Low-Carb Banana Pancakes

The heavy, stodgy feeling of guilt we all experience after pancake day gives the versatile breakfast treat a bad rep. This simple recipe cuts the carbs and provides a perfect vehicle for incorporating healthy additions into your diet.

Basic batter

• 1 large ripe banana

• 1 egg

Surprisingly combining these two ingredients can create perfect fluffy pancakes however I like to add a few more ingredients to maximise health benefits.

• 1 tablespoon milled Lin (flax) seeds

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1.5 tablespoons chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon oats

• 2 teaspoons ground almonds

• Goji berries

Toppings

• Almonds

• Walnuts

• Fresh or frozen berries

• Coconut yoghurt

• honey

These ingredients supercharge these pancakes with nutrition, both Lin and chia seeds provide omega 3 fatty acids, with Lin seeds also providing a rich source of lingnans which protects against cancer. In fact, just one teaspoon a day can significantly reduce chances of breast cancer.

The dramatic health benefits of spices are only recently coming to light within nutritional research despite being used within traditional Indian and Chinese medicines for centuries. Cinnamon has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, is loaded with antioxidants, and interestingly improves sensitivity to insulin.

The humble oat has always been associated with a healthy, filling breakfast and for good reason, they contain a soluble fibre called Beta-Glucan, essentially for the digestive system, they can lower cholesterol levels and also contribute to weight loss. They are best consumed whole, as blitzing in a blender can increase its glucose index, therefore increasing blood sugar faster.

The uncanny resemblance walnuts share to the brain may or may not be a coincidence as they are deemed a top food for brain health. They provide high concentrations of DHS, a compound shown to improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevents ameliorate age-related cognitive decline.

Almonds are high in vitamin E, an anti-oxidant which contributes to healthy skin and hair, and also reduces the risk of heart disease, particularly those who are overweight.

Finally, goji berries are as rich in nutrients as they are in colour, packed with antioxidants, they boost energy levels, have anti-ageing properties and also contribute to a regular sleeping pattern.

Even incorporating just one of these superfoods into your breakfast could make a huge difference to your overall health and wellbeing to your overall health and wellbeing. When actively considering what healthy foods to integrate into your diet it is easy to be overwhelmed by choice and health claims, therefore it is advisable to ensure that you are using whole ingredients, like everything in these delicious pancakes!

Lille Jenkins Bsc food and human nutrition student at Newcastle University