Garbanzo & sunflower seed cupcakes

Warning: This recipe is extremely delicious and easy to make!

So, first of all this recipe has only 6 ingredients and doesn't require a lot of tools. Prep time is about 5 minutes and cook time is 35 minutes, or depending on the size of your cupcake mold. It's also full of healthy ingredients!

I have to say, when making these cupcakes I didn't think they would turn out this good. This is the first time I've used sunflower seeds in any recipe (or eating them at all) and I was gladly surprised by the nutty and exquisite taste they give. It kind of reminds me of Arabic desserts. YUM!

I do have to tell you, the cupcakes rise and then flatten out. So don't worry if it happens to yours.

Let's talk about the benefits of two important and often times not highly consumed ingredients:

Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)

1. They help you keep a healthy weight: 1 cup contains 269 calories, half your daily value of fiber and 30% of your protein, which monitor the insulin that causes your body to store fat. If you eat a cup of chickpeas for lunch you will feel full until dinner!
2. Regulates your blood sugar: If you need to regulate blood sugar, incorporate garbanzo beans into your diet. They digest slowly without spiking blood sugar and also lower hemoglobin A1C levels.
3. Powerful antioxidant: They are high in selenium, a mineral that supports liver enzyme function and detoxifies cancer-causing compounds from the body. Chickpeas are also a good source of folate, which helps formation of cancer preventing cells.
4. Energy for longer: 1 cup contains 64% of your daily copper and 26% of your daily iron. These minerals work as a super team to keep you energized.
5. Boost you immune system: Did you know zinc inhibits replication of rhinoviruses (bugs responsible for colds)? Well, garbanzo beans contain up to 23% of your daily zinc.

Sunflower Seeds

1. Take care of your heart: Studies have shown that high levels of inflammation are correlated to an increased risk of heart disease. But the supply of Vitamin E (80% of your daily value in every ¼ cup) helps to reduce body inflammation.
2. Protect yourself from cancer: Vitamin E protects men from prostate cancer, and a new study conducted by the Texas Woman’s University suggests that it can also help to reduce the risk for lung cancer. Sunflower seeds also contain selenium, an antioxidant that is important for preventing breast cancer. This compound also helps DNA repair and detoxing the body of harmful, damaged cells.
3. Look after your thyroid: One of the keys to controlling thyroid disorders naturally is to include more selenium and iodine in your diet.
4. Combat osteoporosis, bone loss, and muscle cramps: Sunflower seeds provide a high amount of essential trace mineral magnesium, which helps balance the calcium/potassium ratio within cells, is crucial for cardiovascular health and it aids in healthy blood pressure. They are also rich in pantothetic acid (B vitamins) which plays an important part in synthesizing fat, regulating hormones, and maintaining healthy brain function. Mild deficiencies in vitamin B5 include fatigue, muscle cramps, and plantar fasciitis.
5. Look youthful: Vitamin E is especially useful for maintaining youthful, strong, healthy skin. And sunflower seeds contain Vitamin E, in addition to essential fatty acid lipids that help keep skin hydrated and free from sun and pollution damage.

And now for the recipe!

You'll need:

• 1/2 cup garbanzo beans (rinsed from a can or cooked at home)
• 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds (unsalted)
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 and 1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Preparation:

• Preheat oven at 350°F.
• Mix everything in your blender or food processor.
• Grease cupcake molds.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly dry.
• Turn oven off and leave cupcakes in for another 5 minutes.

Enjoy and let me know if you try it! I would love to read your comments.

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Pictures and content are mine. Recipe also by me.