These South American-inspired healthy Chocolate Brazil Nut Balls are a nutritious addition to your weekly menus. They take minutes to make and provide you with a daily dose of selenium.

brazil-nut-fig-energy-balls — Healthy fig, brazil nut, and cacao energy boosters

We all need a sweet chocolaty fix from time to time! I have a sweet tooth myself, it takes daily discipline for me to avoid unhealthy snacks.

My strategy is to not buy unhealthy snacks in the first place, then I don't have to try to resist the temptation!

I always have some sort of a healthy snack available, or if I run out, it only takes 5-10 minutes to make a batch of energy balls.

I believe that eating something guilt-free plays has a positive impact on overall digestion.

These chocolate Brazil nut balls were developed while I was working at Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort in Phuket. The aim behind this particular recipe was to provide it as a selenium booster.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports many bodily processes. It can help improve cognition, immune system function, and fertility. Selenium is a nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis and protecting the body from oxidative damage and infection.

This recipe is a win-win; it tastes delicious and provides good nutrition. I recommend making a batch every couple of weeks at least.

They make great lunch box treats for kids, they go well with your cup of morning coffee or before your workout for an extra boost.

Ingredients for Chocolate Brazil Nut Balls

Brazil nuts
Raw cacao powder
Dried figs
Sesame seed tahini
Maple syrup
Cinnamon

1. Brazil Nuts

High in unsaturated fats and packed with selenium, Brazil nuts support inflammation, heart health, brain health, immune system, and thyroid function.

2. Dried Figs

Figs are high in natural sugars, minerals, and soluble fiber. They are rich in minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. They are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins A and K.

3. Raw Cacao

Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. Cacao is a natural mood elevator and anti-depressant.

Cacao benefits our cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing heart disease risk, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it can help balance blood sugar and reduce insulin sensitivity, it contains brain and mood-boosting compounds.

fresh-cacao-fruits-growing — Cacao beans growing in the tropical forest

4. Sesame seed tahini

Tahini contains more protein than milk
It's a rich source of B vitamins that boost energy and brain function.
It contains vitamin E, which is protective against heart disease and stroke.
It contains essential minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and calcium.

How to make chocolate Brazil nut balls

This recipe takes minutes to assemble.

First of all, remove the stem from the tip of the dried figs and slice.
Put the Brazil nuts into a magimix or blender.
Pulse to a coarse breadcrumb consistency.
Add the raw cacao, tahini, maple syrup and sliced dried figs.
Process the mixture until it forms a thick paste. This will take 10 - 20 seconds.
Transfer to mixing bowl with a spatula.
Using your hands, roll into 25g balls.
Place on a tray and roll in raw cacao or desicatted coconut.
Place in the fridge for 1 hour to set up.

Recipe variations and substitutions

Raw cacao and sesame tahini are naturally a little bitter in flavor, this is why I add a touch of maple syrup to balance the sweetness. You can add as much or as little sweetener depending on the bitterness of the sesame tahini you use.

You can use dates, prunes, or apricots in place of figs for this recipe.

Try adding some real vanilla, green cardamom powder, or orange zest as extra flavors.

Storage instructions

These chocolate Brazil nut energy balls can be assembled in a matter of minutes. I suggest making a double or triple recipe and store them in the fridge for up to 10 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

More healthy recipes to try

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We hope you enjoy this delicious recipe. If you give it a try, let us know in the comments below - we love hearing your feedback and seeing your recreations.

Chocolate Brazil Nut Balls