hair growth. One syndrome and so many problems, the worst part being, there is no known cause for this issue. Where PCOS can lead to several problems, some changes in your lifestyle and dietary habits can be of great help. Here is a PCOS friendly protein ball recipe suggested by Dr. Aditi Tandon, Obstetrician- Gynecologist and Fertility Expert, Sudha Tandon Fertility Center.
PCOS Friendly Protein Balls
With (PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome being such a great concern amongst women of all ages due to the short term and long term effects of this syndrome, it is important to tackle it with smartness. In order to get the right amount of nutrition one should eat healthy foods and especially when it comes to women suffering from PCOS.
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Here is a simple protein balls recipe as suggested by Dr. Asiti Tandon is prepared with various nuts, seeds and dry fruits, which will provide you with lots of health benefits. Here let us take a look at this PCOS friendly protein ball recipe and the health benefits of various ingredients used in order to prepare it. Try out this healthy recipe that is rich in proteins, contains healthy fats, is vegan, contains no sugar, is rich in fiber and above all these protein balls are PCOS friendly. Follow the given recipe to prepare these delicious yet healthy protein balls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almonds
- 1 cup Walnuts
- ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds
- ¼ cup Chia Seeds
- ¼ cup Flax seeds
- ¼ cup Sesame Seeds
- ¼ cup Halim Seeds
- ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds
- ¼ cup Melon Seeds
- ¼ cup Figs
- ¼ cup Dates
- ¼ cup Raisins
- 60 grams Plant Protein Isolate
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Method
- Heat a pan and add walnuts and almonds to it
- Roast these nuts on a medium-high flame for a couple of minutes.
- Take them out in a plate a allow it to cool down a bit
- Take pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, halim seeds, sunflower seeds and melon seeds into the same pan and roast them well.
- Once roasted take them out into a plate and let cool.
- Take the roasted and cooled almonds and walnuts and grind them into a fine powder using a mixer.
- Take the roasted pumpkin, flax, sesame, sunflower, halim, melon and chia seeds into the mixer and grind well.
- Finally take the dry fruits like figs, dates and raisins and grind them as well.
- Mix these grinded nuts, seeds and dry fruits together along with some plant protein isolate.
- Combine them well and make small balls out of this mixture.
Health Benefits of PCOS Friendly protein balls
We all do consume various food items because of their taste but sometimes in order to keep ourselves healthy and get rid of some underlying diseases we make certain changes in our eating habits. As these protein balls are something that can keep you healthy and are rich in proteins, fiber and healthy fats, it is important to know about all the ingredients used in it and their health benefits.
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Let us take a close look at the ingredients used to make these healthy protein balls and ways in which they can keep you healthy and fit.
#1. Almonds
Packed with the goodness of nutrients and minerals like potassium, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and magnesium, almonds are a nut that we all have been told to consume since childhood in order to get a sharp brain. Its benefits are not just limited to that but consuming almonds on a regular basis and making it a part of your diet can have positive effects on your overall health in plenty of ways.
Making almonds a part of your regular diet can help you to lower the bad cholesterol levels, aids weight loss, provides moisture to the skin, is good for brain health, enhances memory power, prevents cardiovascular diseases and the list goes on.
Also Read: Almonds Vs Walnuts: Which One Is Healthier
#2. Walnuts
A nut whose structure is similar to that of a human brain is known for its memory enhancing power and helps in better brain functioning. Out of many benefits of consuming walnuts, a few are the prevention of cancer, increased metabolic rate, reduced inflammation, weight managements, better sleep, improved heart functioning, mood boosting properties and controlling diabetes.
#3. Pumpkin Seeds
We all have eaten that spicy stir fried pumpkin along with fried pooris and have used pumpkins as a part of halloween decor project, but did you know that the tiny seeds of the large vegetable can be beneficial too? Pumpkin seeds come along with many health benefits such as improving metabolism, reducing blood pressure, improving prostate health, reducing inflammation, treating arthritis, treating kidney stones, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and treating insomnia by providing better sleep.
#4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds is something that has taken over the internet and the fitness industry due to its weight loss benefits. Rich in calcium and antioxidants, these seeds are not just beneficial for aiding weight loss and becoming a part of your overnight breakfast routine but have a lot more to it.With the abundance of nutrients chia seeds are good for cardiovascular health, helps in improving the digestive system, helps in building muscles, is considered to be good for pregnant women, boosts up the metabolism and can provide you with healthy skin.
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#5. Flaxseeds
Small brown seeds that are usually consumed in a roasted form, flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, fiber and antioxidants, these seeds also come along with some anti-inflammatory properties. Making flaxseed a part of our diet can provide you good heart health, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, aids weight loss, balances hormones, boosts immune system, promotes healthy digestion, is good for your joints and can provide you with healthy hair and smooth skin.
#6. Halim Seeds
Halim seeds are not much known in the world of seeds but that does not mean it does not have some great health benefits. Halim seeds are also known as the garden cress seeds. These little brown seeds help in regulating the menstrual cycle, are helpful in stimulating the memory glands to produce milk in lactating mothers, relieves the symptoms of constipation by improving digestion and can also help in treating anemia.
#7. Sunflower Seeds
Rich in vitamins and minerals such as fiber, vitamin E, antioxidants, phosphorus, iron and proteins, sunflower seeds come with various health benefits. Consuming sunflower seeds on a regular basis can help a person to lower bad cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, preventa anemia, improves bone health, eases the pain caused due to arthritis, prevents cancer, controls cellular damage, is good for the heart and also improves the skin quality.
#8. Sesame Seeds
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High in fiber, little sesame seeds come in two forms white and black. Known for their myriad health benefits, sesame seeds are something that are proven to be very helpful in reducing inflammation, keeping your heart healthy, improving bone health and enhancing bone strength, boosts metabolic function, manages diabetes, controls hypertension, prevents cancer and facilitates healthy hair growth.
#9. Watermelon Seeds
A delicious fruit that we all enjoy in the scorching summer heat, watermelon is an absolute favourite. Where watermelon seeds can be slightly annoying when you are trying to enjoy the fruit, but can be of great help for your health. Watermelon seeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B and proteins which can help in regulating the blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular health, improving digestion, keeping the nervous system healthy, fighting diabetes and slowing down the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
#10. Figs
A yellowish- brown dry fruit that comes along with various health benefits, figs are super healthy and rich in various nutrients. Making them a part of your regular diet in any form can help you to reduce inflammation, fight sleep disorders like insomnia, promote bone density, treat constipation, cure diabetes, heal sore throat and reduce the risk of breast cancer.
#11. Dates
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Anatural sweetener and a healthy alternative to the processed sugar, dates are the dry fruits grown in desert areas and used to prepare various desserts. Amongst the various benefits of dates, a few are that they help in gaining weight, boosts energy, treats anemia, strengthens bones, improves eyesight, prevents cancer, reduces the risk of stroke, promotes nerve health and provides relief from digestive disorders such as constipation.
Also Read: Are Dried Dates Good? Know Nutrition, Pros and Cons
#12. Raisins
A dry fruit that has been underestimated and ignited for a long time, Raisins are small dry fruits that are a bit squishy and have a jelly like substance in them. This dry fruit has numerous benefits and hence can have a major impact on your overall health and wellness. Raisins are said to be helpful in treating infertility, fighting tooth decay, induce better sleep and fight insomnia, regulate cholesterol labels, improve skin health and cure conditions like acidity and bloating.