Snack: Almond and Pine Nut Cookies

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Nuts

Health benefits of Almond and Pine Nut Cookies

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups whole raw almonds
A large handful of pine nuts, about 1/2 cup
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
Heaping 1/2 cup superfine sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic
2 tablespoons golden syrup (recommended: Lyle's) or honey
1 tablespoon good-quality vanilla extract
Heaping 1/3 cup quick-cook oatmeal (not instant)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the almonds and pine nuts on a cookie sheet and put them into the hot oven for 5 minutes. Once they're beginning to color slightly, take them out and save a couple of handfuls for later. Blitz the rest up in a food processor until you get coarse crumbs. Add the flour, superfine sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, butter, egg, golden syrup, and, vanilla extract, and pulse for a few minutes until nice and smooth. Spoon this mixture into a large bowl and add the oatmeal. Roughly chop the reserved nuts and fold these into the mixture really well, using a wooden spoon. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon to spoon dollops of the cookie mixture onto your sheets, leaving enough space between them for the cookies to spread without touching. Resist the urge to flatten them down if they are sitting quite high on the sheet. Bake the cookies in the hot oven for 10 minutes, until golden around the edges. Cook's Note: If they're still a bit gooey in the middle when you take them out, that's all right, because they'll harden up a bit as they cool. Leave them on the sheet for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes or so - I like to eat mine warm. Pop the rest in a cookie jar and they'll keep for a few days.

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