These Superfood Protein Pancakes are my more unique and creative pancake invention. They are filled with super foods – cacao powder and macqui berry powder. Keep reading the learn the health benefits of cacao and the health benefits of macqui berry!
Okay, so I hope I’m not boring you with my protein pancake recipes lately but this one was just so good I couldn’t not share it. Plus after posting it on my Twitter and Instagram, I’ve had numerous people asking me for the recipe. I’ve been a beast the protein pancake thing and I’m really excited about it. #sorrynotsorry. I actually haven’t had a real pancake in a long time and I have to forewarn you, this pancake is not like a typical pancake. This takes the name pancake to a literal sense.. it is a cake made on a pan. A panCAKE. Seriously, it’s amazing. Ever wish you could eat cake for breakfast? In the form of pancake. For breakfast? Yes you can.
Besides the awesome benefit of protein and superfood love in this baby… This pancake is big, it’s fluffy, and it’s thick. It’s so filling, I was seriously surprised at how little calories it actually has for the whole recipe because I started getting full before I was even done with the whole thing! So awesome. Plus it has the superfood cacao which is pretty exciting. I’ve been wanting to try cacao powder for a while and it’s finally coming to reality! I’ve tried some products from Nativas Naturals company recently. I’ve seen the company at Whole Foods and I was super excited to sample their products.
This recipe uses two superfoods from the bunch: cacao and maqui. I’ve added some cacao powder to the batter instead of my regular cocoa because of its wonderful health benefits.
Health Benefits of Cacao:
Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. The benefits of these antioxidants include:
- improving cardiovascular health
- protecting from environmental and metabolic toxins
Cacao increases the levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains, such as:
- Serotonin (acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS symptoms, and promotes a sense of well-being);
- Endorphins (produces a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles);
- Phenylethylamine (released in the brain when we are in love – acts as mild mood elevator and anti-depressant, and helps increase focus and alertness);
- Anandamide (known as the “bliss chemical” because it is released by the brain when we are feeling great. Promotes relaxation, and helps us feel good longer.)
Cacao beans are rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese. Cacao contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, also found in olive oil, that may raise good cholesterol. Also, substances found in cacao are known to help reduce appetite.
Health Benefits of Macqui:
I added some macqui powder into the yogurt sauce because of its awesome health benefits of course. Growing wild throughout southern Chile, this superberry, with its striking purple color, has recently been shown to have staggeringly high amounts of a nutrient called anthocyanin in its pigment, which can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, disease-fighting, and even insulin-boosting properties. It has the highest antioxidant value of any superfruit! Also, other benefits include:
- cancer prevention, helping prevent free radical damage to the DNA and cells
- diabetes, increased insulin production in the body
- anti-inflammatory, and may help reduce the risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease
- anti-bacterial, good for fighting off disease
- heart health, may help prevent oxidation of cholesterol
Additionally, macqui berries have the benefit that is great for a weight loss program because it is a low calorie nutrient-dense food. It also has potential to balance blood sugar levels which is really important when it comes to weight loss. You don’t want those blood sugar spikes! I didn’t actually know it was that good for weight loss. Even better since I am trying to lose those last 5 pounds.
So let’s just say these pancakes are pretty damn good because of a lot of things. First, it is a superfood protein pancake with so many benefits your mouth can drop, but then you just stuff it with bites of this yummy goodness and chew… And chew some more because these pancakes are actually my favorite ones that I’ve created so far and I seriously cannot get enough of them! So… Enjoy 🙂
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:37]
Now get this, the recipe’s nutritional facts: 285 calories, 25g carbs, 3g fat, 34g protein!
SAY WHAT?!??! That’s right. Now run and make some for yourself 🙂
Update:
For more single serving recipes, check out my eBook Delicious & Healthy: Single Serving Recipes!
The eBook is instantly downloadable and only costs $7.99!
CLICK HERE for more information!
Want more protein pancakes?
Pineapple & Coconut Tropical Protein Pancakes
Chocolate Chip Protein Pan-Cookie (gluten free!)
Kammie wants to know:
-
Have you ever heard about macqui berries?
-
Do you care about cacao or do you just stick to cocoa?
Let me know in the comments below!
