Amazingly healthy banana chocolate chip muffins with basil seeds and oat bran

Tthis muffins are so good for you in so many ways! The sweetness of the banana and the texture of the oat bran just makes you want more and more….

Why basil seeds?

Good source of minerals, 1 Tablespoon of basil seeds have 15% RDI of calcium and 10% RDI of magnesium and 10% RDI of iron. Calcium and magnesium are essential for bone health, and iron helps blood circulation.
Basil seeds are high in fiber, including pectin. 1 Tablespoon has 7 grams of fiber (25% RDI). Only 5% of Americans eat enough fiber daily.
High in pectin, pectin cleaned out the colons, which could help prevent colon cancer.
Supports gut health.
May help weight loss. Basil seeds make you feel fuller, longer. And are high in fiber, and protein.
Improves cholesterol levels.
High in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants have anti-cancer properties. Reduces risk of heart disease, kills harmful bacteria, reducing growth of cancer cells.
Antibacterial- Anti inflammatory.

You can find basil seeds at most international markets.

Back away chia seeds… basil seeds are more nutritious and in my opinion, have a better texture:) alternatively, you can use chia seeds in this recipe, there still super good for you!!

You can see the basil seeds in the muffins, they kinda look blue once they absorb water.

Why oat bran?

Oat bran is the outer layer of the oat groat, which is under the inedible hull. Therefore, it’s not a “complete whole grain”, but it is more nutritious then oatmeal… here’s a side by side comparison:

Oat bran vs Rolled Oats-

1/2 cup serving each.

Total carbs: 25g vs 27g
Dietary fiber: 6g vs 4g
Soluble fiber: 3g vs 2g
Insoluble fiber: 3g vs 0g
Protein: 7g vs 5g
Calcium: 2% vs 2%
Iron: 15% vs 8%
Thiamine: 25% vs 10%
Riboflavin: 6% vs 0%
Phosphorus: 25% vs 15%
Magnesium: 20% vs 10%

As you can see here, oat bran is highly more nutritious, but oatmeal is still nutritious too!! I use both in this recipe for ultimate texture.

Now, what’s in it beside oat bran and basil seeds?

1 cup water + 1/4 cup basil seeds

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 eggs, farm fresh preferably

3 bananas, mashed

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup sprouted wheat flour, or whole wheat

1 cup oats

1 1/2 cup oat bran

1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

How do ya make them?

Place basil seeds and water in a bowl and let sit for at least 5 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Add oil and maple syrup to your basil seed mix and mix well until combined. Add eggs, banana, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Then add the flour and mix until fully incorporated then add chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 until brown on top. Enjoy these highly nutritious muffins!!!