These banana muffins will melt in your mouth! They are full of ingredients that contain antioxidants, while also being gluten free. They can be made vegan if you use vegan chocolate chips as well. The ingredients in these muffins are so wholesome and good for you. I make them to take to work for a morning pick-me-up!
You might be wondering, how could something this delicious possibly be good for me? Let’s dive in to the benefits of some of the main ingredients…
Bananas
Bananas are a prebiotic food that is full of other nutrients that support your overall health. Being a prebiotic, bananas promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your brain. In addition, they contain magneisum which supports muscle recovery and can help with symptoms of anxiety.
Maple syrup or honey
Maple syrup and honey are alternatives to refined white sugar. White sugar is linked to inflammation in the body, which is in turn linked to many diseases and mental health conditions. These natural sweeteners have a lower glycemic index, meaning they are less likely to cause a dramatic spike in your blood sugar, especially when they are paired with healthy fats.
Olive oil
The healthy fat I was referring to above! Olive oil is full of anxtioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, which means it has a host of benefits for your body and mind. Consumption of olive oil has been linked to decreased risk for heart disease, cancer, and even alzheimers disease.
Oats
Oats are a prebiotic which means they are good for our gut, especially when followed by consumption of probiotics foods (these muffins would go great with a bowl of yogurt). Our gut health is linked to our brain, as brain chemicals are produced in the gut. Studies show that consuming pre and probiotic rich foods can lower one’s risk of depression. Oats are also a whole grain, which means they contain zinc, a mineral that reduces brain inflammation.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon also contains anxioxidants, which lead to reduced inflammation in the body. As mentioned before, reducing inflammation throughout the body leads to improved mental and physical health. Cinnamon’s anxtioxidant properties also help to protect againts neurodegenerative diseases.
I don’t think there needs to be any more convincing regarding why these muffins are worth your time…Let me know if you try in the comments!
Antioxidant Rich Gluten-Free Banana Muffins
Course: Posts, Recipes4
servings15
minutes25
minutes300
kcalThese muffins include antioxidant rich ingredients, which means you can feel good while eating them! They are moist, easy to make, and gluten-free. A perfect morning snack or midday treat!
Ingredients
3 very ripe bananas
3/4 cup maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup gluten free flour blend
1 cup gluten free rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your muffin tray by using nonstick spray or use cupcake liners instead.
- In a large bowl, mash your bananas. Once the bananas are mashed well, add in the maple syrup, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until combined.
- In a seperate bowl, add your gluten free flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until combined.
- Add your dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Fold until well mixed.
- Next, add in your half cup of chocolate chips and fold these into the mixture.
- Using a quarter cup measuring cup, scoop mixture into the muffin tray. Each slot should have about a quarter cup of mixture in it and you can add more if you have leftover after filling all 12 spots.
- Place muffins in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. They should be relatively brown on top by the time you pull them out.
Notes
- You can add in whatever mix ins your would like. Anoter good choices would be walnuts in place (or in addition to) the chocolate chips
- This recipe can also be made into a loaf of banana bread using the same quantity of ingredients. It should bake longer though, most likely 40 minutes or more depending on your oven.