Bliss balls are all the rage these days, they’re great healthy alternatives to snack on for a little energy boost or pick-me-up. These salted caramel bliss balls have an added bonus in the fact that they contain the optional addition of adaptogens.

Let’s take a deeper look into this…

Our bliss balls recipe calls for a combination of Medjool dates, raw almonds, diced coconut and coconut oil – yum!

Sometimes the dates may be a little challenging to process, here we’d recommend soaking them in a little water overnight, this will soften them and give them a much smoother texture when blended in the food processor.

To make the bliss balls, add all the ingredients into the food processor and blend until a smooth thick paste-like texture forms, it needs to be able to hold its shape.

If you opt for adding adaptogens to mix, our recipe calls for reishi mushroom powder and ashwagandha powder. you can substitute for your own choice or leave out altogether if you prefer.

Back to the recipe – once you are happy with your mixture you can begin to shape them in to balls and roll them in your favourite toppings:

Raw cacao powder
Diced coconut
Toasted sesame seeds
Beetroot powder

Just to name a few…

Once you’re done, put the bliss balls in a sealed container and pop them in the fridge, and enjoy as needed.

What is Reishi?

Reishi mushroom is a super mushroom or fungus and has been dubbed the “Mushroom of Immortality”. It typically grows in hot and humid conditions such as Asian countries.

It has been used in eastern medicine for many years and for good reason. This super shroom contains several amazing molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that may be responsible for its health benefits.

It is usually consumed in powder form, making it a great addition to superfood lattes as well.

You could even try it as a boost to our easy turmeric latte.

Here are some reasons to love Reishi:

Strengthens the immune system – Test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in our white blood cells, which play a vital role in your immune system. Researchers found that reishi can, in fact, increase the number of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in those with colorectal cancer.

Could help fight Depression – A study found that fatigue was reduced and quality of life was improved after 4 weeks of taking reishi powder, these people in the study also experienced less anxiety and depression.

Aids liver health – Studies have linked reishi mushroom extracts to faster regeneration of healthy liver cells and a release of free radicals that have built up in the organ, thus improving overall health and wellness.

Boosts energy levels – Traditional medicine suggests reishi for its energy-boosting ability.

Antioxidant-rich – The antioxidants found in Reishi mushrooms can reduce the risk of disease and premature ageing.

What About Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is probably one of the better-known adaptogen out there and there is good reason for its popularity.

The meaning behind adaptogen is that it can help your body adapt to and help manage stress. Ashwagandha is great at doing this along with many other benefits for the body and brain such as lowering blood sugar levels, reducing cortisol, boosting brain function and helping to fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Here are some proven benefits of Ashwagandha:

May Reduce Inflammation – Studies have found that ashwagandha can increase the activity of natural killer cells, these are immune cells that fight infection and help us stay healthy. This adaptogen has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is typically linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Reduces Symptoms of Depression – Multiple studies suggest that ashwagandha may help alleviate depression and anxiety. In a controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase.

Can Reduce Cortisol Levels – Cortisol is our “stress hormone” that our adrenal glands release in response to stress. When cortisol levels become chronically elevated it can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen. A study in chronically stressed adults, who supplemented with ashwagandha had significantly greater reductions in cortisol

Supplementing with reishi and ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life. Always remember that, even though adaptogens are considered safe to use, we do advise seeking advice from an expert in order to know exactly what you may need.

We hope you enjoy these salted caramel bliss balls along with their amazing health benefits…